We’ve already talked about “The Importance of Early Treatment After a Motor Vehicle Accident,” but receiving consistent care (i.e. uninterrupted care ) is just as important. After a car accident and doctor’s visit, you need to follow your physician’s instructions carefully. This means resting if you are ordered to rest and seeing a chiropractor, physical therapist, or another specialist if your doctor recommends it. If your symptoms get worse or you have any pressing concerns, you should also schedule a follow-up appointment right away.
Any failure to follow your doctor’s orders or “gaps” in your medical treatment will weaken your personal injury claim. Insurance companies will quickly take advantage of any excuse to claim your injury is “not that bad” or blame you for making your injury worse. The best way to protect your case and your health is to seek treatment exactly as your doctor recommends. Don’t worry about the bills, as your attorney can and should advise you on how you can recover those damages.
Documenting Your Injury
Another reason you should adhere to the treatment plan your doctor creates for you is documentation. During each appointment, your medical provider will keep treatment records and verify the nature and extent of your injuries. Over time, each doctor’s appointment also shows the course and duration of your treatment, as well as how much of an impact your injury has had on your life (no one wants to go to doctor’s appointments twice a week for an extended period, for example, and multiple doctor’s appointments could interfere with your career).
When it comes time to take legal action, your attorney will gather all of your treatment records and billings and use them as evidence in your case. Many attorneys also encourage their clients to keep an “injury diary” where they document the day-to-day symptoms and effects of their injury.
If you follow advice from both your attorney and your medical provider, each component of your claim will match, and the insurance company should have little room to argue. A good lawyer prepares your case for trial from day one, so your claim can be presented as a credible one to any judge or jury.
Patience Is Key
Recovering from an injury takes time and commitment, and so does the legal process. Be patient and follow the advice of the medical and legal professionals you choose. If you feel like a treatment plan isn’t working, don’t just stop following it. Instead, talk to your doctor and see if you can find an alternative.
Your body needs time to heal and filing a lawsuit should allow you to take this time without suffering financially. Remember, after a car crash, your doctors and lawyers are here to help you.
Seek medical attention immediately after an accident, follow your treatment plan until your doctor clears you to stop, and when you’re ready, contact Daniel T. Pagliarini Attorney at Law for a free consultation.
Attorney Pagliarini has over 30 years of hands-on legal experience, and he will take your claim as seriously as you do.
For direct attention, straightforward communication, and aggressive representation with island values, please call Hawaii’s attorney today.