Posted on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 at 9:00 am
Have you been hurt in a car accident caused by someone else in Chicago, Illinois? Or have you sustained injuries in another type of accident resulting from someone’s wrongdoing? Examples include:
- Truck crashes
- Motorcycle crashes
- Bicycle wrecks
- Pedestrian accidents
- Dog bites
- Slip and fall accidents
- Product defect accidents
You may be eligible for financial compensation if someone else’s actions or inaction caused your injuries. Or, you may be eligible for workers’ comp benefits if you were hurt in a workplace accident.
What you say to various parties in the aftermath of your accident can influence your odds of securing compensation. That’s why knowing what to say to doctors after an accident is vital.
What to Say to Your Doctor After an Accident in Chicago: Tips to Keep in Mind
Seeing a doctor on the day of a car crash (or motorcycle crash, workplace accident, etc.) is essential. Seeking medical care is vital regardless of whether you think you’ve sustained injuries.
According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, in a stressful situation like a motor vehicle crash, the body releases adrenaline. You might not notice the symptoms of an injury with adrenaline pumping through your body. See a doctor to confirm whether you’re unharmed. If you have sustained injuries, seeing a doctor right away will help you in two ways. First, you’ll get the medical care you need. Second, your doctor will document those injuries in your medical records. This can help you build a strong case when seeking compensation.
If you’re not sure what to say to a doctor after an accident, these recommendations will help:
Give a Detailed Medical History
Ensure that any doctors treating you in the hours, days, weeks, and months after a car accident all know your medical history. A thorough understanding of your medical history can influence their treatment decisions. Mention any past injuries or other such conditions you believe an accident may have exacerbated.
Describe the Incident Accurately and Carefully
Being honest with your physician after an accident is vital. They need a proper description of how the accident occurred to understand what types of injuries you may have sustained.
Describe your accident so a doctor knows what body parts might have been affected. However, try to avoid saying anything that suggests you caused the accident. Such statements could negatively impact your chances of receiving compensation if an insurance adjuster learns of them.
Keep a Pain Journal
Knowing what to say to doctors after an accident doesn’t just involve knowing what to say in the immediate aftermath. It’s also important to know what you should and shouldn’t say to your doctors as you continue to undergo treatment.
Physicians involved in your ongoing care benefit from understanding how your injuries affect your life. To that end, consider keeping a pain journal. Reference this journal when speaking with doctors about your pain, your physical limitations, and how the injury affects your daily life.
Severe injuries may also impact your relationships and overall enjoyment of life. Make sure to mention to your doctor if your injuries affect your life in this way.
Explain What Your Work Involves
Depending on the nature of your job, working while you are injured could prolong your recovery. Some injuries may prevent you from working altogether.
Discuss your job duties with the doctors treating you. Ask if they believe it’s safe for you to work while you’re still healing.
They may determine that returning to work in your condition isn’t advisable. This could put you in a stressful situation. Paying for medical treatment is difficult if you can’t work and earn a paycheck. Any compensation you receive should account for the time you’re off work because of your injuries.
Find Out What Your Doctor Expects of You
Following your doctor’s orders after sustaining injuries in a car accident or other incident that harmed you is essential for two reasons. First, following a doctor’s advice may pave the way for a smoother recovery. Second, your odds of receiving compensation may be greater if you follow medical advice.
You need to understand a doctor’s advice to follow it properly. Discuss your doctor’s recommendations thoroughly to ensure you know what they expect of you between visits.
Contact a Chicago, IL Personal Injury Lawyer
Knowing what to say to a doctor after an accident isn’t impossible. If you hire a personal injury lawyer, they can answer your questions about how to deal with your doctor to maximize your healing and your personal injury claim.
The Chicago personal injury attorneys at Wallace Miller would be happy to discuss these matters with you in greater detail. When you hire us, we’ll help you navigate discussions with medical professionals. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at (312) 261-6193 for a free case review.
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