If you’ve been injured in a Manhattan Beach car accident that was the fault of the other driver, you may need to file a personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurance company. However, to get the settlement you desire, you’ll have to provide medical proof of your injuries.
What to Do After a Car Accident
The actions you take immediately following a car accident will have a big effect on the amount of money you’ll be able to claim for your injuries.
The first things you should do after a car accident (if your injuries permit) are to check on the condition of the other persons involved, exchange information, take photos and get the names of witnesses, and report the accident to the police.
The next would be to seek medical treatment without delay, even if you feel okay after the wreck. That’s because the symptoms of some injuries, such as those to the neck and back, may take a few days to manifest themselves.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor After A Car Accident
While you’re receiving treatment, here are five questions to ask your doctor after a car accident that will be important when it comes time to file your personal injury claim:
1. What Are My Specific Injuries?
Your doctor will be able to determine the specific injuries you sustained during the accident. It’s important to understand the nature and extent of your injuries to ensure you get the proper medical treatment and the total amount of damages you deserve.
Ask for detailed explanations of any medical jargon and request that your doctor break down what the injuries mean in terms of daily impact. For example, if they mention a “soft tissue injury,” find out how it might affect your ability to perform tasks like driving or lifting.
2. What is My Long-Term Medical Outlook?
Once your doctor diagnoses the extent of your injuries, it’s important to find out just how long treatment will take and your long-term medical outlook for recovery. While the doctor may not be able to give you a specific timeline, they should be able to give you a general idea of how long it will take you to recover from your injuries.
Ask whether your injuries might have any permanent effects, such as reduced range of motion or increased susceptibility to future injuries. This is especially important if you’re involved in physical work or sports.
3. What Treatment Will I Require?
Getting treated for your injuries after a Manhattan Beach car wreck may require more than just a few doctor visits. In some instances, long-term, ongoing treatment, including medications, medical devices, surgery, physical therapy, and prolonged hospitalization may be necessary. Asking your doctor to fully describe their treatment recommendations will help you determine the total amount of medical expenses you can expect for your injury.
Discuss whether there are alternative treatments and the pros and cons of each. For example, is physical therapy a viable option instead of surgery? Understanding all options can help you make informed decisions about your recovery.
4. When Can I Go Back to Work?
Any lost wages need to be included in your personal injury claim. Your doctor’s opinion on when (or if) you can return to work, and what your limitations will be, plays a major role in how much money you can collect for loss of wages and income.
It’s helpful to ask about how your condition might change over time and whether there are activities you should avoid even after you’ve returned to work. This information helps ensure that you don’t unintentionally delay your recovery.
5. Can I Get a Copy Of My Medical Records?
Asking your doctor for copies of all your medical records will provide the information you and your attorney need to help build your case supporting your personal injury claim. In addition to paper records, ask about accessing your records digitally through a patient portal. This can make it easier to share information with your attorney and keep track of all your medical visits and treatments.
Once You Get Your Answers, Speak to A Manhattan Beach Car Accident Attorney
After getting the medical treatment you require for your injuries, the next thing you do should be to speak to a Manhattan Beach car accident attorney. They’ll be able to deal with the other driver’s insurance company so you won’t have to. The answers you get from the doctor will greatly help your attorney build your case and determine an exact dollar amount of your damages.
Have you been injured in a car accident? The Manhattan Beach personal injury attorneys at the law firm of the Law Offices of Scott Dinsmore, APC have been helping clients who have been injured in car accidents in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Hawthorne, El Segundo, Torrance, Redondo Beach, and other South Bay communities for over 30 years.
Contact us (310) 318-1220 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys. Most Manhattan Beach car accident injury cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means there are no up-front fees if we agree to represent your claim, and we only collect a fee after we’ve obtained your settlement.
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