A car accident can turn your life upside down, and your injuries can require a long time to heal. It’s important for you to take a very active role in your recovery. Accident victims are much better off when they follow their doctor’s orders and follow up regularly. Additionally, excellent patient-doctor communication helps define your injuries. This puts you in a much better position to recover the compensation you deserve. One of the best ways to start a successful recovery is to ask yourself, “what are the questions to ask my doctor after a car accident?”
The Houston auto accident attorneys at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. can help you make the most of your medical treatment after a car accident. We know the question you should be asking and how to work with your doctors to maximize your possible compensation. Call (281) 283-8500 or contact us online.
What to Ask Your Doctor After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, there are likely a number of concerns running through your mind. You may not know where to start, but so when you visit your doctor, you should bring up the following:
What is the full extent of your injury?
While many people do not want to think about all of their physical problems after a serious accident, understanding these issues can help you greatly. It is easier to keep up with your recovery if you are knowledgeable about what is going on with your body.
Your doctor might explain your ailments using terms that are unfamiliar to you. If this happens, be sure to ask them to clarify things using as few medical words as possible. Details you will want to know include:
- What activities must be avoided now, and when can they be resumed?
- What is the anticipated time frame for your recovery?
- Are there specific activities you should start doing to aid in the healing process?
What specifically caused your injury?
You may feel this question is unnecessary. However, your doctor’s detailed medical opinion about what caused your injury will be very important to your case and your ability to recover damages.
The more details that are written down about the cause of your injuries, the more your accident lawyer will have to show why the negligent party is clearly responsible. It’s possible that your doctor might not be able to give a detailed determination about what happened, or it might not be something that they can provide immediately. However, you can never have too many details from your medical professional.
What future health concerns might you have?
Beyond knowing the full extent of your injuries and limitations, it’s also crucial to know how your condition will develop over the years. Certain wounds may never heal, or only partially. Additionally, some injuries will tend to bring about other ailments as you age.
Seek a clear understanding of your long-term health concerns after the accident, and work to properly address them. This means understanding the future treatments, medication, and therapy you may need. Establishing these future needs will help your lawyer make clear the real costs of your injury.
Will you be able to return to work?
On top of compensation for your medical treatment, your attorney can help recover damages for your lost wages and future diminished earning capacity. To do this, your work limitations must be clear. A doctor’s professional opinion about your ability to do your job will make your need for compensation clear. In addition to asking when you can return to work, specifics to ask include:
- Will you be able to do the same work as before the accident?
- How will any medications affect your work?
- Will you be exposed to additional risk after returning to work?
A Lawyer from The Krist Law Firm Can Help
Do not take a passive approach when it comes to your medical treatment after a car accident. Working closely with your doctor will help make clear the details of your injury, further helping you recover compensation.
It’s important to ask your doctor questions, and a knowledgeable lawyer from The Krist Law Firm, P.C. can help you know exactly what you should be asking. Contact our office today at (281) 283-8500 to schedule a free case consultation.