The injuries you face after a car crash can affect you for a long time. It may take weeks or months (or longer) to heal, and you may still be left with lifelong pain or issues. You must take an active role in your recovery and ask your doctor the right questions. Doing so gives you the information you need to get better faster.
If you or a loved one are wondering what are the important questions to ask your doctor after a car accident, get in touch with the Houston auto accident attorneys at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. We can guide you through all aspects of your case, including what to say to the doctor to maximize the compensation you can seek after being injured in a car wreck.
Preparing to Speak with Your Doctor After a Car Accident
In the most severe cases, you’ll be transported directly to the hospital for treatment after a serious car crash. Whether you get emergency care or are sent home from the accident, you will still need to see your doctor for follow-up visits. These are excellent times to ask critical questions that can guide you through your recovery and help your claim.
You may suffer any of these common injuries after your car accident:
- Back injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Chronic pain
- Head and neck injuries
- Limited mobility
- Numbness
- Paralysis
- Soreness
- Traumatic brain injuries
It’s important that you write down your symptoms so you can remember to share them with your doctor. You can also record how you’re feeling and whether you’re making progress or experiencing more symptoms than when the car accident first happened.
It can also be helpful to bring any pictures or videos of your injuries immediately after the crash if you weren’t taken to the hospital. These can provide more information for your doctor and will be valuable to your attorney if you pursue an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the driver who harmed you.
What Questions Are Most Critical to Ask Your Doctor After a Car Accident?
You probably have a lot of worries and concerns after your crash. You’ll need to take each problem in turn, but the first task is getting the right medical care. There are several critical questions you should ask when you visit your doctor after the accident. These include the following:
How Badly Are You Hurt?
Fender benders may seem less dangerous, but the truth is that you can be seriously injured in nearly any kind of car accident. When your neck, back, or spine are involved, you could be left with long-term damage that could take years to overcome. Understanding the full extent of your injuries is crucial to ensuring you do what is necessary to get better.
You’ll want to start by asking your doctor to explain your situation as clearly as possible without a lot of medical jargon. It can be helpful to make an audio recording, take written notes, or have someone with you to help you remember what the physician says. Important details you will need to ask about include:
- Are there specific activities I can start doing to help my healing process so I can recover faster?
- Do I have any restrictions on lifting things, such as small children or objects?
- How long do you estimate my recovery will take?
- What are the activities I should avoid, and for how long?
- When can I get back to activities such as working, lifting things, driving, exercising, or hobbies?
Not only can the answers to these questions give you a good idea of how to help yourself get better safely and quickly, but they also provide a guide for how your life will be impacted by your injuries. For example, if you have small children but are unable to lift them, you may need assistance with childcare while you recover. This could be an additional expense to include in your insurance claim or car accident lawsuit.
Likewise, if you can walk but cannot lift or carry anything over 10 pounds, you may not be able to work, leading to reduced income. This means you may experience a financial crisis if you can’t pay your bills. You may also experience significant trauma after a car accident that requires professional help.
What Is the Exact Cause of Your Injury?
Knowing the precise reason you are hurt is extremely beneficial to your ability to recover. It also provides critical information for your car accident attorney to demonstrate liability against the driver who hit you.
In addition, your car accident lawyer can use this information in collaboration with other medical experts to provide compelling testimony in your case.
Will You Have Future Health Concerns Because of Your Injuries?
A car accident could leave you with chronic pain or conditions for the rest of your life. You may also experience future problems such as arthritis or muscle weakness as a result of your initial injury.
It’s crucial that you have a record of your projected care requirements and expenses so your lawyer can calculate a full and fair estimate of your damages and financial needs.
Can You Return to Work and When?
Your medical expenses are only part of your damages from a car accident. You will be out of work and lose income, so you should ask the doctor questions such as:
- Will I be able to do the same work as I did before the accident?
- If not, will I be able to perform any work?
- Will the medications I take for pain or other symptoms affect my ability to drive, operate machinery, make critical decisions, or do other work?
- Will I experience additional risk that could make my injuries worse when I return to work?
Aside from your day-to-day health, how a car accident affects a victim’s ability to earn a living is one of the most important concerns. When you can’t work, your way of life and ability to support your family are on the line. You could be permanently disabled and require lifelong care, leaving you unable to pay your regular bills in addition to your medical expenses.
The Krist Law Firm Is Ready to Help You
Be proactive by working with your physician and car accident attorney to ensure you are clear on what actions to take to fully recover. Your knowledgeable legal team from The Krist Law Firm, P.C. will help you understand what questions to ask your doctor after a car accident for the best possible outcome. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more.