After a car accident, you not only need to deal with vehicle repairs and insurance, but you also need to address any injuries that you sustained. Medical treatment not only protects your health but also creates a record of your injuries and their impact on your life, which you can use as evidence in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Here are 10 questions that you can ask your doctor to maximize your potential settlement.
#1: What Is My Diagnosis?
Ask your doctor to clearly define what your injuries are and discuss any medical terms you might not understand. This precise diagnosis will be key in detailing the nature and extent of your injuries, providing a strong foundation for your claim.
#2: Will I Be Able to Work After My Injury?
Inquire about your capacity to work and any necessary restrictions. This information will help assess any potential lost wages or the need for job retraining, which are important factors in your potential settlement.
#3: What Activities Should I Avoid to Protect My Health?
Knowing the activities to avoid ensures that you do not aggravate your injuries. This guidance from your doctor not only aids in a smoother recovery but also helps establish the nature and extent of your injuries.
#4: How Long Is My Recovery Expected to Take?
When you know the expected recovery time, you can plan your life and the accommodations that you will require in the coming months. It also provides a timeline that can be used legally to demonstrate the long-term impact of your injuries.
#5: Are There Any Complications That Can Arise?
It’s important to discuss potential complications or risks associated with your injuries. This knowledge prepares you for possible medical issues and may also help inform your future needs. You can use this information to help claim compensation for future medical expenses.
#6: What Is My Treatment Plan?
Request a detailed explanation of your treatment plan, including steps you should take and any medical interventions like surgery or therapy. This can help demonstrate the necessity of the treatments for optimal recovery, which you can use as evidence in your insurance claim.
#7: Will My Injuries Be Permanent?
Ask whether you have or will develop permanent complications as a result of your injuries. If you require long-term care or develop a disability, you have the right to recover compensation for any required care or accommodations.
#8: What Long-Term Care Will I Need in the Future?
It is common for insurers to push back against medical care, claiming that it is unnecessary. By asking your doctor about your future care needs, you gain strong evidence that you can use to calculate future costs and prove your treatment requirements.
#9: Should I Seek Psychological Counseling?
Traumatic events like car crashes can have psychological impacts. Ask your doctor if you should seek counseling and if they could refer you to a specialist; seeking psychological care can help demonstrate the pain and suffering that you endured.
#10: How Do I Obtain a Copy of My Medical Records?
Finally, ensure you understand the process for obtaining detailed and complete copies of your medical records. These documents will serve as critical evidence in your future claim.
As you navigate your recovery, these questions will help you communicate effectively with your healthcare provider and ensure your medical concerns are documented. To learn more about your legal options, contact a Bakersfield car accident attorney and begin your journey to fair compensation.