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Originally Posted On: https://boddenbennettlaw.com/8-questions-to-ask-your-doctor-after-a-south-florida-car-accident/
Been in a car accident in South Florida? Ask Your Doctor These 8 Questions
Involvement in any accident is tremendously unpleasant and stressful, but being involved in an accident involving a car can wind up being somewhat of a complicated issue. It is possible that getting your vehicle repaired and having your medical expenses reimbursed will take a significant amount of time if the other motorist was not insured or if there were additional complications involving law enforcement.
It is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney who concentrates their practice in this area of law. These attorneys know the significance of cultivating working relationships with medical professionals who care for accident victims. For example, Bodden & Bennett is a South Florida Car Accident Law Firm familiar with the maze of Florida law governing accident claims.
There are certain pieces of information that your attorney will need to present your case, and you will need to collect those from your doctor if you are a South Florida Car Accident victim. It goes without saying that the first thing you should do following any injury is to seek medical attention as soon as possible, whether at an emergency department or a follow-up appointment with your primary care physician. While you are getting this medical care, there are some questions you should ask to speed up the process of obtaining compensation at a later time.
1. What is the extent of the injuries?
Inquire with your physician about the type of your injuries and areas of your body that they affect, with as much particularity as possible. For example, ask which vertebrae were affected if you hurt your neck. If you hurt your leg, ask if the injury is slight or severe. You should also ask your doctor to explain the findings of any CAT scans or x-rays performed. Make sure that your medical records contain documentation of all of this information. South Florida Car Accident legal specialists use this information to build your case.
2. How long is the anticipated period of recovery?
This is of the utmost significance if you will be absent from work for any length of time to recuperate from the accident. Do not presume that just because you have one particular injury, you will heal in the predicted amount of time that is normal for recovering from that ailment. Everyone is different, and your preexisting medical conditions could be a factor in how long it takes you to heal. Many people have the misconception that whiplash is something that can be readily recovered from in a week, for example. However, it can take several months or even years for some people to recover from this ailment fully.
3. Should you take time off from work to heal?
Recovery following a car accident can involve more than simply a return to normal physical health; it can also involve mental and emotional aspects. For example, due to their experiences with automobiles, people with post-traumatic stress syndrome may find that traveling to and from work and other sites is stressful and requires time to recover from the effects of the stress. Therefore, to recuperate from the physical injuries you sustained, your doctor may also suggest that you take some time off work and rest at home, possibly even in bed.
4. Will you be taking prescription medications?
Suppose a patient has been involved in an accident or sustained an injury. In that case, most emergency rooms will dispense a course of muscle relaxants and pain medication, subject to the individual’s previous medical history. However, for specific individuals to progress in their recovery, continuing prescription medications, steroid injections, or anti-inflammatory treatments may be necessary.
Medical professionals often recommend antibiotics for patients who have suffered injuries such as burns or cuts, which can increase the risk of infection. In addition, it is possible that this information could be helpful in a court proceeding, depending on the specifics of your health insurance policy and its coverage.
5. Which over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and medications are needed?
Some doctors recommend patients take over-the-counter medications even if they have been prescribed certain other medications to treat the injury. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are the two that are used the most frequently. Another factor that should be considered is whether or not a physical injury necessitates the use of a brace, sling, splint, or any other over-the-counter medical equipment to support the injury while it is healing.
6. Will it be necessary for you to consult a specialist?
An automobile collision can result in various serious injuries, some of which will require ongoing care from a specialist over time. These injuries can range in severity from moderate to life-threatening. For example, those who have sustained a back or neck injury may require the services of an occupational therapist, while those who have suffered a brain injury or concussion may require the services of a neurologist. In addition, you should see an internist if you’ve hurt any of your internal organs. The majority of them, due to their nature as specialty areas, either have higher co-pays or demand a greater overall price for medical services.
7. What is the projected length of time for treatment?
Treatment and recovery are certainly linked together, but they are also independent of each other. A person might be considered recovered from an accident enough to resume normal activities but might require ongoing treatment. For example, if someone begins having seizures due to a brain injury, physicians might consider them physically recovered at some point but will still require ongoing neurologist treatment.
Some injuries require ongoing physical therapy for several years, even after the point where doctors consider a patient recovered. You should also get an idea of your prognosis and potential outcomes. Because everyone reacts to injury differently, the possible complications and outcomes in your future might differ from another person’s.
8. What kinds of medical records do you need to collect?
To construct your case, your attorney will require access to all of your medical records. When it comes time for the court to consider your case, questions will be asked if there are any blank spots in your medical history. Additionally, the defending party will ask for copies of your medical records, to which they have a certain degree of entitlement.
To start the process off in the right direction, you need to obtain copies of all files pertinent to your circumstances. Therefore, it is in your best interest to request copies of your medical records from your primary care physician, the emergency department (if you went to one), and any specialists treating you as part of your ongoing therapy.
When to seek the assistance of a lawyer
After consulting a medical professional and receiving their assessment of your situation, you should then move on to investigate your legal options. After receiving medical treatment and communicating with your insurance provider, it is a good idea to consult an attorney to discuss your legal options.
Call the Bodden & Bennett Law Group today if you require the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney from a reputable South Florida Car Accident Law Firm. We have highly qualified and experienced attorneys who can assist you in filing a claim for compensation following your injury.
Call (561)806-5229 right away to set up an appointment with one of our legal representatives. We provide our services throughout the state.
