What To Say To The Doctor After A Car Accident

When you visit your doctor, it’s important to provide detailed and accurate information to ensure proper treatment. Below, you’ll find four key details to share with your doctor after a car accident.

1. The speed of the vehicle that hit you
The speed of the vehicle at the time of impact can give your doctor valuable insight into the potential severity of your injuries. Higher speeds generally result in more serious injuries. This information helps your doctor in making a more accurate and comprehensive assessment.

Also, knowing the speed can help your doctor understand the mechanism of injury. Different speeds can cause different types of trauma. For example, you can sustain whiplash at lower speeds or more severe blunt force trauma at higher speeds. You can also mention how far your car was pushed and how damaged the other vehicle was.

2. Your injury symptoms
Describe any symptoms you felt immediately after the accident, such as pain, dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Even if these symptoms have since subsided, they are crucial for a complete medical evaluation.

Also, discuss all symptoms you are currently experiencing, even if they seem minor or took days to develop. This can include pain, stiffness, headaches, numbness, emotional disturbances, or changes in sleep patterns.

If you've noticed changes in your ability to move, perform daily activities, or if certain actions worsen your pain, share these details.

3. Past medical history
Inform the doctor of your previous medical history, including past injuries, surgeries, chronic conditions, or ongoing treatments. This information can impact how your body responds to trauma and influences your treatment plan.

4. Any pre-existing conditions you have
Telling a doctor about any pre-existing conditions after a car accident is crucial because it helps them differentiate new injuries from pre-existing issues.

This knowledge allows your doctor to tailor your treatment plan more effectively, avoiding interventions that might exacerbate your existing conditions. It also provides a clearer understanding of your overall health, which can influence recovery strategies.

If you were involved in a car accident, you may need physical therapy. That depends on the severity of your injuries, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and your overall health. The purpose of physical therapy is to regain your strength and mobility after sustaining an injury.

Many seemingly minor injuries after a crash require physical therapy. These often include whiplash, muscle strains, and back injuries. If you had to undergo surgery for a serious injury, you’ll likely need physical therapy to recover. Plus, physical therapy may be necessary if you had to rest for a long period of time due to a debilitating injury.

The most reliable way to determine if you need physical therapy is through a thorough medical examination. Your doctor can assess your injuries and symptoms and advise whether physical therapy would be beneficial in your case.

Based on the doctor’s examination, a physical therapist may develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific recovery goals. This plan is dynamic and can change based on your progress.

This includes:

• Pain management techniques such as hot or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and manual therapy.
• Exercise that focuses on strengthening muscles, increasing flexibility, improving coordination, and enhancing range of motion.
• Education about your condition and how to manage it.
• Use of assistive devices such as crutches, braces, or wheelchairs.
• Functional training such as walking and climbing stairs.
• Progress monitoring and adjustments to your treatment plan.

You may need to take time off from work to recover after a car accident. Or you could return to work to perform modified or light duties. It all depends on the severity of your injury and the nature of your job. Does your job require a lot of physical labor, or is it something you can perform while physically resting?

If you've sustained serious injuries, it's crucial to allow your body time to heal. Continuing to work, especially if your job is physically demanding, can worsen your injuries and prolong your recovery. Plus, it can potentially disprove your claim.

Your doctor can give the best advice on whether you should take time off work. They will consider the extent of your injuries, your recovery progress, and the demands of your job.

If you have a sedentary job or one that can be adapted to accommodate your recovery (e.g., working from home or modified duties), you might not need to take complete time off. However, if you sustained a traumatic brain injury or other injury that affects your cognitive functioning, you’ll likely need to take time off.

Can I take medications while I recover?

Yes, you can take medications while you recover from a car accident injury. However, it’s best to do so under your doctor’s guidance.

Your doctor may prescribe medication for pain relief, inflammation, muscle spasms, or other symptoms related to your injuries. Always take these medications as directed and discuss any concerns or side effects with your doctor.

If prescription medication isn’t necessary, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin. It's important to use them as recommended and to check with your doctor before starting any new medication, especially if you're already taking other drugs.

Regularly communicate with your doctor about how the medication is affecting your recovery. Dosages may need to be adjusted, or medications changed as your recovery progresses.

To get reimbursed for your medical expenses, you’ll need to file a car accident claim. This can be done by speaking to an experienced car accident lawyer who can handle all the paperwork and legal matters for you. In most states, you must file your claim within two or three years. Other states allow only one year or up to six years. However, it’s best to act fast.

The sooner you speak to an attorney, the easier it will be for them to conduct a successful investigation while evidence is still fresh.

It’s also worth mentioning that you may need to recover damages from your own insurance company in some cases. For example, if you’re in a crash with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver who can’t be identified, you won’t be able to pursue damages from a 3rd party.

If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you can use it to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. While this coverage is required in some states, it’s an optional add on in other states. Even if it’s not required, it’s worth adding it to your policy, so you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket in the event of a collision.

If you’re in a no-fault state, you likely have Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Like UM, this is also required in some states and optional in others. It pays for your damages, regardless of who was at fault.

Consulting with a Premier Car Accident Lawyer has never been easier. Simply fill out the free consultation form to contact a lawyer near you. An attorney will be glad to answer any questions you have and help you explore your legal options during a free consultation.

Plus, they won’t charge you any upfront fees for their services. Premier Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and don’t get paid unless they successfully secure compensation for you. Get a free consultation with a lawyer today to get started.