When you have been involved in an accident, it is important to get medical help right away. Once you have been treated at a hospital and return home, you must continue to treat your injuries by seeing a physician. While it may seem daunting to see a physician after going to the hospital, it is important. Make an appointment within a few days of your release. If you do not have a regular physician, find one that has experience treating accident victims. You may also want to visit an orthopedic doctor because they have more experience dealing with muscles, joints and bones.
Should I Be Documenting My Injuries and Medical Expenses?
When you decide to file a personal injury claim, you must prove that your injuries and any other damages you suffered were caused by the auto accident. Luckily, the law allows you to claim many types of damages after any type of auto accident including:
- Hospital and Emergency Expenses
- Surgery Expenses
- Therapy and Rehabilitation Costs
- Pain and Suffering
- Prescription Costs
- Some Insurance-related Costs
To ensure you can prove that your injuries were caused by the accident, you must act quickly and see a doctor. Your doctor will be able to tell you how serious your injuries are, what type of treatment you will need and if there are any far reaching consequences, such as permanent disability. Your medical doctors will offer evidence that shows your injuries were caused by the auto accident and not the result of another condition or accident.
To properly gather this evidence to support your injuries, include items like:
- Photographs – Take photos of your injuries and an damage to your vehicle
- Copies – IT is important to have copies of the police report of the accident, your medical records and documentation about your injuries, symptoms and care
- Receipts – Receipts will show exactly what you paid for out of pocket, including doctor visits, prescriptions, co-payments and more
- Doctor Letter – Get an official letter from your doctor detailing your injuries and treatment
Your personal injury attorney can tell you the type of evidence need to build a strong case.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
When you are attempting to make a personal injury claim, always start by speaking with a personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can offer you sound legal advice on the best steps to take in your particular situation. They can help you gather the right kind of evidence and build your case with it. When it comes times to negotiate with the insurance company, your personal injury attorney can ensure that you are represented and accept no offers that are not fair.
This is a problem many personal injury claimants fall victim to. Usually an insurance company will offer a small amount upfront. Many decide to take this because they have medical bills to pay. However, this number is often not enough to cover all of their bills, not to mention any pain or suffering they have endured. A personal injury attorney can make sure that any deal you accept is fair.
If you are unable to reach an acceptable deal with the insurance company, your personal injury attorney can take your case to trial. This is another area where your medical evidence will come into play. To win your case, you will have to prove that your injuries are the result of the accident. It should not be hard to do if you properly document your injuries, medical expenses and other relevant damages. If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, be sure to speak with a personal injury attorney today.