One of the most important things to do after a car accident is to see a doctor that can provide treatment for your injuries. During this visit, the doctor will likely ask if you have any questions but at the time, you may be too stressed or upset to think of any. After a car accident, it is crucial that you ask the doctor the five questions below, which will help protect any future claim you may file.
What Injuries did I Sustain?
You may not fully understand the full extent of your injuries after a crash, but a doctor will. It is critical that you understand the full nature of your injuries so that you can receive the proper treatment and include within your claim the full amount of damages you deserve.
How Will My Injuries Affect Me in the Future?
Serious injuries, such as permanent disfigurement or disability, will drastically affect your quality of life. They may cause embarrassment or prevent you from partaking in activities you once enjoyed. Pennsylvania law gives you the right to claim compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, so it is important you understand what your life will look like, even after you have completed treatment.
What Caused My Injuries?
It may seem obvious to you that the car accident caused your injuries, but a number of factors during the crash may have contributed to them. For example, if you hit your head on the dashboard, it may have caused a concussion. On the other hand, a defective airbag may have caused the injury, which means you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Obtaining a medical opinion about what caused your injuries will help identify the negligent party and can also prevent the insurance company from blaming your injury on a pre-existing condition.
Can I Go Back to Work?
Medical bills are costly, as are many other aspects of an injury. Unfortunately, many accident victims also cannot return to work during the time they are incurring these costly bills. No one should ever return to work until their doctor deems it safe. If your doctor advises you to take time off, you can include that lost income in your claim.
Can I Have a Copy of My Medical Records?
When filing a personal injury claim after a car accident, you will have to prove several elements of your case, including the extent of your injuries. The most effective way to do this is through your medical records that can clearly identify and explain the extent of your injuries, and the cost you have incurred due to them.
Our Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyers will Advise on All Aspects of Your Case
Many people think that a Philadelphia car accident lawyer will only advise on the legal aspects of your case. However, every part of your case has a legal aspect. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we will not only determine who was at fault and collect evidence to prove your claim, but we will also advise on every other aspect, including what to ask your doctor during treatment. When you need comprehensive advice, call us at (215) 486-0123 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.