16 Aug Dealing with Doctors
Car crashes are stressful situations and there are often several things to tend to after being involved in one. But, more important than insurance claims and car repairs, is the health of you and anyone else involved in the crash. Here are five rules to follow when getting medical treatment to ensure you are being treated fully and fairly:
1. Don’t Delay in Seeking Treatment
It may seem obvious, but it’s best to go to a doctor right away to get checked out. Even if you don’t feel that you’ve been injured it’s better to at least check. Insurance companies will look at the time from the accident to when you sought treatment. They are less likely to cover injuries the longer after the accident they are discovered.
2. Your Doctor is Not Your Personal Injury Lawyer
Many doctors such as orthopedists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and neurologists, who see a lot of people in accidents, may want to give you legal help. The last thing you want is advice that is from a person who might not have your best interest in mind. In addition, insurance companies will track if the doctor sends all of his or her patients to a particular lawyer and may use this information against you.
3. Factor in Your Injury with Your Ability to Work
If you are injured, it’s likely that you will be unable to work for some time. It’s important that your doctor actually know what you do for a living. Regardless of whether it’s heavy manual labor, roofing, or office work, your activity at work may affect the report your doctor files. Make sure that your doctor is made aware of what your daily schedule looks like and how your injury may affect it.
4. Keep up with Your Treatment and Appointments
Nothing is worse for your insurance claim than a statement in the records reflecting that you are “non-compliant.” Sometimes after a crash, a brief treatment may make you feel better and cause you to stop going for treatments. However, it’s important that you keep the appointments that are scheduled and discuss with your doctor if you are ready for the end of treatment.
On the other hand, if you don’t get better and the pain or disability lingers and you have not kept track of your appointments, the insurance company can use this against you and claim your pain is your fault because you didn’t follow through with treatment.
5. Keep Good Medical Records
If you’re dealing with an insurance company, they will have you sign a medical release in order to obtain your records. It is wise to access those records first and look at them. You should know what’s in your records so that you can correct any mistakes if need be – before it goes to the insurance company.
We’re here for you. Don’t Risk It, Call Truskett. 918-392-5444
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