How Should I Follow Up with My Doctor After a California Auto Accident?
Many California auto accident victims are released from the hospital in a somewhat dazed state. They may have suffered head injuries that caused some form of memory loss. They may have been heavily medicated and sedated during their hospital stay, making it difficult to recall exactly what happened. The underlying psychological trauma can also make it challenging to think back on auto accidents. Although it might seem tempting to simply put it all behind you and forget about your accident, it is very important to follow up with your primary doctor after a car accident. In such cases, also seeking the guidance of a Riverside personal injury attorney is crucial in navigating the complexities of insurance claims and legal proceedings, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for your auto accident injuries.
Follow the Directions of Hospital Staff
Hospital staff should give you plenty of instructions on how to deal with your injuries after your release from the emergency room. This might include guidance on how to follow up with your family doctor. Follow this advice closely, and consider reaching out if you have forgotten exactly what they told you to do. All of the relevant information should have been added to your medical records – including your prognosis, the specific injuries you have suffered, and recommended future treatments.
Book an Appointment With Your Doctor as Soon as Possible
As a general rule, it is a good idea to follow up with your doctor as soon as possible after your release from hospital. Your doctor will likely have more time to carefully examine you and determine the full extent of your injuries. In contrast, hospital staff are under serious pressure to process patients as quickly as possible. They may not take enough time to truly consider the implications of your injuries.
Any delay in this regard could lead to problems in the future. If you plan on making an injury claim, your failure to follow up with a primary care physician might imply that your injuries really weren’t so serious. Even if you were simply trying to save money by limiting doctors’ appointments, your failure to follow up could be used against you by defendants and insurance adjusters who are involved in your accident.
Consider Seeing Specialists
Your primary care physician is not the only health care provider who can help you after an accident. You might also consider seeing various specialists, including physical therapists, kinesiologists, chiropractors, and so on. Hospital staff or family doctors may recommend that you see these specialists after your accident.
Find an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Riverside
If you have been searching for an experienced personal injury attorney in Riverside, look no further than the Knez Law Group. While following up with your doctor after a car accident is important, you might also want to follow up with a personal injury lawyer. Part of the reason so many people are reluctant to seek necessary medical treatment is the cost involved. However, a personal injury lawsuit can provide compensation for your medical expenses – making it easier to get the treatment you need. Book a consultation today to discuss the possibility of a personal injury lawsuit in more detail.
Matthew J. Knez graduated from the University of Redlands in California where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing. He went on to pursue his Law Degree at the University of LaVerne, College of Law in Ontario, California. While pursuing his law degree he earned various awards, including CALI Award in Torts and he was on the Dean’s List. Mr. Knez was also a member of the Justice and Immigration Clinic where he worked with people seeking asylum into the United States from countries where they had experienced persecution or threat of persecution. Additionally, Mr. Knez was a member of Law Review where he was an Associate Editor and published a Law Review article on California family custody move-away cases.