What You Need To Know About Your First Doctor's Appointment After An Accident

The physical exam after an accident is one of the most important components of a personal injury claim. As part of the exam, you want to ensure that you're healthy and that any injuries are properly documented. To go about this goal, there are some things you need to do during this appointment, here are some of them.

Honesty

Accident victims should never try to mislead their doctors about their injuries. The truth will always come out, and in the end, when a person lies, they only put their case and wellbeing in jeopardy. For example, if you are experiencing leg pain after the accident, but you suffered a leg injury in the past, be truthful if asked if you've ever injured the area before. Remember, a previous injury does not mean that the accident didn't reinjure the area or aggravate an existing condition.

Facts

Always stick with the facts. When visiting a doctor that an insurance company has recommended, it's not uncommon for the provider to ask you questions about the actual incident. While this information is often used to explain your injuries, it's also information that will be shared with the insurance company. If you're not sure how fast you were traveling or even how many cars were in front of you, say so. Don't try to guess, as you might end up giving false information that works against you. 

Discomfort and Pain

Now is the time to tell the doctor about every discomfort and pain that you have been experiencing after the accident. Remember, no concern is too small, and some minor symptoms can point to larger concerns. For instance, difficulty sleeping and headaches can sometimes point to brain injuries. The point of the visit is to identify everything that is wrong with you, so you must speak up.

Activity Restrictions

It's also advised to let the doctor know if there are any activities you have been unable to perform since the accident occurred. For instance, it's not uncommon for the office visit with a doctor to occur a few days after the accident. If you attempted to return to work during this period, but you were unable to perform your duties and had to go back home — let the doctor know. This information will help them diagnose your injuries and put documentation in your claim that you're unable to work. 

Remember, these are your injuries, and this is your claim; you have every right to speak up on your behalf. Partner with an attorney so that he or she can be your voice, even when you don't realize you need it. To learn more, contact a law office like Prediletto, Halpin, Scharnikow & Nelson, P.S. today.