Did you know that 77% of all drivers have been in at least one auto accident?
Most drivers will have to file an auto insurance claim for a car accident about every 18 years.
When you do the math, that means the average person can expect to be in three or four car accidents in their lives.
And drivers in Atlanta aren't any different. Having six major interstates, hundreds of busy roadways, and an infinite number of suburban streets, the Atlanta metro area is no stranger to motor vehicle accidents.
Although these road systems make traveling convenient, it is impossible to avoid car accidents altogether.
After being in a car accident in Atlanta, it isn't uncommon for accident victims to skip a trip to the doctor because they didn't think it was a severe car accident.
And when they do go, the doctors often don't get the full story of what happened.
Skipping the doctor or not taking the time to explain your car accident in detail can lead to chronic pain, and sometimes even life-threatening conditions.
And if a negligent driver caused your wreck, skipping the doctor could cost you thousands of dollars.
No matter how you feel, you should always seek medical treatment from a professional like a chiropractor after a car accident.
But your responsibilities don't end as soon as you get to the doctor.
Some doctors are excellent at asking questions and keeping their patients in the loop, but not all doctors are like this.
That's why it's essential for you to ask the right questions.
In the article below, we will look at a few important questions everyone should ask their car accident doctor after an accident in Atlanta.
Table of Contents
- What Are My Specific Injuries?
- Will My Injuries Create Problems In The Future?
- What Caused My Injuries?
- What Experience Do You Have Treating Accident Injuries?
- What Is My Long-Term Outlook?
- When Can I Return To Work?
- Do You Provide Proper Documentation of the Treatment Plan and Sustained Injuries?
- Can I Have Copies Of My Medical Records?
- See An Accident Injury Doctor After Your Accident In Atlanta
What Are My Specific Injuries?
One of the first questions to ask your doctor is what injuries you've sustained, if any.
To know what you've endured so far and what you could have to deal with in the future, you need to know exactly how you've been injured.
Sometimes imaging tests like x-rats, CT scans, and MRIs will be used to make a complete diagnosis of your injuries.
And if your doctor tells you about an injury, and you're not sure exactly what it means, be sure to ask more questions.
For example, if you've suffered whiplash, but you're not exactly sure what's involved with whiplash, ask your doctor to explain. For example, if you've suffered a neck injury like whiplash, but you're not exactly sure what's involved with whiplash, ask your doctor to explain.
And no matter what type of injury you're suffering from, make sure your doctor documents your injuries and ask them whether the damage is minor, moderate, or severe.
Will My Injuries Create Problems in the Future?
If you're injured due to someone else's negligence, you have a right to receive financial compensation for your medical costs and other types of damages.
If you've suffered traumatic injuries, you might not know how much your medical expenses will add up to when it's time to settle your claim.
It's possible to be compensated for your future medical bills, but you have to be able to tell the jury or the insurance companies what those costs may be.
And you will need to give more than just an opinion. They will need to hear it from a medical professional.
So, one of the questions you should always ask your doctor is if your injury will create problems in the future and what types of treatment you'll need to make a complete recovery.
What Caused My Injuries?
Well, obviously, the automobile accident caused your injuries.
But countless things could have happened during the accident that caused your specific injury.
Did you get a brain injury because your head hit the steering wheel or your window?
Your doctor might not be able to give you a definite answer, but they will be able to provide you with their expert opinion that will be valuable for a personal injury claim.
What Experience Do You Have Treating Accident Injuries?
Some accident injury clinics will have a variety of medical experts on staff, like primary care doctor, neurologists, spine specialists, or orthopedic doctors.
Having a staff of additional physicians allows the clinic to treat a wide range of accident injuries with the appropriate injury treatment.
Having a staff of additional physicians allows the clinic to treat a wide range of accident injuries with the appropriate injury treatment.
Find out if they are respected within their community and have a good track record of satisfied clients or not. It's easier than ever to find client reviews of doctor's offices online.
Once you're comfortable with them as a practice, find out if they have much experience treating your particular injuries.
So if you have a herniated disc in your back, as them if they've ever treated a herniated disc. You want to be sure your doctor after a car accident can give you the medical treatment you need so that your pain symptoms lessen and your quality of life doesn't suffer any more than it already has.
What Is My Long-Term Outlook?
After any injury, you should understand your outlook.
This is important for your health and well-being, but also your personal injury claim.
Knowing your long-term outlook will ensure you receive proper monetary compensation.
At each doctor's visit, ask them how long they think it will take you to make a full recovery and get back to normal life.
And not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well, depending on the doctor you're seeing. The mental anguish of being in an accident can be taxing so it's important that you're honest with your doctor.
Sometimes your recovery will just be a few days or weeks.
Other injuries can take months or even years to heal fully. And sometimes, you will never be the same.
Sustaining any sort of auto accident injuries is frightening, especially if you hear that it could take a long time for you to return to normal. But the best thing you can do is learn as much as you can about your injuries and see the appropriate medical specialist.
The more you know about your prognosis, the more proactive you can be as you make your recovery.
Even if you never return to "normal" after your accident, you will reach a point that's called your "maximum medical improvement."
When the medical professionals have declared you've reached your MMI, you've recovered as much as possible.
Granted, it will be impossible for your doctor to guarantee you will reach your MMI in a certain amount of time, but they should be able to give a ballpark idea of how long it should take you to recover.
When Can I Return to Work?
You can also receive fair compensation for lost wages in your personal injury claim.
If your injuries prevent you from returning to work in a timely fashion, the person responsible for your injuries and their insurance company will compensate you for your lost wages until you can return to work.
But don't be surprised if the negligent party or said insurance carrier tries to dispute that you cannot return to work.
If that happens, a doctor's opinion that you are unable to work and when you may be able to return to work will be an essential piece of evidence.
Do You Provide Proper Documentation of the Treatment Plan and Sustained Injuries?
Be sure that your doctor documents your injuries and treatments and can produce the documentation immediately.
If your injuries aren't documented or aren't accessible, there will be little evidence to back up your injuries.
This can easily cause you to lose your injury claim or significantly reduce your final settlement amount.
Can I Have Copies of My Medical Records?
After ensuring that your doctor keeps accurate records, ask them if you can have a copy of your medical records.
Doctors will typically provide you with these records if you ask them, but some doctors will require a formal request before you can get them.
No matter what you have to do, do what's necessary to get them.
See An Accident Injury Doctor After Your Accident In Atlanta
If you've recently suffered an injury in a car accident in Atlanta, contact Arrowhead Clinic of Atlanta today.
Arrowhead Clinics have been serving Atlanta and surrounding Georgia communities for over 40 years as accident injury specialists.
They use this experience to treat all types of accident injuries.
And if necessary, they can also refer you to qualified personal injury attorneys in Atlanta that can provide you with legal counsel and help with your personal injury claim.
To schedule a Free Consultation with Arrowhead Clinic of Atlanta and get the medical care you deserve, click the button below.
