Hurt in a Car Accident? Don’t Make These Mistakes Regarding Medical Care

There’s always a lot to do in the wake of a wreck. From arranging for towing and interviewing eyewitnesses to obtaining the police report and contacting the claims adjuster, the associated tasks will only add to your ever-growing to-do list.

Regardless of the circumstances, however, your number one priority should be your health. If you fail to prioritize your health, you could suffer serious—and potentially life-threatening—complications. You could also hurt your chances of building a strong car accident claim.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common medical mistakes that car accident victims make so you can avoid them in the aftermath:

1. Postponing Treatment

From whiplash to internal bleeding, there are a number of impact injuries that don’t always present immediate symptoms. As such, it’s not uncommon for car accident victims to walk away from the scene assuming they’re fine. Without prompt treatment, however, these kinds of injuries can cause devastating complications.

If you put off seeking care, it will not only jeopardize your health and wellbeing but could also open the door for a liability dispute. Should you be deemed partially responsible for the severity of your condition, Minnesota’s modified comparative fault rule will reduce the total compensation to which you’re entitled accordingly.

2. Ignoring Doctor’s Orders

Visiting a doctor promptly isn’t the only way to mitigate damages. Once you do seek care, you have an obligation to follow your provider’s orders.

If you’re instructed to take it easy, for example, and you have a physically demanding job, you should not return to work. Likewise, you must make it a point to attend all follow-up appointments and to take any medication as prescribed.

3. Failing to Document Your Recovery

Minnesota allows for the recovery of virtually all medical-related expenses, including the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, diagnostic imaging, prescription medication, anticipated surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation. You may also be entitled to compensation for the work you miss while recovering and for transportation to and from each appointment.

Before you can recover a single dollar, though, you’ll have to prove that you actually incurred all these expenses. As such, it’s important to track your recovery diligently by saving all critical documents. Examples include:

• Medical records;
• X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans;
• Hospital bills;
• Prescriptions;
• Copay receipts;
• Photographs of any visible wounds;
• Transportation logs; and
• Paystubs.

Since Minnesota also allows for the recovery of non-economic damages like pain and suffering, it’s advisable to start a personal injury journal, as well. In this journal, you can document the ways in which your injuries—and their associated treatments—are affecting your everyday life.

Speak with a Minneapolis Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you intend to file a car accident claim in Minnesota, contact Bradshaw & Bryant to determine how best to proceed. Our compassionate team will use all the resources at our disposal to help you gather the evidence needed to prove liability and damages against the responsible parties. Call 800-770-7008 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Minneapolis