After suffering an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation for the injuries you incurred. There are several steps in the process of obtaining payment for your personal injury. The first step will involve seeking medical treatment for the harm you sustained.
You may seek treatment from your own doctor after suffering an accident in Alabama. The party who caused the accident can be held responsible for any medical expenses you incur. However, if there are disputes regarding your medical condition, you may be asked to perform an independent medical examination (IME) with a supposedly unbiased physician. Our legal team can offer support and guidance when preparing for an IME.
If you were hurt as the result of another party’s negligence, seek help from our experienced Alabama personal injury attorneys at Howe Law by calling (844) 876-4357.
Seeking Medical Treatment After Suffering a Personal Injury in Alabama
If you suffered a personal injury in Alabama, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. You will need to obtain proper documentation of your injuries in order to recover financial compensation from another party. If you wait for your injuries to heal on their own, then obtaining such documentation can be difficult. Furthermore, the defendant and their insurer may argue that a delay in treatment indicates that you were not truly hurt. By visiting a doctor immediately after your accident, you may avoid unnecessary complications with the settlement process.
Thankfully, you can visit your own doctor after suffering a personal injury. Still, you may not be able to rely on your primary care physician. For example, injuries like torn ligaments, concussions, herniated discs, and vertebral fractures often require specialized treatment. You can consult with our Alabama car accident attorneys when locating the best doctor for you.
There are some personal injury cases where plaintiffs will be asked to receive IMEs. These are medical examinations that seek to resolve disputes and answer questions pertaining to victims’ medical conditions. For example, an IME may be performed to determine the degree of a patient’s disability or the amount of time they will need to fully recover.
Unfortunately, IMEs are often utilized by defendants’ insurance companies to disprove the extent plaintiffs’ injuries. While examining physicians are supposed to be unbiased, they rarely are. IME doctors are typically chosen by insurers and produce findings that favor the side of the insurance company. Accordingly, when preparing for an IME, it can be immensely helpful to have experienced legal representation by your side.
What Not to Say When Talking with Your Doctor After an Accident in Alabama
When speaking with doctor after an accident, there are certain mistakes you should avoid. First, you should not lie about your injuries. If you minimize the pain you are experiencing, then you may limit the amount of financial compensation you can recover. On the other hand, if you exaggerate your injuries, then your doctor will likely pick up on it. If there is information in your medical records stating that you lied about the pain you were in, then the defendant’s insurance company may use that as a reason to deny your claim.
Furthermore, when conversing with your physician or any other party, you must refrain from apologizing for your accident or making any statements that can be construed as admissions of fault. Even if your accident was not your fault, it may feel natural to say that you are sorry. However, apologetic statements may be utilized by the defendant and their insurance company to shift blame for your accident.
Who Pays Your Medical Bills After an Accident in Alabama?
If you suffered an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Alabama, then the at-fault party can be held accountable for all medical expenses related to your injuries. You may be able to recover payment for your medical bills by filing a third-party claim with the defendant’s insurance company. However, their insurer may be reluctant to pay you what you deserve.
If you cannot settle your third-party claim with the defendant’s insurance company, then you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit to acquire the monetary damages you are owed. For your personal injury case to prevail, you must collect and present evidence demonstrating that your accident was caused by the defendant’s careless or reckless conduct. Furthermore, you must prove that you suffered injuries because of the accident and that you incurred damages because of those injuries.
What Medical Expenses May Be Compensated After an Accident in Alabama
After suffering an accident in Alabama, you may pursue payment for the cost of all past, current, and future medical expenses related to your injuries. For example, if you suffered a car crash caused by another driver’s negligence, then the at-fault motorist may be liable for the cost of your ambulance ride, surgical operations, prescription medication, and post-operative care.
Damages for medical expenses are usually established using your medical records and bills. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible after suffering an accident.
Reasons to Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions After Suffering an Accident in Alabama
There are several reasons to follow your doctor’s instructions after suffering an accident in Alabama. First, by following instructions, you can improve your chances of healing and prevent future complications. For instance, returning to work before your doctor says you are ready may cause you to develop new injuries.
Furthermore, following your physician’s instructions allows you to adjust your treatment plan to your progress. All personal injuries are unique. Some patients may heal quickly while others who suffered the same type of harm can endure lengthy recoveries. If you stay in contact with your doctor and update them on your progress, they will be able to adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Finally, following your doctor’s orders will allow you to avoid complications with your personal injury claim. If you miss appointments or ignore treatment recommendations, then it may appear as if you are no longer hurt.
Personal Injury Plaintiffs in Alabama Can Call Our Law Firm for Help
Seek assistance from our Montgomery personal injury lawyers by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
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