If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be feeling a lot of different emotions: shock, disbelief, pain, anxiety, and more. But one feeling you shouldn’t have is confusion about what to do next.
One of the most important things you can do is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when visiting the doctor after a car accident.
Unfortunately, many people do make some common mistakes when visiting the doctor after a car accident. Here are a few of the most common medical visit blunders, along with some tips on how to avoid them:
Breaking Down the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting a Doctor After a Car Accident
Mistake #1: Withholding Your Medical History and Other Relevant Information
You should always disclose your complete medical history to your doctor, even if you think it’s irrelevant to your current condition. Your doctor needs to know about all of your past and present health conditions to provide you with the best possible care. Additionally, failing to disclose your medical history could result in a misdiagnosis or improper treatment.
Mistake #2: Lying About Your Injuries
One of the most common mistakes people make after being in a car accident is lying about their injuries. It’s understandable that you may be scared or in shock after the accident, but it’s important to be honest with your doctor about your injuries.
Lying about your injuries can result in a misdiagnosis or delayed treatment, which can make your injuries worse. Some people may be tempted to lie about their injuries because they’re worried about their insurance rates going up.
However, it’s important to remember that your insurance company will likely find out about your injuries eventually. It’s better to be upfront about your injuries from the start so that you can get the treatment you need.
Mistake #3: Committing Insurance Fraud to Cut Back on the Costs
Insurance fraud is when people make false or misleading statements to their insurance company to receive a higher payout. For example, someone might claim that they were injured in the accident when they were not, or they might exaggerate the extent of their injuries.
Insurance fraud is a serious crime that can result in heavy fines and even jail time. If you are caught committing insurance fraud, your insurance rates will likely go up, and you may have difficulty finding affordable insurance in the future.
If you have been in a car accident, it’s essential to be honest with your insurance company about what happened and to only provide accurate information.
Mistake #4: Not Seeking Treatment Right Away
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. By seeking treatment right away, you can ensure that any injuries are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
Mistake #5: Trying to Handle Your Claim Yourself
It’s important to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side when pursuing a claim for your injuries. Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with, and they will often try to lowball you on your settlement. An experienced lawyer will know how to negotiate with the insurance companies and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Being Transparent When Visiting a Doctor After a Car Accident
A car accident can be a traumatic experience. Not only is it physically and emotionally jarring, but it can also be financially devastating. If you’re lucky enough to walk away from the accident relatively unscathed, you may still be left with costly medical bills.
That’s why it’s so important to be transparent with your doctor after a car accident. Many people are hesitant to do so because they fear their insurance rates will go up. But the truth is, your insurance company is more likely to cover the cost of your treatment if you’re up-front about the accident from the start.
Your doctor will also be able to provide you with the best possible care if they’re aware of the circumstances surrounding your injuries. So don’t be afraid to be honest about what happened. It could make all the difference in your recovery.
At Mendes, Reins & Wilander, our experienced personal injury attorneys in Tampa have helped countless accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We understand the ins and outs of the legal system, and we know how to build a strong case to get you the maximum possible compensation. If you have been injured in an accident, don’t wait to call us!