If you have been in a car accident in Connecticut, you must document your injuries and other information about the accident as soon as possible. Swift documentation ensures that you get prompt medical attention, and this provides essential evidence you might need if you need to take legal action related to the accident.
A lack of documentation for your injuries can significantly negatively impact your ability to recover financial compensation for your medical care and related costs. Consider the following points on effectively documenting your injuries after a car accident.
Seek immediate medical attention
Even if you feel fine physically, it is vital that you have a medical exam from a doctor to make sure you have no hidden injuries. Some types of injuries from motor vehicle accidents may not become symptomatic until days or weeks after the accident.
The sooner you see a doctor, the less likely you will suffer from injuries that worsen due to a lack of treatment. Suppose you were involved in a work-related motor vehicle accident. In that case, you must see a healthcare provider within certain time limits to file a workers’ compensation claim, so see a provider as soon as possible.
Pay attention to detail
After a car crash, your claim process for insurance begins the minute you start filling out forms in the waiting room, as these go into your medical file. Your doctor reviews this information, and it will be used as support if you file a workers’ comp claim or need to seek some other legal action.
Be as thorough as possible when you describe your accident and injuries to your healthcare provider. Make sure you mention all the details of your symptoms even if you do not think they are related, and you must let your doctor know about any pain you feel. Your feedback helps the doctor provide a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Photograph and journal about your accident
Take photographs of any visible injuries as soon as possible. Include all cuts, bruises and scars. These photographs could become critical pieces of evidence if you go to court and have your injuries disputed. Also, keep a journal of all your symptoms and how they affect your life daily.
Include issues such as your levels of pain, difficulty sleeping and any limits on your daily activities caused by these symptoms. A written record that documents how your injuries have impacted you can help demonstrate the full extent of your injuries to a judge or jury.
Not all medical clinics provide thorough documentation for your injuries, so choose one that pays attention to the details so that you have the proper support for a legal claim. Having thorough medical care ensures you get the treatment and compensation you need and deserve.
