Tips on How to Describe Your Pain to Your Doctor If You Were Hurt in a Virginia Car Accident
If you want to obtain the compensation you deserve after a car accident in Norfolk or Virginia Beach, you must have solid evidence of the seriousness of your injuries. One way to establish how severe your injuries and pain are is to describe your level of pain to your doctor accurately. Our experienced Norfolk car accident lawyers at Tavss Fletcher can advise you on how to talk to your physician and help you take the steps you need to take to build a winning case.
Experiencing an auto accident in Norfolk or Virginia Beach can be a traumatic event, leaving victims to cope with physical and emotional injuries and pain. If you or a loved one was hurt in a car crash, describing your level of discomfort accurately to medical professionals is essential to your health and your claim for compensation for your injuries with the negligent driver’s insurance company.
Tips on Describing Your Pain After a Norfolk Car Accident
Receiving prompt medical attention within 72 hours of a car collision and following your doctor's advice on your treatment plan is vital for your health. It will also help you avoid disputes with the at-fault driver's insurance company about the severity of your injuries.
In addition, you need to communicate your pain accurately to your doctor and other medical professionals to obtain the proper diagnosis and treatment. This also helps you obtain the damages you are entitled to in your settlement. Here are some tips our experienced car accident lawyers recommend you follow to describe your pain effectively.
Don't Minimize or Exaggerate Your Pain
It is important not to minimize your pain. If you do, the insurance adjuster will argue that you are entitled to less compensation for the pain, suffering, and emotional distress you are enduring. You should also avoid exaggerating your level of discomfort, as this will reduce your credibility and weaken your claim.
Describe Your Pain's Location
Identify and specify the exact location of your pain, which may involve a larger area than where your injury is located. It may also radiate out or be in different parts of your body on different days.
Pinpointing the location helps your doctor assess potential injuries accurately. For example, if you have neck pain, specifying whether it's on the left or right side can be crucial in diagnosing whiplash or other related injuries.
Explain the Type of Pain
You can experience different types of pain. You need to explain to your physician whether the pain is sharp, dull, throbbing, stabbing, or burning. Different types of pain may indicate distinct injuries, guiding your doctor toward a more precise diagnosis and treatment plan.
Identify Pain Triggers
Be aware of activities or movements that exacerbate your pain. Understanding what triggers or worsens your pain provides valuable information for your doctor. For instance, if specific movements intensify your back pain, it could indicate specific muscle or spinal injuries, allowing for more targeted examinations and diagnostic tests.
Rate Your Level of Pain
Your doctor and other medical professionals may ask you to rate your pain from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most painful. When rating your pain, explain if your pain level changes and how it affects your daily activities and quality of life.
Remember, the key to effective communication is honesty. This transparency ensures that your medical records accurately reflect the extent of your injuries and will help your knowledgeable personal injury attorney value your claim and obtain the maximum amount when settling your claim.