Being in an accident can be disorienting. You may feel fine initially thanks to shock and adrenaline. However, following all medical advice after an accident in Virginia is crucial. Prompt treatment identifies hidden injuries and creates a record. Adhering to your doctor’s instructions can also help you to avoid re-injury. Finally, detailed documentation also protects any future injury claim. Keep reading for more information on why it’s vital to follow medical advice after an accident in Virginia.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention
The first thing you should do after any accident is get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. This serves several purposes:
- It identifies any injuries you may have sustained, even if you don’t feel any pain or symptoms yet due to shock. Some injuries like concussions and internal bleeding can be serious even if not instantly obvious.
- It documents your injuries while they are still fresh, which can be important for any potential legal claim later.
- Early treatment can help minimize certain injuries and speed up recovery time.
Do not refuse medical transport from the scene just because you feel fine. The adrenaline in your system may be masking underlying issues that need attention.
Follow All Doctor’s Orders
Once you seek medical care, it is essential to follow all advice and treatment instructions from your doctor. This may include:
- Taking any prescribed medications properly to manage pain and promote healing. Don’t alter dosages or stop taking a medication without your doctor’s approval first.
- Following all restrictions and limitations if you are put on light duty or taken off work by your physician. These restrictions are in place to facilitate healing.
- Attending all follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and make sure no complications arise. Stay on top of your appointments.
- Completing any testing like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to check for issues like fractures or internal damage. Don’t avoid recommended testing.
- Doing all recommended physical therapy and exercises to help regain function and strength. Put in the work to get results.
Ignoring medical advice could exacerbate injuries and delay getting properly compensated for your losses.
Disclose All Symptoms Honestly
When getting medical treatment after an accident, it is vital that you disclose all symptoms and problems to your doctor, even ones that seem minor. Headaches, mood changes, trouble sleeping, and dizziness can be signs of a concussion or other issues. Small changes in vision, hearing, balance, or cognition could also indicate underlying neurological damage. Don’t downplay anything just because you want to be tough or move on.
Consider Seeing Specialists
In some accident cases, your general practitioner may recommend seeing specialists to fully assess specific injury impacts. For example:
- An orthopedic specialist can examine spine or skeletal injuries. They have advanced training in these areas.
- A neurologist can test for traumatic brain injury or neurological impairment. Brain injuries require expertise.
- Psychologists can check for emotional distress, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms after a traumatic event. Mental health matters too.
- Physical therapists can help restore range of motion and strength through tailored exercises and modalities.
Seeing specialists ensures no issues get missed and you get proper treatment customized to your situation.
Don’t Rush Back to Normal Routines
It can be tempting to get back to your regular work and activity routines quickly after an accident to feel productive. However, jumping back in too soon before you’ve fully healed can undermine the recovery process and reinjure you. Follow all advice from doctors on taking enough time off work, limiting activities, getting accommodations, and easing back into things slowly. Pushing yourself often backfires and causes setbacks requiring more recovery time. Be patient with your body.
Document All Steps Taken
Be sure to document every diagnosis, treatment recommendation, therapy completed, and medication prescribed after your accident. Get copies of all medical records and bills. This documentation will be essential if you need to pursue financial compensation through an injury claim later on. Detailed records prove the severity of your injuries and impact on your life. Keep everything organized and accessible.
Following proper medical advice is crucial for protecting your health and any legal rights you may have after getting injured in an accident in Virginia. Some effects may not show up right away, so remain under doctor supervision until you are fully recovered.
Contact us at Monge & Associates for a free consultation anytime if you need experienced attorneys to help handle your injury claim after an accident. We have 32 offices in 19 locations, including Virginia, Florida, and Georgia. Our number is (888) 477-0597.