Suffering an injury in a car accident can be an incredibly stressful ordeal. Depending on the extent of the physical damage, a visit to the emergency room might be necessary.
Emergency rooms offer injury assessment and care following a collision. However, there is often confusion about what it means to be “discharged” from the ER, and many people are unaware of the subsequent steps they should take according to a car accident lawyer with our friends at Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys.
If you have sustained injuries as a result of a car accident caused by the negligence of the other party, it is advisable to seek guidance from a seasoned car accident attorney. Having a legal professional by your side will not only ensure that you receive the necessary medical treatment but also help you maximize the value of your case.
1. Make Sure To Receive Follow-Up Treatment
Emergency rooms are dedicated to treating severe injuries, but they are not equipped to provide ongoing care. If your injury is not life-threatening or in need of immediate attention, it is probable that you will be discharged with instructions to follow up with your primary care doctor or a specialist.
Failing to seek necessary follow-up treatment after being discharged from the emergency room post-accident is a critical error that should be avoided at all costs.
Having an experienced car accident attorney is invaluable in such situations. They ensure that you receive proper medical tests and treatments from the right professionals. The results of these examinations serve as substantial evidence for your claim, reflecting your condition immediately after the incident. Moreover, the documentation from these tests plays a crucial role in calculating the value of your claim.
2. Be Careful Of What You Sign
Upon arrival at the hospital, patients are promptly provided with necessary paperwork for their signature. These forms serve as a prerequisite for receiving treatment and ensuring the smooth processing of medical procedures.
If you possess health insurance, it is essential to ensure that the hospital properly bills your insurance company. It has come to light that certain hospitals may refuse to bill health insurance in cases where the negligent party potentially holds extensive coverage. Furthermore, it is important to remain vigilant as insurance companies may attempt to deceive you into accepting a lower settlement, whether through the signing of documents or verbal agreement.
3. Be Aware Of Hospital Liens
A hospital lien is utilized to recoup the expenses related to your medical facility stay. This enables hospitals to receive payment from any funds obtained through a personal injury claim. Regrettably, numerous hospitals have exploited liens and impose uninsured victims with exorbitant total rates.
Fortunately, it is indeed feasible to engage the services of an auto accident attorney to facilitate discussions for reducing hospital charges.
Following an automobile accident, hospitals frequently choose not to bill the health insurance company. This decision stems from rate agreements hospitals have with major health insurance companies, which impose limitations on service charges. It is worth noting that most state laws do not mandate hospitals to submit bills to health insurance companies, and recent case law has been supportive of hospitals in this regard.
A skilled car accident attorney can assist in minimizing these liens and guaranteeing that you are not burdened with exorbitant fees.
An auto accident attorney can assist you in creating a Letter of Protection, which is a signed agreement stating that you will settle your hospital bills after your case concludes. It’s important to note that drafting a Letter of Protection does not absolve you of the responsibility to pay for your medical expenses. However, it does present an opportunity for your attorney to negotiate a reduction in the medical bill amount, thereby helping to alleviate the financial burden.
4. Give Short And Clear Statements
When a nurse or another medical professional asks about the crash, it’s important to keep your responses concise. While statements like “I was rear-ended” or “he T-boned me” are acceptable, providing lengthy descriptions of the accident can potentially harm your injury claim.
Regrettably, providing a detailed account of the incident raises the likelihood of the nurse paraphrasing your recollection. Once recorded in your medical records, these statements become permanent. When contradicting such statements in court, saying “I did not say that” is rarely convincing to a jury when the medical records state otherwise.
5. Point Out Every Injury
When undergoing examination in the emergency room following an accident, it is crucial to communicate any areas of discomfort or pain, no matter how minor they may seem. Even seemingly insignificant discomfort can potentially develop into serious health complications in the future. Additionally, failing to mention any discomfort during your initial doctor visit may result in the insurance company disputing the identified injury.
After a car accident, it is crucial to take the right steps and seek guidance from a legal expert. Managing physical injuries and personal losses can be incredibly challenging, which is why it’s wise to let a car accident attorney handle the legal aspects of the incident. By doing so, you can focus on your recovery while ensuring that your legal rights are protected.