Protecting Your Well-Being After An Indiana Car Accident
Maybe someone driving in the car ahead of you stopped abruptly. You reacted quickly – quick enough to stop before colliding with them. Unfortunately, the driver behind you was using their phone and didn’t notice in time, so they smashed into you.
A little while after the car crash, you realize your neck has begun to bother you, ever since that accident and the pain isn’t going away. Apparently the wreck did more than damage to your car. It also damaged you. Whether you suffered broken bones or the jolt that comes from whiplash, you can receive compensation to make amends.
Why Should You Get Medical Attention After A Car Crash?
At Sarkisian Sarkisian & Associates, our motor vehicle accident attorneys have been litigating car accident claims and other personal injury cases for over 65 years combined. We have seen minor fender benders and major collisions. Time and again, we have seen people make the mistake of delaying or forgoing medical treatment. It can harm your case.
Here are a few things that can help make your case stronger (this also includes situations involving workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability benefits):
- Get medical attention as soon as possible: Insurance companies often argue that your injuries must not be serious if you could wait to get treatment. Don’t delay going to the doctor and establishing your medical record as soon as possible.
- Don’t minimize your pain: Do not just think about your pain on a scale of 1 to 10 – the higher the number the higher and worse the pain. When you are living day to day at a level 7, a level 5 day doesn’t seem quite as bad. Don’t simply tell your doctor you are fine or that you are hurt – it is imperative that your physician understands the entire picture. Continue giving complete descriptions of the levels of your pain and avoid reducing it to just a number.
- Tell your doctor everything: Do not just say that “it hurts.” Personal injury cases might take some time, during which you may begin to heal or you may begin to notice permanent damage. Tell your doctor how the pain affects your life. Make sure you mention whether you are able to do chores or if your back starts hurting, if you are no longer able to stand for periods of time. Not only will this help establish the true extent of the damage, but it can help your doctor diagnose related problems that may require treatment.
- Follow the entire treatment plan: This is best for your personal health and your case. Don’t forgo a surgical procedure because you are afraid you cannot pay for it out of pocket now or that it will leave you out of work too long during recovery. Part of our care is that we help make sure your compensation award covers the expenses you need to get better and whether we can force insurance companies to advance any costs.
To learn more about your rights and options under Indiana law, visit our Car Accident FAQ page.
Talk With Our Car Accident Lawyers About Your Right To Compensation, For Free
A major benefit of contacting an attorney early is that you can get the guidance you need to help protect your case and maximize your claim. With our free initial consultations, you can get the legal advice you need without incurring any costs. When you become our client, we don’t charge anything unless you recover compensation.
Call our offices in Portage and Valparaiso at 219-265-6061 for representation throughout Northwest Indiana and Chicago. You can also send us an email, and we will contact you to schedule your free consultation. We can meet at home, hospital and after-hours when your circumstances require.