If you are injured in a car accident, the insurance company is going to do everything in its not-inconsiderable power to deny or minimize your claim. If your case makes it all the way to trial, they are going to work very hard to downplay your injuries or even try to claim they were not caused by your accident, which is why medical tests are so important.
How can I prove my injuries after a car accident?
For a Virginia car accident lawyer, being able to successfully prove the nature and severity of your injuries and show that they were definitely caused by your accident is crucial to the outcome of your case. Medical records are legal documents. They describe your diagnosis and document the treatments you receive. In other words, they serve as evidence that you were injured. When it comes to diagnosing your injuries, your physician has access to many different advanced medical devices. They might also refer you to a specialist for additional testing. These tests and evaluations will provide important details about your condition and help your doctor ensure that you get the best treatment possible.
If you have been injured during a car accident in Virginia, seek immediate medical assistance. Then reach out to the Virginia car accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to learn what legal options are open to you. Call us to schedule a free case review.
How Soon Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
The sooner you see a doctor after a car accident, the better. You should also keep records of your medical care, adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan, and not miss any follow-up appointments. Insurance companies are always looking for reasons to avoid liability. Adjusters love to cite any gaps in your medical treatment and use them to claim you were injured elsewhere or that your injuries can’t possibly be that serious.
You should also tell your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing, even if they seem minor. A lot of injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, nerve damage, and concussions, gradually worsen over time. Symptoms that should be cause for immediate concern after a car accident include:
- Nausea
- Persistent headaches
- Vision or hearing problems
- Constant or recurring pain
- Numbness/Stiffness
- Fatigue
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Trouble sleeping
- Tingling
What Kinds of Medical Tests Can be Used to Document My Injuries?
In recent decades, science has made astounding technological developments that give physicians a better understanding of how the body functions. Some forms of imaging technology that a hospital or doctor may use when assessing your physical condition after a car accident are:
- X-rays: Although X-rays are not new, they provide doctors with important insights. X-rays are electromagnetic waves used to create an impression of a patient’s body. This allows doctors to see things, such as the position of bones and joints, after a car accident.
- CT scans: CT scans use computerized X-ray images to create three-dimensional pictures. These detailed images can help physicians evaluate the severity of broken bones and other skeletal injuries.
- MRIs: These machines utilize radio waves and magnetic fields to generate an image of any structure inside your body. For car accident victims, they can provide clear images of any soft tissue damage involving your ligaments, tendons, and muscles. An MRI can also locate areas where soft tissue is pressing against the nerves.
- EMGs: Electromyography uses a tiny needle to gauge muscle response. This helps physicians locate the site of any neuromuscular damage or other abnormalities. An EMG can assist in diagnosing any nerve damage that is causing muscle weakness and pain.
- Functional capacity examination: The FCE is a comprehensive evaluation of your endurance, strength, flexibility, range of motion, and stamina. The functional capacity examination will monitor your pain levels while you complete various kinds of day-to-day tasks, like sitting, walking, lifting, standing, and carrying objects, and can help show how your injuries have impacted your life.
Reach Out to a Virginia Beach Car Accident Attorney
Making sure that you receive the proper medical tests can help prove your injuries and get you the financial compensation you deserve. If you were injured in a Virginia car accident, and have any questions about your medical care, call the Virginia car accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharpchedule at (833) 997-1774 and schedule your free consultatio.