Why is it Important to Follow Medical Advice After a Car Accident?

woman speaking with doctor

If you were involved in a car accident it is crucial that you follow all professional medical advice given to you. Abiding by a doctor’s recommendation can allow you to have a speedy recovery, as well as protect you legally. Speak with a San Mateo County, California motor vehicle accident lawyer for representation when filing a claim or lawsuit.

What is the Importance of Following Medical Advice After a Car Accident?

When you are involved in a physically and/or emotionally traumatic accident, like one involving a motor vehicle, it is crucial that you seek immediate medical attention. Getting evaluated by a medical professional is necessary for a variety of reasons and following their expert advice is even more important.

Health and Safety

The most important reason to follow a doctor’s medical advice after being involved in a car accident is to ensure your health and well-being. The actions you take right after being injured will alter the way you heal and recover. Following medical advice can expedite the healing process and lead to a more efficient recovery.

Doctors are experts in the medical field and are qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat your injuries. Although no one knows your own body better than you do, your doctor can identify symptoms and issues better than the average person and knows the medications, surgeries, therapies, etc. that will work to aid in your recovery.

Abiding by medical advice also prevents complications and long-term issues. If you do not abide by the treatment plan that was recommended to you it could lead to a worsening of your condition and you may develop additional injuries or issues. This could lead to long-term or chronic pain and potentially life-threatening complications.

Legal and Insurance

In addition to protecting your health and safety, following professional medical advice is crucial when you are attempting to pursue compensation through a claim or lawsuit. After an accident, you can generally file a claim with your insurance provider or the negligent party’s insurance provider. You can also file a lawsuit against them.

Whichever legal action you choose to take, evidence is paramount in ensuring that you can prove liability and how your injuries have impacted your life. Part of the evidence required will be your medical records. Insurance providers and jurors will look at your diagnosis, the severity of your injuries, the treatments required, your recovery time, and more to determine how you were affected by the accident. If they find that you neglected the medical advice your doctor gave by not taking your medication, refusing treatment, not participating in physical therapy, etc. it can be used against you. The defendant could argue that your injuries are not as severe as you are claiming because you would have followed the treatment plan otherwise. They could even suggest that your current injuries happened as a result of a different situation and are not their fault.

Speak with a personal injury attorney for more information and individualized assistance.

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