What to Say to a Doctor After a Car Accident 

After a car accident, you may be wondering what to say to the doctor.  

In this article we will cover what to say, what not to say, and how your medical records will impact your insurance claim and potential car accident claim. 

So, what should you say to your doctor after a car accident? 

Car accident patients should communicate the following information to their doctors, whether in an emergency room or urgent care: 

Details About the Car Accident

Describing how the accident occurred, where the vehicles impacted, and your position within the vehicle helps a doctor determine potential injuries, their severity and the type of medical treatment to use. 

Patients should provide only known information and refrain from exaggeration or guessing. 

Symptoms, Pain, Limitations, and Mental Well-being

Patients should let the doctor know about any changes they have experienced since the car crash and update their primary care physician regularly.  

It is important to also discuss if new symptoms you develop, especially if you have sustained serious injuries. Additionally, many common car accident injuries such as whiplash and back pain, are not felt immediately. 

As we discuss later, your medical records, medical bills, and medical history are an important part of your accident case.  

Your pain and suffering, and how long it lasts are important for determining the extent of the injuries. 

Previous Injuries or Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

This information helps a doctor distinguish between injuries that are related to the recent car accident and those that are older or chronic.  

It also keeps the auto insurance company from finding the information elsewhere and using it to try and deny an injury claim.  

In addition to providing accurate information to the doctor, it is also important for patients to follow their treatment plans and inform medical providers and doctor’s office they are doing so. They should also schedule and attend all appointments as recommended. 

Misrepresenting facts or failing to provide important details can potentially jeopardize your health as well as your personal injury claim. Information in medical records can help to prove injuries or can be used by an insurance company to try and deny them. 

What Not to Say to a Doctor After a Car Accident

Many doctors will typically begin their examinations by asking questions about the car accident and the symptoms you are experiencing. 

While a car accident victim should communicate with their doctor about the injuries they sustained in the auto accident, they should avoid talking about the legal aspects of their claim. 

Having these conversations could potentially affect the doctor’s professional judgement. 

The defendant could bring up these conversations during negotiations or the trial. Healthcare providers should concentrate on providing you with medical care and not potential car accident litigation. 

Accurate medical records that document your injuries are a critical part of proving an injury claim after a car accident.  

Patients should remember that any information they share with a doctor may become part of their medical records.  

Again, if the information is unfavorable or harmful to the legal claim, car accident victims might end up with a case dismissal or compensation reduction. 

By being honest and only discussing injuries and treatment, patients can ensure the information contained in their medical records is considered objective and credible.  

Any communication may become part of your medical records and be used as evidence.  

Always be truthful and make sure a doctor understands all of your symptoms and how you have been affected. Cooperate with your medical team and follow treatment recommendations. 

Go See a Doctor After a Car Accident, Then Come Talk to J.D. Silva & Associates

Located in Pearland, TX, the personal injury lawyers at J.D. Silva & Associates advocates for and recovers compensation on behalf of clients injured in car accidents. Our bi-lingual personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the justice our clients deserve. 

Do not wait to find out whether you have a valid case against the person who hurt you or mistake saying the wrong thing to your healthcare team.  

Instead, contact our law firm today for a free consultation. Our car accident lawyers can give you the legal advice you need. Contact us today.