HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS
When an accident happens, it is important to make note of the facts, because as everyone knows, memory fades with time. Understandably, when one is injured, and perhaps confused after an accident, this will be difficult. Nevertheless, all efforts must be made to make written notes of the facts and the names of witnesses. Photographs of the site of the accident and of the injuries are very helpful, and can be taken with a cell phone camera. This can be done with the help of a family member or a friend, but it is a task that should be done.
In addition, when speaking to doctors who are treating you for your injuries, it is important that you give a full account of what happened and what your symptoms are at the time. The obvious importance of this communication is that it will enable the doctor to make a more accurate diagnosis of your condition and prescribe an appropriate treatment. But it also helps the legal case by creating a written record of your symptoms on the date of your injury, and as the treatment proceeds, there will be written records of your progress and recovery. It happens often that a person considers some symptoms more important than others, communicates some but not others, and then finds out that the less significant symptoms have not resolved over time and have actually gotten worse. In that regard, it helps to have a daily journal to keep track of your symptoms and limitations so that you can refresh your memory on each doctor visit. However, any delay in communicating these symptoms reduces the level of credibility that is attributed to the later symptoms, with the result that they may be attributed to other causes.
Furthermore, it is important to attend every treatment session, especially when the symptoms are persisting and the doctor has recommended follow-up. It is usually assumed that if treatments have been missed, there probably were no symptoms to treat, and the patient has probably recovered. In that regard, discontinuance of treatment should be the case only under the advice of your doctor and if indeed a full recovery has been made, so that unnecessary medical bills can be avoided. However, as long as symptoms are persisting and the doctor is recommending continuation of treatment, then treatments should continue.
Moreover, under the advice of your doctor, all measures should be taken to avoid making the injuries worse. If a doctor has advised that certain activities are to be avoided, then you should by all means avoid them.
Finally, stay in constant communication with your attorney, especially before taking any step which might have an effect on your case, and before talking with anyone else regarding your case.