Many people don’t realize that even minor car crashes are jarring to our bodies. Typically, these injuries will have little outward property damage, so we believe that we’re ok inside too. But even low impact accidents can cause soft-tissue injuries like whiplash.
Because we feel most comfortable on a normal schedule, a car wreck can upend this routine. Personal injuries will likely require medical treatment with doctor’s appointments, and depending on your doctor’s recommendations, this may mean missed time from work to heal.
With missed time from work, medical treatment, and getting your car fixed, this can compound the financial stress of a car accident. It’s important to note that getting immediate medical care is critical to your health and any potential injury claim. While you may feel a rush to try to get back to return to your normal life, going back to work early can potentially worsen your condition.
In order to feel the most comfortable in returning to work after a Sacramento car accident, we recommend taking these tips into consideration.
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5 Things to do Before Returning to Work after a Sacramento Car Crash
1. Make sure to follow up with Doctors appointments
Insurance companies have plenty of tricks they use to deny claims like delay, recorded statements, and a false sense of security. If you don’t seek medical attention right after your injury, you run the risk of your claim being denied and giving them more help. Additionally, if you don’t seek any medical attention at all, you won’t be entitled to pain and suffering damages.
After your first examination, you’ll be given a plan of treatment to follow from your doctor. You’ll have follow up appointments, and if your injury requires a specialist, you may have additional appointments with a separate office. It’s imperative to follow the instructions your doctor(s) give you and attend all appointments.
If you neglect the doctor’s orders, it could not only have a negative effect on your long-term health, when you can return to work, but also the insurance company may refuse to cover additional care.
2. Document Your Symptoms, Pain, and Complications
In the days following an accident, it’s a good idea to record what you’re experiencing both physically and mentally. Continue this process throughout your recovery to help maximize your injury claim. When you return to the doctor, make sure to report any additional symptoms you feel.
By being detailed as possible, it will help your doctor determine the scope of your injuries when it is appropriate for you to return to work, and what you’re physically able to do. If you experience any complications, don’t wait to see if they go away. Make sure you’re documenting them and reporting them to your doctor.
3. Get a Doctor’s Note to Return to Work
Once your doctor has given the go-ahead, get it in writing. This will be proof to your employer to excuse the time you’ve missed and what you’re physically capable of doing upon return.
Your doctor’s note will also serve as proof to the insurance company that any time missed was medically justified due to the injury. In addition, it will help in seeking damages for those days you’ve missed at work from the injury.
4. Don’t Go Back to Work Too Soon
There is no right or wrong time to go back to work, but you can definitely go back too soon. We understand that the financial burdens of the injury are stressful, but it’s important to focus on recovery. If you return to work too soon, it’s possible you could aggravate your injury.
In addition, if you return to work before the doctor says it’s ok, this could affect the compensation you receive because you aren’t following your treatment plan.
5. Know What to do If You Aggravate the Injury or Find You Can’t go Back to Work
Following a treatment plan will never guarantee a full recovery. For example, doctor’s estimate that there is a 70-90% success rate with reducing pain after surgery. There is always the chance of re-injury or a flare-up. You’ll want to inform your employer and set a doctor’s appointment immediately if this happens.
If you return to work and find that you’re unable to work at your previous position, you’ll want to discuss the issue with your employer and the doctor. It may require accommodation by your employer or additional time off for recovery.
Seasoned Sacramento car accident attorneys will be able to help you through dealing with your employer and when to return to work. Almost all personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss your case with you—we are no different.
Don’t make a mistake in hiring the wrong car accident lawyer . If you’ve been injured and have questions about missed time from work in Sacramento or the greater Sacramento area, call Car Accident Attorney Hanecak Law Inc and we will go through your case with you today.
We can be reached at (916) 619-5452 or through our form online. We offer friendly advice at no cost to you and help you figure out your options. Don’t wait before it’s too late.
