I was rear-ended by a semi truck on October 17th. The state police wrote a report confirming that the truck driver was at fault. The impact caused my car to hit two other vehicles—I side-swiped a white BMW and grazed the corner of a truck before rolling into the median. Almost immediately after the accident, I experienced a severe headache. After exchanging information and involving the police, I went to the hospital, where they diagnosed me with a mild concussion. The following day, my primary care doctor advised me to take it easy for two weeks until my symptoms improved.
After two weeks, I still had lingering symptoms, so she recommended an additional week of light duty. Once I was cleared, about three weeks post-accident, I began to experience lower back pain. I started receiving massages and chiropractic therapy.
By November 15th, I was keeping up with my therapy, but I got a full-time job at the beginning of the year that made it difficult for me to continue visiting the chiropractor. I ended up stopping my sessions for about a month to a month and a half. Unfortunately, February was tough for me as I dealt with the flu, which progressed to pneumonia, forcing me to miss about three weeks of work.
Now, I’m considering returning to therapy, but I’m worried that the extended break will negatively impact my case when it comes time for settlement. I’m also looking into hiring a lawyer and would appreciate any advice on what steps I should take next.
I’m really sorry to hear about your accident and the challenges you’ve been facing since then. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot with your health and work situation. Here’s some advice that might help you navigate this:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of your medical visits, treatments, symptoms, and how your injuries have affected your daily life and work. This documentation will be important for your case.
Get Back to Therapy: It’s great that you’re considering returning to therapy. Continuing your treatment is not only important for your recovery but also shows that you’re taking your health seriously, which can help strengthen your case.
Consult with a Lawyer: Since you’re looking to hire a lawyer, make sure to find one who specializes in personal injury cases. They can offer specific guidance on how to handle your situation, including the potential impacts of your treatment gaps on your settlement.
Be Honest About Your Symptoms: When discussing your injuries with your lawyer and healthcare providers, be honest about all your symptoms, including the back pain and how the flu and pneumonia have affected your overall health.
Insurance and Settlement Timing: Keep in mind that insurance companies often look at the continuity of treatment when evaluating claims. If you’re concerned about the gap, your lawyer can help frame your situation appropriately, including any legitimate reasons for the delays.
Focus on Recovery: Healing should be your priority. As you settle back into therapy, make sure you’re also taking care of your overall health.
Remember, it’s normal to have concerns about the upcoming settlement, but with proper documentation and guidance, you’ll be in a better position to handle it. Take care of yourself and good luck with your recovery and your case!