I’ve Been Rear-Ended by a Semi Truck
On October 17th, I was involved in a serious accident where a semi truck rear-ended my vehicle. The state police arrived, and after completing their report, they determined that the truck driver was at fault. The impact was severe; I not only got hit but also collided with two more cars—a white BMW and the corner of a truck—before slowly rolling into the median.
Immediately after the crash, I developed a debilitating headache. After exchanging information and having the police on the scene, I went to the hospital, where they diagnosed me with a mild concussion. The next day, my primary care doctor advised me to take two weeks of light duty until my concussion symptoms subsided. When I returned after that period, I still had lingering symptoms, leading her to extend my light duty for an additional week.
Three weeks after the accident, I began experiencing lower back pain. To address this, I started massage therapy and chiropractic sessions. By November 15th, I was making good progress with my therapy. However, at the beginning of the new year, I started a full-time job that made it difficult to continue chiropractic appointments, and I ended up pausing my visits for about a month to a month and a half.
February brought additional challenges; I came down with the flu and then developed pneumonia, forcing me to take about three weeks off work. Now, I’m eager to get back into therapy but I’m worried about how the time away might affect my case when it comes to settlement discussions.
I’m considering seeking legal advice and would appreciate any guidance on what steps I should take next. Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear about your accident and the challenges you’re facing with your recovery. It’s great that you went to the hospital right after the incident and followed up with your primary care doctor. Those steps are important for both your health and any potential claims.
Regarding your concern about missing therapy, it’s definitely a good idea to get back into treatment as soon as you can. Consistency with therapy can help not only with your recovery but also with documenting your injuries for your case. Insurance companies may look at the timeline and frequency of your treatment when considering a settlement.
Since you’re considering getting a lawyer, that’s a smart move. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide you with specific guidance tailored to your situation and help you navigate the claims process. They can also advise you on how to document your injuries and treatments effectively, which will be crucial for your settlement.
In the meantime, keep all your medical records, treatment invoices, and any correspondence related to your injuries and the accident. This documentation will be valuable for your case. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor about your back pain and discuss starting therapy again.
Stay strong, and I hope you find a way to recover fully.