In the aftermath of a crash, it’s important to carefully document your injuries and provide this information to an injury lawyer in Baltimore. All types of car accident injuries can occur during both low-and high-speed crashes. Leg injuries are particularly common, since the legs can strike against the interior of the car or be struck by flying objects. Car accident injuries can include knee damage such as knee joint dislocation, bone fractures, and tendon ruptures. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) may both become hyperextended and torn. Knee injuries can require weeks of recovery time and sometimes reconstructive surgery is required.

Other types of car accident injuries can include fractures. When the leg strikes the steering wheel or instrument panel, the large bone in the thigh called the femur may fracture. If not treated surgically, femur fractures may sometimes lead to long-term mobility problems. Other injuries can involve the feet and ankles, which may become broken or sprained.

After surviving a car accident in the Baltimore area, it may take weeks or even months to pick up the pieces. Enlisting the services of an injury lawyer will bring a powerful advocate to your side. Your injury attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and may file a personal injury lawsuit if need be. To begin the process, your attorney will need plenty of information from you about the accident.

Did you file a police report and take photographs?

It’s essential to file a police report after an accident. Making a “gentleman’s agreement” with the other driver is a sure way for you to get stuck with the bill, especially if the other driver does not carry insurance. You will need to obtain a copy of the police report and share this with your injury attorney. The police report is an invaluable piece of evidence that may demonstrate that the other driver was at fault for the crash. In addition to the police report, your injury attorney will need any other evidence you have. This will ideally include photographs of the crash site and the vehicles, copies of your medical records, and copies of your receipts for expenses related to the accident.

Did you seek medical care?

Many people jeopardize their claims by failing to seek medical care in a timely manner after a car crash. Even if you feel you are not seriously injured, it’s essential to get to a doctor right away. Your injury attorney will ask whether you sought care immediately, where you were treated, and whether you underwent any medical tests such as imaging studies. The results of medical tests can be powerful evidence for substantiating your injury claims.

Have you sustained a permanent disability?

It’s important to keep your attorney updated about the progress of your recovery. At some point, it may become clear that you have sustained a permanent disability. Share this information with your lawyer immediately because it will significantly affect the amount of compensation he or she will seek on your behalf. If you have sustained a permanent disability, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your loss of earning capacity and your future medical expenses.

Workers’ compensation claims in Baltimore are notoriously difficult for employees to sort through. After sustaining an injury or illness while on the job, it’s highly recommended that you enlist the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer. Your lawyer can offer legal guidance and answer your questions about your medical benefits and wage compensation. When you go to appointments with your workers’ compensation lawyer , be sure to bring along any new written instructions from your doctor.

Documenting Your Injury

Ideally, injured workers should seek medical care as soon as possible after the injury occurs. One of the primary ways that a doctor can facilitate a workers’ compensation claim is by documenting the injury in the patient’s medical records. Be as specific as possible during your appointment with the doctor. Explain all of the symptoms you have experienced and the level of pain you have. Explain when your symptoms first occurred and whether they have grown worse. You should also give your doctor details about the incident. For example, you may have broken a hand while falling in the office. You might explain that you slipped on a spilled liquid in the office, lost your balance, and fell on your hand.

Determining the Cause of the Injury

As your workers’ compensation lawyer can explain, your benefits are contingent upon the determination that your injury or illness did indeed arise from the course of your employment. If the case involves an acute injury, the cause is usually clear-cut. However, some work-related health problems that may have less clear causes include repetitive strain injuries and illnesses. In these cases, it’s particularly important to give your doctor as much information as you can regarding how your work activities caused the health problem. For repetitive strain injuries, you can describe all of the movements you are required to perform that cause your pain. For illnesses, you should share information about any toxic substances you may be exposed to at work.

Clearing You for Work

Your doctor will determine when you are medically cleared to return to work. It’s important to keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor. Let your doctor know if your pain or other symptoms have persisted or perhaps worsened. Ask your doctor if you might require any work modifications when you return to your job.