It may seem like a no-brainer that you should always follow your doctor’s orders after a Santa Monica car accident injury, but you would be surprised at how many cases we come across that are practically ruined because victims try to take their health into their own hands.

As serious car accident injury lawyers who have been practicing in Southern California since 1982, we have seen it all, as clients have come to us needing help with a wide range of injuries.

One of the most common injuries we come across are those that are a direct result of car and truck accidents, and many times require that the patient enlist in an extensive follow-up treatment program.

Depending on the severity of the injury, your doctors can prescribe different medications, physical therapy, or even lifestyle changes to help bring the patient back to a full recovery. And not only is following the doctor’s orders a healthy choice, but it can also increase the chances of a successful case.

In a personal injury case, the at-fault party’s insurance company will do everything they can to prove that your injury either was not a direct result of their insured’s negligence behind the wheel, or that you are not really injured at all. If they catch wind of the fact that you did not follow all of your doctor’s instructions, the insurance company can misconstrue this information and make it look like you are purposely trying to disregard the importance or severity of your injury.

The easiest way to avoid this is to always follow your doctor’s instructions, including:

  • Always take all prescribed medication for the correct amount of time, until your doctor tells you not to. 
  • Make sure to complete all physical therapy, even after your body starts to feel better
  • Take your doctor’s advice if he or she recommends lifestyle changes. For example, if you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, chances are that your doctor will encourage you to limit the amount of loud music, bright lights, and extreme temperatures you are exposed to. 
  • Never skip a follow-up appointment or test because you “feel better.” Pain is not the only indicator that something may still be wrong, which is why these appointments are important. 
  • Don’t let your pride get in the way. Your physician knows best, and if he or she recommends using the help of another person or device, such as a walker or a wheelchair, then it is for your own good.

Following the above guidelines will help both your health and your case. For more information on how to improve your health, talk to your doctor. For more information on how to help your case, talk to us – Southern California’s premier car accident injury lawyers. The attorneys at Steinberg Injury Lawyers will not only provide you with a complimentary case evaluation, they will also give you a free copy of The Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Injury Case just by calling 1-800-989-6385 or by filling out their online form.

Peter Steinberg
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Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Since 1982