Pedestrian Accident Medical Treatment Guide

Immediate Medical Care

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Emergency Room
When to go to ER:
- Any loss of consciousness
- Head or neck pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe pain anywhere
- Visible broken bones
- Heavy bleeding

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What Happens at ER
- Triage assessment
- Imaging (X-rays, CT scans)
- Treatment of acute injuries
- Pain management
- Referrals for follow-up

Follow-Up Care

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Primary Care Doctor
- Ongoing symptom monitoring
- Referrals to specialists
- Medication management
- Work status documentation

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Specialists You May Need
- Orthopedic surgeon
- Neurologist
- Physical therapist
- Pain management doctor
- Psychologist/psychiatrist
- Chiropractor

Treatment Documentation

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Why It Matters
- Proves injury severity
- Shows treatment necessity
- Establishes medical costs
- Documents recovery timeline
- Supports future needs claims

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What to Document
- All appointments kept
- Treatments received
- Medications prescribed
- Medical bills
- Mileage to appointments
- Time missed from work

Gap in Treatment Problems

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Why Gaps Hurt Your Case
- Insurance claims you weren't injured
- Suggests injuries weren't serious
- Defense argues injuries unrelated to accident
- Reduces credibility

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Valid Reasons for Gaps
- Financial constraints (document this)
- Doctor availability
- COVID-19 delays
- Other documented reasons

Treatment on a Lien

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Medical Liens Explained
- Doctor treats now, gets paid from settlement
- No out-of-pocket costs during treatment
- Ensures continuous care
- Common in personal injury cases

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Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No upfront costs
- Access to specialists
- Treatment documentation

Cons:
- Lien must be paid from settlement
- May be reduced through negotiation
- Some doctors don't accept liens