After being injured in a car accident in Massachusetts, your primary focus should be on getting the medical treatment you need and following your doctor’s recommendations. But there’s one mistake many injury victims unknowingly make that can seriously hurt their case: oversharing unrelated personal information with their doctors – especially about vacations or other activities.
As Massachusetts personal injury attorneys serving Boston, Framingham, Worcester, and the surrounding communities, we want you to understand why what you say to your doctors matters and how it can impact your personal injury claim for compensation.
Your Medical Records Are Important But Can Be Used Against You
Medical documentation is one of the most critical elements in proving your injuries after being injured in a car accident in Massachusetts. Accurate and consistent medical records provide objective evidence that connects your injuries directly to the crash, outlines the severity of your condition, and demonstrates the treatment you’ve received. These records are used by insurance companies, attorneys, and, if necessary, a jury to evaluate the legitimacy and value of your personal injury claim. Without thorough documentation from licensed medical providers, it becomes much harder to establish the full extent of your damages and recover the compensation you deserve.
However, you must understand that everything you say to your doctors and medical providers is typically documented and memorialized in your medical records. If you casually mention an upcoming vacation, weekend getaway, or even that you went out with friends, insurance companies and their adjusters may try to use that information to argue that you're not as injured as you claim. Even if your trip was low-key and didn't worsen your condition, insurers may try to spin it to suggest you're exaggerating your injuries.
Stick to Relevant Medical Information and Complaints
Your medical appointments are not the place to talk about personal plans or activities unless they are directly related to your injury or recovery. For example, rather than telling your doctor you're in too much pain to sit for a flight or that walking around on vacation was difficult, you should keep it simple, such as explaining that it is painful to sit for long periods of time due to your back injury or that walking long distances aggravates your back pain. But volunteering unrelated details – like how excited you are for a cruise or a ski trip – can raise red flags, even if you're simply going to relax.
Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys will scrutinize your medical records, looking for leverage or any reason to reduce or deny your claim. Don’t give them the ammunition.
Focus on Your Injuries, Symptoms, and Limitations
When speaking with your doctors or therapists after a car accident, it’s essential to be honest, detailed, and consistent about your symptoms and limitations. Don’t downplay your pain or assume something isn’t worth mentioning – your medical provider can only document what you report, and those records are a very important part of your injury claim.
Be specific about how your injuries are affecting your daily life. For example, let them know if you’re unable to lift certain objects, have trouble sleeping due to pain, can’t drive for long periods, or need help with basic household tasks. Describe any loss of mobility, emotional distress, or reduced participation in activities you previously enjoyed. This level of detail not only helps guide your treatment plan but also creates a clear and credible record that supports the seriousness of your injuries and their impact on your quality of life (i.e., pain and suffering) - both of which are vital to securing fair compensation in your Massachusetts car accident case.
Experienced Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyer Here To Protect You and Your Case
The aftermath of a car accident is already stressful enough. Between dealing with injuries, mounting medical bills, and calls from insurance companies, the last thing you need is to have innocent comments misunderstood or taken out of context.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Massachusetts—whether on the Mass Pike, Route 9, I-95, or any other roadway – experienced Massachusetts car accident Attorney Chuck Pappas can help protect your rights. We represent clients throughout Boston, Framingham, Worcester, and across the state, and we know how to handle insurance companies that try to play hardball.
Contact our office today by calling (508) 879-3500 or online for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on getting better.
Don’t forget, for answers to many questions and great information on how to get the best possible settlement in your accident case, get a copy of our book: 