Q. What’s involved in “making a record?”

A. If you have been in a serious accident, chances are that someone has already made a record of what has happened to you. There already is a police report, an on-the-job worker’s compensation report or the like. If your condition required medical care, hospital records will confirm your injuries.

If you were injured at home, report your injuries to your doctor or health clinic and obtain all appropriate medical treatment. Appropriate treatment is that care recommended by a doctor.

If you have developed food poisoning, in addition to seeking medical care, immediately report your suspicions to the restaurant or store and the county or city health department.

Never hesitate to “get checked out” even when you feel “O.K., but shaken up.” Many times the onset of physical complaints begins 12 to 24 hours later. Maybe you did walk away from being rear-ended by a truck and only feel “shaken up” but tomorrow morning when you get out of bed it may be different.

See a doctor following the collision will insure a preliminary diagnosis and perhaps minimize the discomfort and future treatment you may need later.

Tell the doctor the complete truth and only the truth. Anyone who manufacturers symptoms and then makes a claim is guilty of fraud.

Follow the doctor’s advice. Do not substitute your judgment for that of an experienced medical professional. If you do, it will be used against you whether you over-treat or under-treat.