Should I Let Another Driver’s Insurance Company View My Medical Records?

medical recordsWhen you file an injury claim with an insurance company for the driver who caused the accident that injured you, the last thing that the insurance company wants to do is pay you the compensation you deserve. After all, the less money they pay you, the more they get to keep for themselves. Because of this, a defendant’s insurance company will do all it can to work against you, and that includes using your pre-existing medical records to concoct a reason to deny your claim. If you have been involved in a car accident and the other driver’s insurer wants to view your medical records, consult with a State College personal injury attorney to avoid making critical mistakes.

What is a Medical Release?

Shortly after your accident, you will likely receive a form in the mail from the other driver’s insurer asking for permission to examine your medical records. If you sign this form, you then open the door to let the company obtain any and all of your medical records, including those for unrelated conditions that pre-existed the accident. Please consult with the experienced State College PA personal injury attorneys at Engle, Kauffman & Van Horn to discuss your rights concerning dealing with the other driver’s insurance company.

Am I Required to Sign This Form?

Absolutely not. After your accident, you are not required to comply with the other driver’s insurance company and sign a blanket medical release form. If you do, you then set the stage for the insurance company and the other driver’s legal team to cherry-pick bits and pieces of your medical history to establish a reason for denying your claim. Instead of caving in to pressure unnecessarily, hire a State College personal injury lawyer to take charge of your case.

What Medical Records are Needed by Insurance Companies?

While the insurance company will of course need some medical records showing you were injured in the accident, they only need very specific documents. These include medical records directly related to your accident, x-rays and other test results that show your injuries, and proof of the treatment you have received thus far and may need to have in the future. Therefore, never sign a blanket release form. If you do so, the insurer will then focus on pre-existing conditions and other irrelevant factors to deny you payment for your injuries. By immediately hiring an experienced State College personal injury lawyer, you will know exactly how to proceed.

Intimidation Tactics

When victims are injured in car accidents, insurance companies always try various intimidation tactics to ensure they do not have to pay out substantial compensation. If they can get an accident victim to unknowingly release all of their medical records soon after the accident, they will often deny the claim and convince the victim nothing else can be done. In other situations, insurers will offer immediate cash settlements, but at amounts that are far too low to fully compensate victims for their medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income. If this happens to you, do not give in to these intimidation tactics. Instead, turn to lawyers who specialize in State College personal injury cases such as those at the law firm of Engle, Kauffman & VanHorn.

Trust Your Lawyer

In situations such as these, always consult with and hire attorneys from a personal injury law firm. State College Pennsylvania residents have relied for years on Engle, Kauffman & VanHorn to hold negligent drivers and irresponsible insurance companies accountable for their actions. It is important to have experienced lawyers on your side who know how to provide you the advice needed to avoid handing over unrelated medical records to insurance companies. To get the maximum compensation you need and deserve, schedule a consultation soon with the attorneys at the law firm of Engle Kauffman & VanHorn.