After a car accident claim is filed, it is common for the insurance company to request a copy of your medical records. While it may be necessary to provide your records at some point, you should never sign a waiver or give them either written or verbal authorization to gather that information until you speak to your attorney.
Why Should You Wait to Provide This Information?
Insurance companies want to see proof of your injuries. It makes sense for you to provide your medical records for that purpose. However, they do not have the right to access any of your medical information prior to the accident. They also only need very specific components of your file.
Insurance adjusters may use your medical records against you otherwise. For example, they can use your medical records to try to argue that you have a pre-existing condition that makes your claim ineligible. They may use the information in your medical file to prove you don’t need the care you are stating you need.
Instead, you want to release only medical information the insurance company actually needs. This includes, for example, just an MRI to prove damage to your spinal column and not a full medical record indicating previous back-related injuries. Provide just the bare minimum.
How Can an Attorney Help You?
Your Nebraska car accident attorney will work as the middle person. They will obtain all requests for information from the insurance company. They will talk to the insurance company to avoid any type of miscommunication. They will approve only the release of information necessary and only with your approval. If information is requested that is not necessary, your attorney will eliminate the risk of providing too much information. This protects your right to compensation for those losses. It prevents the insurance company from digging into your medical history to find something to discredit your claim.
Don’t make key decisions like this on your own. Call the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLO to learn what to do to protect your rights. Let our team guide you today. Chat with us online or call our office for a free consultation.
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