After a car accident in Los Angeles, you will likely find yourself in communication with insurance agents representing the other driver involved in the collision. These insurance agents may be able to offer you a settlement for your losses. In most cases, they will ask you for access to your medical records in this situation.
Should you release your medical records to another driver’s insurance adjuster in Los Angeles, CA? Go over the risks associated with releasing your medical records here with the Simmrin Law Group. Call (310) 896-2723 to speak to a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles about the best way to get compensation after a wreck.
Uses of a Medical Release Form After a Los Angeles Car Accident
Before we discuss whether or not you should release your medical records to an insurance adjuster, let’s go over the information contained in your medical records. Many drivers believe that signing a release for their medical records will give the insurance company access to limited records. You may think the adjuster will only be able to see records about injuries you sustained in the accident.
Unfortunately, this is not true. The adjuster may be able to access all of your past medical records if you hand over your rights. Adjusters can then go back through your records. This search focuses on finding past injuries that can be used to dismiss your current injuries.
Do Not Sign Away the Rights to Access Your Medical Records
Generally, the professionals recommend that you do not sign over access to your medical records to the other driver’s insurance adjuster. As we mentioned, adjusters can use this right to dig deep into your medical history. They can attempt to show that:
- You had a preexisting condition OR
- You had a past injury or illness AND
- Your current injuries are linked to your past medical history
You may be denied full compensation for the injuries you sustained in a car accident in this situation. Take steps to ensure that insurance adjusters do not take advantage of you by contacting a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles right away after your collision. Get started by calling (310) 896-2723.
Share Your Medical Records Responsibly After a Car Accident
Note that you will have to share your medical records in regards to the accident at some point after a collision. However, you do not have to share your entire medical history. A car accident lawyer can help you request your medical records. You can then share pertinent records with insurance adjusters.
In many cases, your lawyer will recommend against sharing medical information immediately. You may need to wait until you have:
- Received a medical diagnosis regarding your injuries AND
- Your treatment process has begun OR
- Your treatment has been completed
A car accident lawyer can review the specifics of your situation to make sure that your records are shared in an appropriate manner. We can make sure that insurance adjusters do not overreach when they request your medical records.
Sharing Other Information with Insurance Adjusters in Los Angeles
Insurance agents representing the other driver will likely contact you quickly after a car accident. These adjusters often present themselves as your friends. They may tell you that they want to help you get the compensation you need, while asking you probing questions about the accident.
Legal experts recommend that you do not discuss your accident with insurance adjusters. You should not take blame for the accident. In fact, you should not take even partial responsibility for the collision, as this can be used to limit the compensation you receive.
You can allow a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles to handle all communication with insurance adjusters for you. The team at the Simmrin Law Group understands the strategies used by insurance companies to deny car accident claims. We can negotiate with adjusters, working to bring you a fair settlement from a position of strength. A lawyer can even support you if your case goes to court.
Call a Lawyer Before Releasing Medical Records to an Insurance Adjuster in Los Angeles
You should not release your medical records to another driver’s insurance adjuster in Los Angeles, CA. While your records will be shared at some point, you should not give the adjuster access to your full medical history. Find out what information you should share by speaking to the Simmrin Law Group. We can answer your questions when you fill out our online contact form or call (310) 896-2723.
Review the best way to handle your wreck with a FREE case evaluation from our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles.