Don’t Release Your Medical Records to the Other Party’s Insurance Company
If you’ve been in a car accident and want to settle your claim for a fair amount, here’s another important secret you should know: don’t release your medical records to the other party’s insurance company. This third secret to settling your car accident injury claim is very important because once you sign any agreement without your lawyer’s consent, you give up your medical records and lose out on your legal rights. This means you could lose out on tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
After an accident, the other party’s insurance company may try various methods to get information from you. It may even trick you into signing a release. If you agree and sign the release, this allows the other party’s insurance company to access your medical records. You should not allow this to happen. Your medical records, when in the wrong hands, could even be used to devalue your claim. The other company will try to claim that your injuries were pre-existing and that the accident did not cause them.
Your insurance company and lawyer should have access to your medical records, but nobody else.
If You Are Contacted by the Insurance Adjuster
If you are contacted by the insurance adjuster, it’s likely because it’s clear you have a strong case and the insurance company wants to lessen the damages as much as possible. They want to reach you before you contact a lawyer because it will save them a lot of money.
They will try a variety of tactics to get you to quickly settle. They will tell you what a great deal you’re getting. They will make you feel like you won’t get a better offer ever again, so they’ll give you a deadline. You’ll feel the pressure to sign, but stay strong and say no.
If you sign an agreement, you will be barred from filing a claim in the future. There are no second chances, so if your injuries get worse and you need more compensation, you’ll be out of luck.
If Insurance Adjuster Approaches
If you are approached by an insurance adjuster, you need to know how to communicate effectively. If you don’t sign the agreement, the insurance adjuster will then find ways to get you to admit guilt. Anything you say or do will be used against you. Even saying simple phrases such as “I’m sorry” or “I’m fine” can ruin your case.
Therefore, your best defense is to hire a lawyer to handle the insurance company. Personal injury lawyers know how to deal with insurance companies. They know what to say to avoid admitting guilt and ruining your case. In addition, a talented legal professional will also be able to work aggressively on your behalf to help you recover compensation for your injuries and move forward with your life. In light of this, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney before discussing anything with an insurance adjuster.
Read about the other secrets:
- Conduct a complete investigation.
- Get photographs of all important elements in your case.
- Don’t release your medical records to the other party’s insurance company.
- Get the insurance company to set up a high reserve account.
- Keep the adjuster informed about the seriousness of your injuries.
- Don’t let the insurance adjuster pressure you into settling your case.
- Keep a day-by-day diary of your injuries.
- Know all your damages.
- Keep all bills and receipts related to your accident.
- Know all your injuries.
- Know your sources for insurance coverage.
- Stay under your doctor’s care until your doctor releases you.
- File your lawsuit right away.
- Ask a qualified trial lawyer to evaluate your case.
- If you decide to hire a lawyer, choose a trial attorney who isn’t afraid to go to court.