Vancouver, Washington, car accidents often result in injuries, even if the accident itself was relatively minor. And when this is the case, you should pursue a personal injury claim so that you can receive the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses.
If you need to gather medical records to support your car accident claim, you should get the help of a Vancouver personal injury lawyer. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of Washington car accident attorneys has extensive experience handling car accident cases and can help you get the best possible outcome.
Keep reading to find out what medical records you need in a car accident claim and why medical evidence is so crucial.
Why Medical Records Matter in Car Accident Cases
One of the most important pieces of evidence in a car accident claim is medical records. That is why you, with the help of your Vancouver personal injury lawyer, should prioritize gathering as much medical evidence as you can before you file your claim.
Here are some examples of why medical records are so important in Vancouver car accident claims:
- Causation: It isn’t enough to have documented injuries; you must prove that they were caused by the car accident. Your medical records can create a link from the accident to your injuries, making it clear that they were not caused by an unrelated accident.
- Injury severity: Insurance companies notoriously try to downplay car accident injuries as a way of reducing the compensation they must provide. So, you need extensive medical evidence that establishes how severe your injuries are, including whether or not they are chronic or disabling.
- Compensation: Your medical evidence will directly influence how much compensation you can receive for your injuries. This is because your evidence helps to establish how your injuries have impacted you financially in the present, as well as how they are likely to impact you financially in the future.
Types of Medical Records That Support Your Claim
Now that you know why it’s important to include medical evidence with your accident claim, what type of medical documentation should you use? Here are some examples of the different types of medical evidence that you can use to support your claim depending on your injuries:
- Emergency room records
- Doctor’s notes
- Imaging results
- Physical therapy records
- Specialist reports
- Medical bills
Common Mistakes That Hurt Claims
If you are the victim of a car accident in Vancouver, Washington, and you sustained injuries, it is your right to pursue compensation. But there is always the risk of issues coming up during the claims process that could potentially lower your settlement, including:
- Delayed treatment: If you did not immediately seek medical treatment, this could weaken your claim. Delayed treatment can be a red flag to insurance companies and can also make it more difficult to prove that your injuries were really caused by the accident.
- Gaps in treatment: If you don’t follow your physicians instructions or you miss a doctors appointment, this can contribute to gaps in your treatment. Insurance companies will likely use any gaps in treatment to discredit your claims so they don’t have to provide as much compensation.
- Stopping treatment: Additionally, if you stop your medical treatment for any reason, this can work against your personal injury claim. For example, if you stop treatment and your injury becomes worse, the insurance company could argue that this is your own responsibility since you failed to continue your care.
When you work with a Vancouver accident lawyer, they will work tirelessly to protect your right to receive compensation. They will also handle all communication on your behalf so that you aren’t pushed around by insurance carriers. This will also protect you from accidentally making statement that could damage your claim.
How Insurance Companies Review Medical Records
When reviewing your medical records, insurance companies are looking for anything that they can use to reduce the compensation they are responsible for providing. Because of this, they will conduct a very detailed investigation to check for things like inconsistencies in your information or gaps in your treatment.
Insurance companies will also try to find any information that they could use to indicate that the injury wasn’t related to the accident, the injury isn’t as serious as you have claimed, or that the injury became worse after the accident due to another situation.
Additionally, insurance companies will review your prior medical history to look for any pre-existing conditions. And although pre-existing conditions do not remove your right to receive compensation, they can make it much more difficult. That is why you should be upfront about any pre-existing conditions from the start so that it doesn’t look like you are trying to hide anything.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Getting compensation for auto accident injuries isn’t just your right as a Washington resident; it is a necessity. A settlement can help you cover your medical expenses as well as provide support while you are in recovery.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our Vancouver accident lawyers are here to help you build a strong personal injury claim that establishes fault and proves the extent of your damages. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ Section
Do I need medical records if liability is clear?
Yes, providing medical records with your car accident claim in Vancouver, Washington, is still essential. This is because medical records also help to prove that the accident caused your injuries, how severe they are, and their financial impact on your life.
Can delayed treatment hurt my case?
In most cases, yes. Unless you have a very good reason for delaying treatment, insurance companies can use this against you.
Should I continue treatment if I’m feeling better?
Yes. You should continue to follow your physician’s instructions even if you feel like you are recovering. If you stop treatment or there are any gaps in treatment, insurance companies can try to use this as a way of discrediting you.