You must acquire proper documentation for your car accident injuries in order to recover compensation from another party. Medical records are crucial to proving that your injuries were caused by the crash at issue.
You will need a complete and accurate copy of your medical records to support a car accident claim in Tennessee. This includes past medical records outside the scope of your car accident injury. In many cases, insurance companies suggest that victims’ injuries are linked to pre-existing conditions, as opposed to stemming from defendants’ actions. Our lawyers can help prove that your injuries are related to defendants’ negligence.
If you were injured because of a motor vehicle collision our Tennessee car accident attorneys are prepared to help. The team at Howe Law can review your case for free. Call (844) 876-4357 to speak with us today.
Medical Records Needed to Win a Car Accident Case in Tennessee
In order to recover damages in a car accident lawsuit, you must prove that you suffered injuries as the result of your crash. This will require you to recover a complete and accurate copy of your medical records. First, you must obtain records that establish the harm caused by your accident. The following are common types of medical records used to demonstrate the harm suffered by plaintiffs in car accident cases:
- Paramedic/ambulance records
- Emergency room records
- Hospital records
- Surgical records
- Diagnostic testing records like MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans
- Medication records
- Physical therapy notes
- Independent medical examinations
In addition to providing recent medical records, you must also prove that your car accident injuries are not related to pre-existing conditions. Accordingly, an examination of your prior medical records may also be necessary to support your claim. The assistance of our Nashville car accident attorneys can be very helpful when obtaining copies of records and analyzing your prior medical history.
How Can Your Medical Records Affect Your Car Accident Case in Tennessee?
Medical records are a crucial piece of evidence used to recover financial compensation in car accident cases. There are three main ways that your medical records may affect your claim.
Proving You Suffered Injuries Because of Your Accident
Your medical records are necessary to prove that your car accident injuries are indeed related to your crash. They can help validate your story and discredit the defendant’s arguments. Accordingly, you should be sure to visit the doctor right away after suffering a crash. If you wait too long and your injuries heal on their own, it can be difficult to obtain the documentation necessary to win your case. Our Clarksville car accident attorneys can help find the best physicians for you.
Demonstrate that Your Injuries Are Not Related to Pre-Existing Conditions
Defendants and their insurance companies often look through plaintiffs’ prior medical records while attempting to identify alternative sources for their injuries. Therefore, your prior medical history can be crucial to proving that the harm you suffered is not related to any pre-existing conditions. Our experienced car accident attorneys can help analyze your complete medical history and disprove defendants’ arguments.
Determine the Value of Your Claim
Lastly, your medical records are necessary to determine the fair value of your case. Plaintiffs in can recover payment for any medical expenses related to their car accident injuries. Accordingly, any medical bills you incur will be used to calculate your claim for damages.
Furthermore, your medical records are helpful when quantifying damages for your physical pain and emotional suffering. For example, your medical records may be used to demonstrate a timeline of your injury and the effects it had on your life. The support and guidance of our lawyers can be highly beneficial when using medical records to establish a claim for pain and suffering in your lawsuit.
How Do You Obtain Copies of Your Medical Records After a Car Accident in Tennessee?
Many car accident victims question whether privacy laws will make it difficult to obtain copies of their medical records. While there are laws that limit who can view them, your medical records belong to you. You have the right to retrieve copies of your medical records from all medical providers.
Still, the process for recovering copies of medical records from multiple facilities can be tedious. Our car accident lawyers can help recover and analyze all of the medical records needed to support your car accident case in Tennessee.
Should You Release Your Medical Records to Another Driver’s Insurance Company?
After suffering a car crash, the at-fault drivers insurance company may send you a “medical release” asking for permission to view your medical history. You should not sign this form. Defendants and their insurance companies have no incentives help you. Rather, they want to review your medical records so that they can find reasons to diminish the value of your case. Before entering into communications with another party’s insurer, you should consult with our Knoxville car accident attorneys. Our team will help ensure you take the right steps toward financial compensation.
What if the Insurance Adjuster Asks for a Medical Exam in Tennessee?
In some car accident cases, defendants’ insurance companies will request that plaintiffs undergo independent medical examinations. Insurers may argue that the goal of an independent medical examination is to confirm your claims regarding the severity of your injury. However, in many cases, they are seeking to acquire a medical report that conflicts with claims made by your treating doctor. For example, an insurer may request an examination from a physician that they believe will discount the degree of pain caused by plaintiff’s injury.
Accordingly, you should not agree to an independent medical examination without first consulting with our car accident lawyers. Our team can help protect your interests so that you may recover the payment you deserve.
After Car Accidents in Tennessee, Injured Parties Can Contact Our Lawyers for Help
Car accident victims in Tennessee can reach out to Howe Law for help evaluating the strength of their claims. Speak with our experienced Murfreesboro car accident attorneys today by calling (844) 876-4357.
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