The most important factor in determining the value of your car accident claim is the nature and extent of the injuries you sustained in that accident. Your medical records document the injuries and tell a story. Your attorney will use your medical records to support your claim and recover the maximum amount available for you.
If you have sustained injuries in a car accident, your medical records can make or break your claim. At The Law Offices of Edward Smith LLC, our collective years of experience handling car accident cases across Colorado have equipped us with the knowledge needed to ensure our clients get a favorable outcome. Keep reading to find out why medical records after a car accident are so important and how they provide proof of your injuries after a car accident.
Why Medical Records Are Critical in Car Accident Claims
If you wish to pursue a car accident settlement in Colorado after sustaining injuries, one of the most important forms of evidence you need to provide is medical records. Medical records document the injuries you suffered in the accident. Without medical records that show you were injured, you will likely not be able to recover money damages for those injuries from the at-fault party.
The main purpose of medical records after a car accident is to establish proof of injury. You need to first prove that the injury actually occurred and was directly caused by the accident. After establishing that fact, your medical records should go on to support how extensive the injuries are and how they have impacted your life.
Types of Medical Records That Matter Most
When it comes to an injury claim, not all medical records are created equally. And even though your attorney will want to provide as much documentation as possible, your attorney will focus on the most relevant and effective medical records.
Here are some examples of the medical records your attorney will collect when handling your personal injury claim:
- Emergency room records
- Doctor and specialist notes
- Diagnostic imaging
- Prescription history
- Physical therapy records
- Medical treatment bills
It can be challenging to access all of your medical records after a car accident, and that is why you should get the help of a Colorado car accident lawyer. A car accident attorney will be able to reach out to all of your medical providers to get access to your medical records as part of handling your personal injury claim.
How Medical Records Affect Settlement Value
The settlement value for a car accident claim varies significantly depending on the situation and the evidence presented. That is why you need to go above and beyond when collecting evidence to prove the extent of your damages and your right to receive fair compensation.
Generally speaking, more severe injuries will result in a higher settlement. However, keep in mind that the settlement value can be dependent on other factors as well, including:
- Type of treatment needed
- Cost of treatment
- Long-term or short-term treatment
- Length of recovery
- Long-term or short-term physical therapy
- Impact on daily life and work
- Future medical needs
Common Mistakes That Can Weaken Your Case
Unfortunately, it is very easy to damage your personal injury claim without even realizing it. This is especially true when it comes to providing medical records, since insurance companies will look for any way that they can to minimize the severity of your injuries.
So, here are some of the most common mistakes that you should avoid that can negatively impact your car accident claim.
Delaying Medical Treatment
The number one thing you should avoid doing after a car accident is delaying medical treatment. The sooner you get medical care, the better.
If you wait to get medical care, even by a few days or weeks, this could lead to questions surrounding causation. For instance, insurance companies may try to explain away your injuries as being the result of something unrelated to the accident.
Failing to Follow Medical Treatment
It isn’t enough to get medical care after a car accident; you also need to follow any long-term medical treatment. Failing to follow the recommended treatment can significantly damage your claim, especially if your injuries continue to get worse.
You should carefully follow any medical treatment you receive and should attend regular follow-ups to establish the validity of your injuries and the consistency of treatment.
Providing Contradictory Information
A very common mistake that people make with their personal injury claims is providing contradictory information. This is something that is easy to do accidentally, but can later be used against you by insurance companies.
You need to be completely straightforward when it comes to how extensive your injuries are and what you have done to treat them.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Leaving out pre-existing conditions can be tempting, but you need to be completely transparent with your medical documentation. Insurance companies will specifically look for pre-existing conditions and can use this against you if you fail to disclose them. At the same time, a pre-existing injury or condition is not a bar to recovering money for your injuires, butit must be dealt with carefully and that is where a Colorado personal injury lawyer can help you.
If you are worried about getting a fair settlement if you have a pre-existing condition, a personal injury lawyer in Colorado can help protect your rights and still get you the settlement you deserve.
Get Legal Representation From a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a car accident, your medical records become a very important aspect of your claim. . Having proof of medical treatment after a car accident helps establish the validity of your injuries, helping you to get the compensation you need and documents the fact that you are trying to make a complete recovery. At The Law Offices of Edward Smith LLC, our Longmont personal injury lawyers will work with you one-on-one to build a strong personal injury claim. To begin working with an experienced car accident lawyer in Colorado, contact us today at 303-682-2944 for a free consultation.
