If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you are physically injured and emotionally vulnerable, which leaves you especially susceptible to the insurance company’s bag of tricks. Because obtaining just compensation is so important to your recovery, it is always in your best interest to follow your car accident attorney’s lead – rather than turning first to the insurance company involved.
Inviting You to Make a Statement
A very nice and compassionate-seeming insurance agent is likely to contact you soon after the injury-causing accident inviting you to share your story, and doing so may be very tempting. After all, it can be nice to get things off your chest – like how bad you feel about the whole thing. It is natural to be sorry that an accident happened, and this has nothing to do with the fact that you bear no responsibility for the accident. You can count on the insurance company, however, to twist your meaning into an acceptance of fault. The bottom line is that you are not required to provide the insurance company with a recorded statement, and you should hold off on doing so (unless advised to by your car accident attorney).
Requesting a Release of Your Medical Records
The insurance company will also very likely want you to sign a release regarding your medical records, and again, you are well-advised to hit pause and consult with your car accident attorney prior to doing so. While the insurance company will probably need access to those medical records that relate to your car accident, this does not mean they are entitled to carte blanche access to all of your medical records. The purpose behind digging into your medical records is to go on a fishing expedition for any of the following:
To downplay the seriousness of your injuries
In an attempt to demonstrate that your injuries are not related to the crash in question (but instead are a matter of a pre-existing condition)
To question why you did not see a doctor sooner if your injuries are as serious as you claim
Your dedicated car accident attorney will ensure that the insurance company receives the medical information it needs and that it has no access to the medical information it does not need.
Do Yourself a Favor
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, there are two important steps that you can take to help protect both your health and your car accident claim, including:
Seek the medical attention you need as soon after the accident as possible and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully (Do Not Delay Seeking Medical Care after a Car Accident)
Work closely with an experienced car accident attorney and allow him or her to provide the insurance company with the information and documentation it is entitled to
Look to an Experienced Killeen Car Accident Attorney for the Legal Counsel You Need
Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is an accomplished car accident attorney with the experience, legal insight, and skill to help, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 today.
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