After a car accident, it doesn’t take long before the other driver’s insurance company reaches out. One of the first things they might ask for? Access to your medical records.
This may seem like a routine part of the post-accident insurance process, but agreeing too quickly can create serious problems. Dealing with an insurance adjuster can put your privacy at risk. Plus, what you share and how much can directly impact your ability to recover full compensation for your injuries.
Before making any decisions, learn what you need to know about medical record requests after an accident. Knowing how to respond can help you avoid costly mistakes and keep your claim on solid ground.
Why Insurance Adjusters Request Your Medical Records
Every state, including Florida, has specific rules governing crash reporting and insurance claims. Insurance adjusters work for the company, not for the injured party. Their goal is to minimize the amount their company pays out, even if it means digging through medical files to find reasons to question a claim.
To evaluate whether a claim is valid and how much it’s worth, they’ll ask for documentation that supports the details of the injury and treatment. This step is part of the post-accident insurance process, but it’s also where things can get tricky.
Here are some of the medical records they often request:
- Emergency room reports
- X-rays or other imaging scans
- Follow-up treatment records
- Physical therapy notes
- Medical bills for all related care
Sharing some of these documents may be necessary, but it’s important to be selective. Just because the adjuster asks doesn’t mean handing over every record is the right move.
Medical Records That Support Your Claim
When dealing with an insurance adjuster, it’s important to know which documents help your case. Relevant documentation helps establish the link between the crash and your medical treatment, which is central to your claim. Only share records that directly relate to injuries caused by the accident.
Here are examples of relevant medical records to include:
- Ambulance transport reports
- Emergency room visit summaries
- Diagnostic images tied to the crash
- Follow-up appointments with treating doctors
- Physical therapy notes related to recovery
Providing only the necessary documents helps streamline the post-accident insurance process while maintaining the confidentiality of medical records. Focusing on current injuries avoids confusion and keeps the claim aligned with what actually happened.
Records You Should Keep Private
Not every part of your health history is relevant to a car accident claim. Handing over unrelated records can hurt your case more than help it. Insurance companies may use this extra information to argue that your injuries existed before the crash or aren’t as serious as claimed.
Here are examples of irrelevant medical records you don’t need to share:
- Old sports injuries or unrelated back pain
- Chronic illnesses not linked to the crash
- Mental health treatment records
- Routine annual checkups
- Childhood medical history
Pro tip: Talk with an attorney before releasing anything beyond what’s necessary.
Risks of Sharing Too Much Information
A blanket release can give an insurance adjuster access to your entire medical history, not just the records related to the accident. They could misinterpret prior injuries or unrelated conditions and use them to question the legitimacy of your claim. Key risks include:
- Loss of privacy
- Claim devaluation
- Claim rejection
- Breach of confidentiality rights
Records sharing without clear limits puts your case at risk and makes protecting medical privacy even more important.
How to Respond to Medical Record Requests
Avoid signing a broad or unlimited medical release form from the insurance adjuster. Under the US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), medical information must be protected, so release forms should specify which records can be shared and for what purpose. Instead, request your own records and work with your attorney to share only what’s necessary for your case.
Take time to review everything before sending and remove any unrelated details to keep your information private. Document your injuries and treatment! It’s also a good idea to keep track of what you share and when.
Having a clear record helps you stay organized and protects your rights if questions arise during the post-accident insurance process.
Sharing Medical Records at the Right Time
Insurance companies need proof of injury to process claims. Sharing medical records too early or without review can hurt a claim. The best time to share records is after a full diagnosis and when treatment clearly shows progress.
Negotiating with insurance companies involves exchanging medical information, but it does not mean providing everything right away. Choosing what and when to share helps keep control of the claim. Always ask why more records are needed and talk with an attorney before sending additional information.
Handling Pre-Existing Conditions in Your Claim
Insurance adjusters often try to use past injuries to reduce your compensation. Despite this, you have the right to recover for new injuries or any worsening of existing conditions caused by the accident.
Florida follows the eggshell plaintiff rule, which protects injured parties even if they are more vulnerable due to pre-existing issues. Medical records confidentiality also plays a key role in preventing unfair reductions by limiting access to unrelated health information.
Legal Advice for Dealing With an Insurance Adjuster
A personal injury attorney can guide the record-sharing process and help protect your privacy. They know what should and shouldn’t be disclosed after an accident.
A personal injury attorney will:
- Review all requests
- Limit record sharing to only what’s relevant
- Protect your rights under state and federal laws
Dealing with an insurance adjuster is safer when your attorney manages the conversation and keeps your claim focused on the facts.
Your Trusted Partner in Insurance Claims
Protecting your privacy and sharing medical records wisely strengthens your personal injury case. Careful steps and expert legal guidance help avoid common mistakes and unnecessary risks.
RHINO Lawyers stands out as Tampa’s premier law firm, delivering fast, reliable, and trustworthy service on your terms. Our high-tech, high-touch approach means communication happens how and when you want it, whether by call, chat, or video.
Reach out now to experience legal support that respects your time and puts your needs first while handling the challenges of dealing with an insurance adjuster.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
