At the Hernandez Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorney in Conroe knows how difficult it can be for our Texas clients to take the necessary steps to ensure a successful recovery.
The challenges associated with being hurt in a vehicle collision, slip and fall accident, or while enjoying the day on the water begin with getting the medical care you need to assess your immediate injuries while creating a long-term care plan.
Seeking medical care immediately after an accident with injuries occurs also outlines your overall treatment needs and how long you will need to be away from work to fully heal.
Each detail associated with your injuries — especially your medical records — will become the cornerstone of your personal injury case.
That is why it is important to protect your medical records from the insurance company, so your injuries cannot be undervalued for their gain.
Our Montgomery County personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options while protecting your future, starting with clear instructions on what you should not share with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Do Not Sign Any Documents Provided by the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company
Almost immediately after an accident occurs, the at-fault party’s insurance company is going to call the injured party right away to help mitigate their corporate losses.
Their approach will be friendly, as they ask questions about your condition. The hope is that you will say you are okay, or somehow take partial fault for the accident, so they can use that statement against you.
Next, they may request your medical records, stating that the only way they can help you is to learn the full extent of your injuries. This request is deceptive.
Legally, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, states that no one can view your medical records without written approval — including insurance companies or attorneys.
As a rule of thumb, avoid signing any documents the insurance company provides.
One just might be a release for more than just your current medical records from the accident, but your complete medical history, which could hurt your personal injury case.
Do Not Allow the Insurance Company to Review Your Medical Records Without Talking to a Personal Injury Attorney First
Insurance companies are notorious for providing injury victims with blanket documents that are difficult to understand, especially while they are working on their physical and emotional recovery.
Typically, the goal of these documents is to gain access to a personal injury victim’s complete medical record — including all past injuries and illnesses — so they can blame their current injuries on a pre-existing condition, separate injury, or another accident and avoid paying for their full recovery needs.
Insurance companies know exactly how to avoid paying or significantly diminishing the value of an accident claim, even when their policyholder was clearly at fault.
If you provide access to your medical records, it may give them the resources they need to do exactly that.
Contact Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Conroe, Texas to Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Contact our knowledgeable Conroe personal injury lawyer at the Hernandez Law Firm today by calling 936-256-3115 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation where we will listen to your complete story and present the potential legal solutions available for your unique case.
