Your medical records serve as the foundation of your personal injury case. An experienced Carlsbad auto accident lawyer can help you gather and organize your medical records in a way that provides a complete picture of your treatment and how your car accident injuries have affected your life. Contact the Miller & Steele Law Firm today for a free case review and to discuss how our lawyers can assist with medical records.
How Can Medical Records Help My Personal Injury Claim?
Medical records serve many critical purposes in your car accident case, including:
- Establishing that you were injured so that you can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance
- Providing a detailed account of the injuries you’ve suffered
- Outlining your medical treatment and need for ongoing medical care
- Describing your medical expenses so you can seek fair compensation for them
- Providing a timeline of your injuries and how they have progressed
- Proving how your injuries affect your ability to work, live, and function
- Establishing the necessity for medical care
- Documenting permanent limitations for which you can seek additional compensation for
Medical Records to Collect
You may have various medical records. Here is a brief list of those to gather and provide to your Carlsbad injury lawyer:
- Emergency room records: These records demonstrate the seriousness of your initial condition and help link the accident to your injuries. These records can strengthen your credibility in the claims process.
- Physician reports: These medical records may provide detailed information about your diagnoses, prescribed treatment, and the evolution of your injuries.
- Imaging reports: X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other imaging tests can help paint a picture of the injuries you have sustained. This is especially important if you have suffered injuries that are not visible to the naked eye.
- Rehabilitation notes: Physical therapy and rehabilitation notes help show the ongoing issues your injuries cause and your attempts to mitigate this harm.
- Mental health records: Car accidents don’t only cause physical injuries. They can also lead to mental health problems, including PTSD, depression, or anxiety. These records can help demonstrate the emotional distress the accident caused.
- Expert medical opinions: Sometimes, you may need to see a specialist or have an expert testify about your long-term care needs. This information can help gauge your future medical needs.
Tips for Dealing with Medical Records
Here is a brief list of things you can do to strengthen your claim with medical records:
- Seek immediate medical treatment so you can begin documenting your injuries.
- Keep a copy of all of the medical records directly associated with your claim.
- Keep your medical records organized in chronological order.
- Follow your doctor’s orders.
- Keep a pain journal where you document your daily struggles.
- Be honest with your medical providers.
- Ensure your healthcare providers include all of your medical complaints.
Following these steps can help your legal team present a stronger case on your behalf.
Contact Us Today for Help with Your Accident Case
Collecting strong evidence is just the first step in the recovery journey. An experienced Carlsbad motorcycle accident attorney from Miller & Steele Law Firm can help present it compellingly while complying with various laws and protecting your privacy. Contact us today for a free consultation.