When you are injured in a car accident due to the actions of another party, you may want to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. For your injury claim to have a favorable outcome, you need to have solid medical evidence. This includes your medical records. After a car accident, you need to be seen by a doctor. You should collect your medical records to serve as part of your evidence for the claim. Medical records are vital, so keep the following in mind:

Why Are Your Medical Records Important in a Car Accident Injury Case?

Your injury needs to be properly recorded after an accident. Your medical records are important for several reasons. First, it shows how you were hurt in the accident. Injuries sustained in a car accident, whether you have whiplash, broken bones, or gashes, are clearly noted in your medical records. The records will show the type of injuries you have, the severity, and the type of treatment you received. The records also show any time you had to spend as an inpatient in the hospital if the injuries were serious.

The records will also corroborate the timing of the accident. If you are seen by your doctor after an accident, it proves you sought medical care for injuries sustained in the accident. This reiterates the importance of seeking medical care as soon as possible after the accident. If you wait too long to get medical care, it could be argued that your injuries may be due to another cause unrelated to your car accident.

How Do You Obtain Medical Records?

Any facility that treats you for injuries is required by law to provide you with copies of your medical records upon request. As you request your records, be sure to ask for the correct type. You can ask your lawyer which records are best to prove your medical damages. You can ask for an itemized set of records, but make sure all the pertinent information is included. Most commonly, car accident cases are best supported with medical evidence such as your medical bills, notes from the doctors who treated you, notes from a surgeon, the medication you received, and receipts if you had to pay for any treatment out-of-pocket.

To get your medical records, visit the records office at the facility where you received care for your injuries. You may have to provide a written request if your attorney is gathering the records on your behalf.

Contact an auto accident attorney for more information.  

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