When you meet with a truck accident attorney in Andover after a collision, one of the first things they will ask about is your medical records. These documents serve as the backbone of your personal injury claim and tell the detailed story of how the accident affected your health and life. At Altman Nussbaum Shunnarah, we aim to provide clarity on why your medical records play an essential role in pursuing a claim after a truck accident. This guide discusses why these records matter and how they help your attorney seek maximum compensation for you.
Why Medical Records Matter in Truck Accident Cases
Medical records provide solid proof of your injuries and the treatments you received after the truck accident. They create a clear timeline that connects your injuries directly to the crash. Insurance companies and courts rely on these documents to verify your claim and determine fair compensation. Your medical records include emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, physical therapy sessions, and any other medical care related to the accident. They also document your medications, diagnostic tests, and recommended treatments. This detailed information helps your attorney calculate the full cost of your medical expenses and project any future medical needs.
Types of Medical Records Your Attorney Needs
Some of the medical records an attorney might ask for include;
- · Hospital records: The initial emergency room visit after your truck accident generates crucial documentation. These records show your immediate condition, vital signs, and the emergency treatments provided. They often include details about how the accident happened based on what you or emergency responders told medical staff.
- · Treatment plans and progress notes: Your ongoing medical care creates a paper trail of your recovery journey. Doctor’s notes show how your injuries affected your daily life and work abilities. They track your improvement or ongoing challenges, which helps prove the accident’s long-term impact on your life.
- · Medical bills and receipts: Keep all bills, invoices, and payment receipts from your medical care. These documents help calculate your current medical expenses and estimate future costs. They include hospital charges, doctor visits, medications, medical equipment, and therapy sessions.
Demonstrating the Scope of Your Damages
In personal injury cases, compensation is not limited solely to physical injuries. The law recognizes that accidents often have far-reaching impacts that extend beyond the initial trauma. Medical records, therefore, help demonstrate the full scope of damages, which may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term disability. A truck accident may result in injuries that prevent you from returning to your previous line of work, requiring documentation that highlights how these injuries affect your ability to earn a living.
For example, suppose your injuries prevent you from resuming work or engaging in daily activities as you did before the accident. In that case, your medical records will detail the limitations you face due to your injuries. This documentation provides essential support for the compensation you seek, ensuring that the court or insurance adjusters recognize the lasting effects the accident has had on your life. Your attorney can use this evidence to paint a complete picture, showing the damages that go beyond just physical injury.
Ensuring Consistency in Your Claim
Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize or deny claims, and one of their strategies involves finding inconsistencies in a claimant’s story. Medical records provide consistent, factual evidence of your injuries, making it difficult for insurers to argue that the injuries are exaggerated or unrelated to the accident. For instance, if there are notes from your healthcare provider that detail the physical limitations you experienced post-accident, those notes become a reliable source of truth. Insurers may attempt to argue that pre-existing conditions are responsible for your injuries, but your medical records will clearly show any new injuries caused by the accident.
Safeguarding Your Privacy While Sharing Necessary Information
Many clients express concerns about privacy when it comes to sharing their medical records. Rest assured, at Altman Nussbaum Shunnarah, your privacy is paramount. Your truck accident attorney will only request records that are directly relevant to your claim. Although the insurance companies may need to review some of these records, your attorney will work to ensure that only necessary details are disclosed.
Moreover, sharing these records is typically limited to those directly involved in your case, including your attorney, the insurance company, and, if needed, the court. Your attorney will carefully review each document and select only what is necessary to establish your case and protect your interests.
Let Us Help with Your Truck Accident Case
At Altman Nussbaum Shunnarah, our experienced Andover truck accident attorneys know how to use medical records effectively in building strong injury claims. Contact our Andover office today for a free consultation.
