Should I Release Medical Records After a Car Accident in Orlando, Florida? | Pardy & Rodriguez, P.A.

Video Summary

Following a Florida vehicle collision, individuals should be cautious about providing unrestricted access to their medical records to the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance companies may request medical documentation to investigate prior injuries, medical conditions, or previous claims that could affect the evaluation of a current injury claim. Signing a broad medical release without understanding its scope may allow the insurer to obtain information that is not directly related to the accident. If an insurance adjuster requests medical records or asks you to sign a medical release, consulting with a qualified attorney before providing the records can help you understand your rights and protect your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I provide medical records to the other driver’s insurance?

You should consider speaking with a qualified attorney before agreeing to provide medical records or signing a broad medical release requested by the other driver’s insurance company.

2. Why do insurance companies ask for medical records after an accident?

Insurance companies may request medical records to investigate the nature and extent of your injuries, including whether you had previous injuries or medical conditions that could affect your claim.

3. What is an insurance “record hunt”?

A “record hunt” refers to an insurer’s effort to obtain information about an individual’s prior injuries, medical treatment, claims, or other relevant history that could be used when evaluating a current injury claim.

4. Can my personal life history be used against me?

Information about your prior claims, injuries, or other personal circumstances may become relevant to an insurance company’s evaluation of your claim. You should understand what information you are authorizing an insurer to access before signing a release.

5. What should I do if an adjuster asks for my medical records?

If an insurance adjuster asks you to sign a medical records release, consider speaking with a qualified attorney before agreeing to provide the records. An attorney can help you understand the scope and potential consequences of the requested release.

6. Is it safe to sign a medical release form?

A medical release can authorize an insurance company to obtain medical information, depending on its terms. Before signing, it is important to understand exactly what records and information the release allows the insurer to access.

7. Do insurance companies look for previous injuries?

Insurance companies may investigate previous injuries or medical conditions when evaluating an injury claim. This information can be used to determine whether an injury was caused or aggravated by the recent accident.

8. Will the insurance company use my medical history against me?

An insurer may consider relevant medical history when evaluating a claim. Because the scope of a medical release can be important, you should understand what information is being requested before providing authorization.

9. Should I talk to a lawyer about medical record requests?

Yes. Speaking with a qualified attorney can help you understand a medical records request and determine what information may be relevant to your claim before you authorize its release.

10. How do insurers find prior claims?

Insurers may request medical records, claim information, and other documentation to investigate an individual’s prior injuries or claims. The information obtained may then be considered when evaluating the current accident claim.

Transcription of the Video

After you’ve been injured in a car accident in Florida, you should not agree to release your medical records to the insurance company for the person who caused the accident. That request is meant so that they can go on a record hunt for you. They are attempting to find out about other injuries, claims, or other problems that you may have in your personal life and use those against you. If an insurance adjuster asks you to release records, you should speak to a competent attorney about your case.