After sustaining injuries in an accident, seeking medical care should be your first priority. While your health comes first, medical records also play a big role in your injury claim. Proper documentation helps prove your injuries, link them to the accident, and show the impact on your life.
Medical records prove the cause of your injuries
Medical records provide clear evidence of your injuries. They show what type of treatment you received, how severe your injuries were, and whether they required long-term care. In California, insurance companies often look at these records to determine how much to pay for damages, including medical expenses and pain and suffering. If you did not document your injuries well, the insurance company may argue that they are not serious or were not a result of the accident.
Timely treatment strengthens your claim
Seeing a doctor as soon as possible after an accident helps your claim. If you wait too long, the insurance company might say that something else caused your injuries. A doctor’s report from the day of the accident or soon after provides strong proof that the accident caused your injuries. Be sure to follow all treatment recommendations, attend follow-up visits, and keep copies of all medical reports, prescriptions, and bills.
Documentation proves the full extent of your expenses
Your medical documentation should include more than just doctor visits. Keep track of emergency room visits, physical therapy, medications, and any medical devices like crutches or braces. Save receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation costs for medical appointments. All of this adds up when calculating the total value of your claim.
Without detailed medical records, proving your injuries and their effects on your life becomes much harder. Insurance companies often look for reasons to pay less, and missing or incomplete records make it easier for them to do so. Keeping organized medical documentation helps you build a strong accident case and increases your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.