Dealing with a car accident can be an emotionally draining process. Once you’re out of the situation you must work on recovering and focusing on your health. But there’s still the looming issue of dealing with other driver’s insurance. After a car accident, the other driver’s insurance company might ask for your medical records. While it may seem straightforward, sharing your medical history with them carries significant risks. It’s in your best interest to protect your rights during this time and make sure you’re covered while dealing with the aftermath of your car accident.
Your Information Used Against You
One major risk is the possibility of your medical information being used against you. It’s no surprise that the other driver’s insurance wants to throw the blame at you. Insurance companies try their best to keep from spending money and giving out payouts when they can. They will use any opportunity they can to find ways to get information out of you. If they have access to your medical records, then they can spin it to where the accident is your fault.
Compromised Privacy
Sharing medical records compromises your privacy. You have a right to keep these records confidential, with plenty of laws on your side to prove that. These records contain details that pertain to your medical history which is sensitive information. Once in the hands of the insurance company, there’s no assurance of confidentiality. This leaves you in a serious position as they have access to information that they don’t need to know. It’s important to remind the other driver’s insurer of this and to keep the medical records to yourself.
Weakened Negotiating Position
Providing access to your medical records can weaken your position during settlement negotiations. You want to make sure that you’re covered during this time. If the insurer discovers information that they believe weakens your claim, they may use it as leverage to offer a lower settlement. Without legal representation, negotiating with the insurance company becomes more challenging. This leaves you in a weaker position and might force you to pay for something that might not even be your fault.
Delayed or Complicated Claims Process
Sharing your medical records may complicate the claims process. Having extra information gives the insurer an excuse to prolong the process. Claiming that they must go through your medical records extensively before they can conclude. This wastes your time and keeps you from receiving compensation. Which can add unnecessary stress to your recovery process and cause more issues for your case.
Misinterpretation and Selective Use
Another risk is the potential misinterpretation or selective use of information. This can leave you in a complicated situation when insurers use your information against you. Insurers might cherry-pick details from your medical records to support their position while ignoring evidence that contradicts it. Making it seem like you aren’t fit to drive or find a way to blame you for the accident. Creating an inaccurate picture of the accident and of yourself. Which makes it harder to vouch for yourself when you’re building your case.
Loss of Control Over Information
Once you provide access to your medical records, you may lose control over how your information is used or shared. Even if the insurance company promises confidentiality, there’s no guarantee they won’t share it with other parties involved or use it beyond the scope of your claim. You can’t trust these insurers and assume they will keep any promises. Their intentions are for the company and not for your well-being. The less information you give them, the less they can antagonize you and make you out as the bad guy.
When it comes to sharing your medical records, those need to be kept private. Whatever your doctor has written is nobody else’s business but yours. You have a right to keep those protected and tell the insurer that they don’t need to know what’s going on during your recovery process. Before agreeing to provide access, carefully consider these risks and seek guidance from a qualified attorney. An attorney can protect your rights, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure your medical information is handled appropriately during the claims process. You can continue to recover as you work on your claim without having to stress about any details.