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Home > Accident Attorney > SHOULD I GIVE MY MEDICAL RECORDS TO MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER FOR A CALIFORNIA ACCIDENT?

Written by Jelena Tiemann and Peter B. Tiemann

Last Updated : January 14, 2022

SHOULD I GIVE MY MEDICAL RECORDS TO MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER FOR A CALIFORNIA ACCIDENT?

Posted on Monday, October 14th, 2019 at 6:20 pm    

After a motor vehicle accident in California, there are many things that you need to take care of related to the accident. Typically, the top two priorities after a car accident are to seek medical care and arrange for transportation. If the other driver caused the accident, you would likely file an insurance claim with the driver’s insurance provider.

Settling Car Accident Claims

Property damage claims are usually settled quickly, but personal injury claims take more time. You need to complete medical treatment and be released from medical care before you settle an insurance claim for personal injuries. The insurance adjuster assigned to your case may ask you to sign a medical records release form or medical records authorization. The adjuster should explain that this form is necessary for the insurance company to obtain copies of your medical records to verify your injuries for the claim.

The adjuster might tell you that without this form, the insurance company cannot process your claim. However, the adjuster may not tell you that the insurance company wants access to your entire medical history.

For that reason, we strongly suggest you speak with a Sacramento personal injury lawyer before signing any forms for the insurance company. Giving the insurance company access to your medical records could potentially harm your case.

Why Would the Insurance Company Want Access to My Medical History?

Insurance companies do not earn profits by paying large settlement claims. Therefore, companies try to lower the amount of money they must pay to accident victims to settle their claims. If they cannot find a valid reason for denying a claim, such as the accident victim was partially at fault for the crash or liability for the claim is unclear, the company may try to find a reason to lower the value of the claim.

Blaming injuries on previous health conditions or prior accidents is a common way insurance companies attempt to lower the value of an insurance claim. The company reviews the victim’s medical history searching for health conditions, illnesses, or injuries that could be related to the current injury. The company then blames the current injury in whole or in part on the past medical condition to decrease the value of the insurance claim.

Does this tactic work? If the person has retained an experienced California personal injury attorney, the tactic usually does not work. There is case law that supports victims receiving full compensation for current injuries, even if an existing health condition or injury may have contributed to the degree of injury sustained by the victim in the car accident. The legal theory argues that the victim should not be held at fault for any portion of the injury because the other person’s negligence was the cause of the crash.

However, accident victims who do not seek legal counsel before accepting a settlement offer may not be aware that they might be entitled to full compensation.

Contact a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer for Help

Before you sign any forms for an insurance company or agree to a settlement, talk with one of our personal injury attorneys. Learn about your legal rights and your options for recovering compensation after a car accident from someone who only has your best interests in mind.

Contact our Sacramento car accident attorneys for a free consultation by calling The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website.

Categories: Accident Attorney, Accident Injury, Attorney At Law

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Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
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I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.

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I have nothing but great things to say about this firm. They have been extremely helpful and professional when dealing with my case. Anytime I needed anything or wanted to be updated they responded immediately. They made me feel like they cared. Highly recommend them!

Michael T. Testimonial
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I sat down and met with Jelena Tiemann about my vehicle accident.I presented all of my documentation to her in which she gave me her assessment.Although the Tiemann Law Firm wont be representing me because my settlement offer was pretty good she was very clear,forward and professional about what she felt could and couldn't be done.I recommend this law firm to anyone who needs a helping hand at fighting a case where you don't have to worry about the outcome not going in your favor. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees.

Herb T. Testimonial
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The Tiemanns were referred to me by a friend and I am exceptionally happy with the service I received. I had never been in an accident before. I had no idea what to do. Jelena verbally explained how everything would work to me, and she and Peter handled everything. I didn't have to lift a finger once. They went above and beyond for me and I am extremely grateful. I pray I won't ever need this type of assistance again, but I will definitely be referring them to friends and family.

Jennifer T. Testimonial
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I highly recommend The Tiemann Law Firm! I had never before been in a situation where I sustained injury and had to seek legal representation. I was nervous, traumatized, and had no idea what to expect. Jelena, Peter, and their staff walked me through each step of the process. They explained everything in detail. They patiently answered all my questions, responded quickly to every email, text message, phone call, etc. I felt totally prepared for each new phase of the legal process. Furthermore, they were fearless in their defense of me. In certain situations, when I felt attacked or scared my attorney protected me like I was family. Their diligence, honesty, integrity, and compassion provided a true sense of healing and closure for my family and I. The Tiemann Law Firm accomplished more for me than I ever thought possible and I am forever grateful.

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

S.B. Testimonial
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Here's the thing... Nobody really thinks much about lawyers until they need one.  Well, we needed one!  The Tieman Law Firm came through for us in a big way. They were professional, courteous, thorough, and had excellent staff as well.  Highly recommended...

Star Fire Testimonial
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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

Jereme S. Testimonial
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No one wants to have to hire a lawyer, but if you do. I prefer Tiemann Law. They helped a family member who was injured on the job, and the company did not want to compensate him even though, the injury occurred on the job on company time. Jelena was always professional in explaining the lengthy process of fighting a large corporation. 2 years later he finally is receiving the deserved compensation.

Maye Ly Testimonial
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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Matt H. Testimonial
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I was in a car accident a while back where I was injured and had to miss work for an extended period of time.  After nearly a year of fighting with the insurance company with no results and no progress, I met with Jelena Tiemann.  I couldn't have asked for a more responsive and supportive advocate.  We quickly reached a settlement and I finally was able to move from the stress and burden of feuding with my insurance.  I highly recommending meeting with Jelena if you're in need of a lawyer.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
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Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Lendzey Garcia
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I was in a very bad/ major car accident I originally had an attorney who wasn’t trying to help me out much or take any of my calls so I called Tiemann and told them my situation. They made it an AWESOME and Smooth transition over to them and took on both cases I had. I just settled on my big case and am beyond great full. For them and their team! I highly recommend them. To add on to this a little On how much they will work with you, I moved to Montana in the middle of all Of this and it was not an issue!