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When pursuing a car accident claim in Memphis, your medical records are critical in building a solid case and maximizing the compensation you deserve. While filing a claim, insurance adjusters, attorneys, and courts rely on medical records to understand the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the costs associated with your treatment and recovery.
Here, our Shelby County personal injury lawyers at the Gold Law Firm look closer at why medical records are so vital and how they influence the outcome of your Tennessee car accident claim.
Establishing the Link Between the Car Accident and Your Injuries
One of the first steps in a car accident claim is proving that the accident directly caused your injuries. Medical records provide a timeline of treatment and highlight any immediate evaluations after the accident.
Insurance companies carefully examine initial medical reports, emergency room records, and doctor’s notes to determine whether your injuries were likely caused by the car accident. Without a clear link, proving that the other party’s negligence led to your injuries can be challenging.
Proving the Extent of Your Injuries
Medical records document the full scope of your injuries, from minor sprains to more severe fractures, head trauma, or spinal injuries. Detailed records from doctors and specialists include diagnostic tests, like MRIs or X-rays, surgical reports, and notes on physical therapy sessions.
These records help ensure that the true nature of your injuries is accurately represented and that compensation reflects the immediate costs and long-term care needs.
Quantifying Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages can be a substantial part of a car accident claim in Memphis. However, they are subjective and difficult to quantify without proper documentation. Medical records provide objective data on the treatment you received and your reported levels of pain during recovery.
Ongoing medical records, such as physical therapy notes or pain management consultations, help strengthen claims for pain and suffering by demonstrating the long-term impact of the accident on your quality of life.
Documenting the Need for Future Medical Care
For many car accident victims, recovery isn’t a quick process. Medical records help our personal injury lawyer project future medical costs by showing patterns in your treatment and how your injuries will likely affect you in the long term.
This includes potential surgeries, medications, and even psychological care if you’re experiencing trauma related to the accident. Insurers look at these anticipated costs when determining compensation, making it essential to have clear records that forecast ongoing care needs.
Supporting Loss of Income and Earning Capacity Claims
If you’ve missed work or can no longer perform your job due to injuries, medical records support your loss of income claim. Reports from your doctors about physical limitations, required treatments, and recovery time give weight to any request for lost wages or reduced earning capacity. The more comprehensive your medical records, the more accurately our lawyer can estimate the financial impact of your accident on your future earnings.
Building Credibility with Consistent Medical Documentation
Consistency in your medical records builds credibility in your claim. The insurance company can use any gaps or inconsistencies in treatment or diagnosis to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed. It’s essential to attend all appointments, follow prescribed treatment, and document any issues as they arise. Regular updates to your records provide clear, reliable evidence that supports your claim.
Tips for Using Medical Records to Strengthen Your Case
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine after the accident, symptoms of injuries like whiplash or internal damage can appear later. Early medical documentation is invaluable for proving your claim.
- Follow Through on Treatment Plans: Failing to attend appointments or ignoring prescribed care can weaken your claim, as it suggests that your injuries may not be as severe.
- Work with Our Knowledgeable Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer: Our experienced Memphis car accident and injury attorney knows how to present medical records effectively and address any potential weaknesses that insurers may attempt to exploit.
Contact Our Skilled Personal Injury Attorney at Gold Law Firm
If you or a loved one is seriously injured in a car accident caused by negligence, call David Gold. With over 165 five-star reviews, hundreds of client testimonials, and tens of millions in damages collected for clients throughout Tennessee, We can start on your case with no up-front fee or out-of-pocket expense. If there is no recovery, there is no attorney fee.
Call or text (901) 244-5003 or contact us online for your free consultation today.