Why Medical Records Matter After a Crash in Charleston, SC
After a crash, you may assume the amount of vehicle damage reasonably reflects your injuries. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters often use this argument to deny or minimize bodily injury claims. This can leave individuals without fair compensation and forced to pay out of pocket for another person’s negligence. At John Price Law Firm, LLC, our Charleston car accident attorneys will help you gather the information you need to establish your injuries and recover the compensation you deserve.
What Medical Records are Typically Used in a Car Accident Case?
Insurance companies and the courts rely on the following information to document your injuries, treatment, and recovery:
- Emergency room records from the day of the crash
- Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.)
- Laboratory tests
- Operative reports
- Notes from follow-up visits, specialists, and physical therapy appointments
- Documentation linking the symptoms to the collision
Car Damage Does Not Reliably Indicate Physical Injuries
After a wreck, it’s natural to assume that the amount of damage to your car reflects the severity of your injuries; the more mangled the vehicle, the more serious the claim. Insurance adjusters rely on this assumption and frequently use it against injured drivers. Suppose your car shows only minor dents or scratches.
In this case, an adjuster may argue that the crash simply couldn’t have caused significant injury, no matter what your doctor says. This is sometimes called the “low impact” defense, and it’s one of the most common tactics used to minimize or deny an otherwise valid claim.
The truth is that vehicle damage and human injury don’t always correlate. A stiffer, newer frame may be better equipped to handle impact and show little visible damage. However, significant force can still be transmitted to a driver’s neck, back, or spine. Conversely, a car that looks totaled in photos may have protected its occupants well. In short, vehicle damage is not a reliable means to determine the severity of injury sustained by the occupants inside.
Tips to Support Your Injury Claim
While medical records can provide a better understanding of the extent of your injuries, our Charleston motor vehicle injury lawyers recommend taking the following steps to strengthen your claim further:
- Seek prompt medical treatment.
- Avoid gaps in treatment (do not cancel or miss follow-up appointments).
- Save all medical bills and records.
- Keep a daily pain journal, detailing any new symptoms that present and your mobility limitations.
- Avoid posting anything about your accident on social media.
Contact Our Injury Lawyers at Your Earliest Opportunity
Although nobody expects a fender bender to result in serious injuries, it can. At John Price Law Firm, LLC, our Charleston motor vehicle injury attorneys know what evidence is needed to document the severity and extent of your injuries. Our legal team is equipped to handle tough insurance negotiations and will never settle for less than you deserve. To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or call (843) 552-6011.