Records for Car Accident Litigation
Car accidents happen far more often than we would like them to, and retrieving all the necessary records to help someone’s case is a must. This is why following the right steps and knowing what to look for when retrieving client’s medical records due to car accidents is extremely important.
Retrieving Records for Car Accidents
There are always important rules and guidelines to follow when retrieving medical records. When retrieving records due to a car accident there are a few extra steps to follow in order to get all of the information you need to build your case
Here are 5 main tips to follow and things to look for when retrieving records due to car accidents:
- Efficiency:
Car accidents are no joke, and neither are the injuries that may come along with them. Retrieving records in a fast and efficient way is a MUST during this process. Getting the records that are needed quickly will help build a client’s case in a timely manner with all the correct information that is necessary.
- Correct Confirmation:
In order to save some time and money during this process it is important to know where the records should be requested from. By doing this, it ensures that the records are being requested from the right office, as well as requesting those records from the right person. At times it can be tricky to determine how to properly serve the request due to high volume, and this leads to the records not being obtained as quickly. This is just one example on why using a record retrieval vendor can be a HUGE advantage because they help figure out all you need to know.
- Emergency Room Visits:
Something that is VERY important to keep in mind when retrieving medical records due to a car accident is that the ER bill and the hospital bill are separate bills. If a client went to the ER that you must get the records from the ER. It is commonly seen that the ER billing is forgotten when collecting records for a client’s case. The ER bill is extremely important because in the end it can help tremendously when it comes to the claim so that the client can get ALL of their bills paid for due to the accident.
- Know What You Need – Different Types of Records:
To get all the records that are necessary make sure records are gathered from ALL doctor visits. It is important to have a client’s records from an Urgent Care, Emergency Rooms, Primary Care Physician, as well as any tests that were done during these visits. If a client had to get an X-ray, CT scan, or an MRI done then those tests will be sent out to get a more detailed report, and this is a necessary bill that is needed for the case. If the client needed Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Care, or any other health care specialist visits that is also important to have records of. Claims records that are from prior accidents are needed, as well as prescription records to help show any medications that were provided.
- Driving Records:
Driving records can sometimes help or hurt the case, but they are still important to have on file. These files will help to see any previous driving records for both parties, such as seeing what their driving record looks like or if they have been hurt before in any previous motor vehicle accidents. Although, a poor driving record can’t always be used as evidence that the driver was driving carelessly at the time, but in some cases it can help bring more light to the surface and help the case.
This piece originally appeared on RecordTrak.com on January 17, 2020.
Magna Legal Services made industry news in January with the acquisition of RecordTrak, the most respected record retrieval firm based in the US. Collectively, our clients can now tap into 40 plus years of experience with exclusive access to RecordTrak‘s proprietary collection portal.
Record retrieval for insurance companies has some unique and specialized processes. RecordTrak’s online and invoicing systems accommodate these needs. Whether associated with multi-party record access, third party or e-billing, we’ve been there, done that. We work with you to customize the on-boarding protocols for your counsel so you’re in control.
For more information, email Magna Legal Services directly at [email protected], or contact Peter Hecht or your local account manager at 866.624.6221.