Medical Records Tell The Full Story
Doctor visits, physical therapy, and mounting medical bills could be part of the road to recovery following a Miami car crash. Healthcare is key to physically healing, and medical documentation is often heavily relied on by insurance companies and defense attorneys when it comes to determining the value of a claim.
If there are gaps in care or incomplete records, your case could lose strength. Talk to a Miami personal injury lawyer about how medical records can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
Why Medical Records Are Key Evidence
Medical records are the most objective form of evidence when it comes to proving the extent of your injuries. While your own testimony is valuable, adjusters and courts want to see documentation from healthcare providers. Your records should show:
- The date of the crash and when you first sought treatment
- The type and severity of your injuries
- Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRIs
- Treatment plans, including surgeries, therapy, or medication
- Notes about ongoing pain or limitations
The clearer and more consistent this paper trail is, the harder it is for an insurance company to argue against your claim.
How Gaps in Care Can Weaken Your Case
Imagine you were rear-ended on I-95 and suffered whiplash. You went to the ER immediately, but then didn’t follow up with a doctor for six weeks. That gap in treatment could give the insurance company ammunition to argue that your pain wasn’t serious, or that something other than the crash caused your symptoms.
Or, if a driver suffers a back injury, attends physical therapy for a month, but then misses several sessions and doesn’t return for follow-up visits. Even though the pain continues, the missing records could create doubt about the severity and consistency of the injury. Defense attorneys could then use these gaps to minimize payouts.
Also, it is about more than just showing up for appointments. The details in your records matter, too. If your medical notes simply state that you reported pain, that may not fully capture how the injury affects your daily life. A more thorough entry might read, “patient reports difficulty standing for more than 15 minutes, unable to lift children, and continues to experience sharp pain when bending.” That level of detail paints a much stronger picture for a jury or insurance adjuster. For this reason, working with professionals familiar with accident injuries is key.
An experienced Miami personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process of documenting your injuries properly. That includes encouraging consistent medical care, reviewing your records for accuracy, and partnering with experts to explain the long-term impact of your injuries.
Was your injury properly recorded? If you’ve been injured in a Miami car crash, don’t leave your story half-told. The details in your medical records can be the difference between a weak claim and a strong case for the compensation you deserve. Share where you are in the recovery process with the attorneys at Spencer Morgan Law. Call 305-423-3800 to book a confidential consultation.