If you suffered a serious injury in a car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim. To reach a successful settlement outcome, you must prove that the other driver was negligent and that the negligent behavior caused your injuries.
While there are several examples of evidence that will help prove your claim, including photos from the accident scene or statements from witnesses, your medical records will also provide valuable information. However, there are steps you will need to take to obtain a copy of your medical records.
All medical records are protected by Georgia law, as well as HIPAA Privacy Rules. Technically, your medical records are owned by the healthcare provider who created them. However, physicians are legally required to provide a current copy of a patient’s medical records upon request unless the medical records are needed for a criminal or civil proceeding and may be subject to subpoena. There are three ways that you can request a copy of your medical records, including:
In Georgia, physicians may charge a reasonable fee for copying and mailing patient records.
In most cases, you should receive copies of your medical records within a couple of weeks if you request them from your doctor. If you are requesting them from a hospital, it could take a bit longer. You may need to follow up if you do not receive them within a reasonable amount of time.
If an insurance company sends you a medical release form requesting permission to see your medical records, do not sign this form. This can harm your claim in the following ways:
If you were injured in a car accident, our Savannah car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC can help. Our dedicated legal team will address all of your questions and concerns. Call us at 478-254-2007 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, and Atlanta.
Facing the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. Before you speak with the insurance companies, make sure you schedule a free consultation with the Macon personal injury lawyers at Childers & McCain. We can protect your rights while anticipating the insurance company’s tactics to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. You don’t have to navigate this tough road alone – let our team of professionals help you move forward.