The damaging consequences of a car accident rarely end when the tow truck leaves the scene. After all, if you suffer a catastrophic injury, you may face a long road to recovery. During your recovery, you are likely to be unable to work, leaving you incapable of paying both medical bills and living expenses.
Fortunately, you may be eligible for a substantial financial settlement from an insurance company. Before offering this settlement, though, an adjuster may also you to execute a blanket medical release. This deceptively simple insurance form gives the insurance company your permission to examine your complete medical history.
Be careful when signing anything
According to reporting from Motley Fool, insurance companies have made money down to an exact science. Despite what a representative from the company tells you, insurers usually prioritize their bottom lines over the interests of injured individuals.
The medical release may harm your claim
Even if you have serious and life-changing injuries from your car accident, you may not receive the financial compensation you deserve. Regrettably, there may be something in your medical history the insurance company can use against you. This may be a pre-existing condition, a previous injury, medications or something else.
You have a right to medical privacy
Before paying you, an insurer must know about both the extent of your injuries and your treatment plan. You do not want to disclose too much, though. Remember, your right to medical privacy is one of your more important ones.
Ultimately, if you have an unsigned blanket medical release sitting in front of you, it is critical for you to understand all the potential drawbacks of signing and submitting it.