by Guest » Thu Nov 19, 2009 07:51 pm
I was recently involved in a car accident and the other driver’s insurance company has accepted liability. My vehicle, a Range Rover is still in the body shop and the repair bill is at $9,260. The at fault insurance company mailed me an authorization form to release ALL my medical records and employment information. I don't feel comfortable signing the forms since they are so vague and virtually give them free reign over records that date back several years and are in my opinion irrelevant. I’m not claiming disabling injuries (only muscle strains, headaches, and neck stiffness) and I haven't even told the insurance company I would be seeking to make a bodily injury claim. Can I ask them to revise the authorization form and give them permission to only seek records from a certain time frame or should I just stop being paranoid and sign the form?
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 08:53 pm Post Subject:
You can ask, not sure what the laws are on refusal though. I'd certainly be hesitant and I understand where you're coming from.
call me cynical, but I suspect what they are trying to do is minimise any possible liability for bodily injury claims by looking for something in your med history or work history which could account for any injuries you now claim for.
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 09:23 pm Post Subject: Auto Accident property damage and bodily injury
I've missed around 18 hours at this point due to the accident and I told the adjuster my doctor gave me a written excuse for 16 of those hours. She then asked my salary and who I was employed with. I don't have anything to hide from the insurance company, I'm just concerned that they will try to use something in my medical records to deny my claim. I've only been in one other car accident and it was over 10 years ago and I wasn't even injured.
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 09:35 pm Post Subject:
My suggestion would probably be to contact your insurer and ask their advice. Do it anonymously if you don't want to involve them in the claim.
just ask them what the rules are on this and how much the other insurer can require you to disclose.
I all trust there is probably not issue with you giving them the info - if there's nothing in ther that could be used to attribute your current injuries to an existing medical complaint then you're probably worried about nothing.
there's no harm in finding out though, for your own information and peace of mind if nothing else.
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 12:32 pm Post Subject:
I don't feel comfortable signing the forms since they are so vague and virtually give them free reign over records that date back several years and are in my opinion irrelevant
I agree with you..whenever I've had to sign these (on a personal level) I ALWAYS scratch thru the parts I don't like, and ALWAYS add to them that the ONLY medical information I am giving permission to be released is from the accident date forward, and regarding the accident ONLY. I've even done this on my work short term disability (when I had to be off for some heart surgery)...and I've never had a problem with it..Add your comment