Car accidents occur at an alarming rate. In fact, there are an estimated 6 million car accidents on U.S. roadways every single year. In Georgia, roughly 13% of drivers have reported an at-fault car accident within the last seven years. This figure is higher than the national average, which is about 12.5%.
Because motor vehicle accidents are commonplace in Georgia, you may eventually have to negotiate with an insurance company to receive the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages. Signing a blanket medical authorization as part of the claims process, though, may be a mistake.
You lose your privacy
Your medical records may reveal medical conditions, treatments, medications and family history. These intimate details should remain between you and your doctor. If you give an insurer a blanket medical authorization, you automatically lose your privacy.
The insurer knows everything about your medical history
If you sustain an injury in a car crash, the insurer needs to know the extent of the injury and some other information about it. With a blanket medical authorization, however, the insurer can access all your medical records at every provider you have ever seen. If the insurer is looking for a reason to deny your claim, the adjuster may find it inside your extensive medical history.
You may have a pre-existing injury
A pre-existing injury may complicate your everyday life. Still, if an accident aggravates the injury, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The insurer may use a blanket authorization to manipulate facts, arguing your injury is the same after the accident as it was before.
Prior to signing anything, you must understand the legal and other consequences of your actions. If there is even a possibility the authorization may complicate your claim, you probably should not sign it.
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed
