How to Obtain Medical Records After an Accident in Sacramento

Why Obtaining Medical Records Matters

Medical records play a pivotal role in personal injury cases. They detail the injuries sustained, the medical treatment received, and their impact on your health records and daily life. These records are vital evidence to support claims for compensation in car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, and wrongful death cases.

Steps to Obtain Medical Records

1. Authorize Release: Begin by authorizing the release of your medical records. Hospitals and healthcare providers require a signed authorization form from you to release these records to authorized parties, including your attorney.
2. Identify Healthcare Providers: Compile a list of all healthcare providers who treated you post-accident. This includes hospitals, clinics, specialists, and therapists.
3. Request Records: Submit formal requests to each provider for your complete medical records related to the accident. Include specific dates and incident details to expedite the process.
4. Timeline Considerations: Be aware that processing times for medical records can vary. Major hospitals in Northern California, such as:
   -Sutter Medical Center: 2825 Capitol Ave., Sacramento, CA 95816
   -UC Davis Medical Center: 2315 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817
   -Mercy General Hospital: 4001 J St, Sacramento, CA 95819
   -Methodist Hospital of Sacramento: 7500 Hospital Dr, Sacramento, CA 95823
   -Sacramento VA Medical Center: 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655
   -Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center: 2025 Morse Ave., Sacramento, CA 95825
   -Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center: 1600 Eureka Rd., Roseville, CA 95661
5. Review and Organize: Upon receipt, meticulously review your medical records. Organize them chronologically and highlight key findings related to your injuries and treatments.

Avoid Signing Releases for Insurance Companies

It is critical not to provide insurance company adjusters or Third Party Administrators (TPAs) with signed releases. These entities often request all your medical records, including those unrelated to the accident, to diminish your case’s value. This practice can violate your privacy and is frequently done in bad faith, particularly when you lack legal representation. Signing such releases could potentially allow them to use unrelated medical history against you, undermining your rightful claims for compensation.

Legal Implications and Professional Guidance

Access to accurate and timely medical records is paramount in legal proceedings. They serve as concrete evidence to support your injury claims and enable your attorney to build a compelling case for compensation. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the appropriate law enforcement agency or seek supportive services from a primary care provider.
For expert legal counsel in Sacramento, particularly in car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, or wrongful death cases, contact Kash Legal Group today. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.