If you were injured in an accident, you may be wondering what you actually need to start a personal injury claim. Many people assume they must already have a full set of medical records before speaking with a lawyer or filing a claim. In reality, that is not usually the case.
While medical records are extremely important in personal injury cases, you typically do not need to gather them yourself before beginning the process. An attorney can often help obtain the documentation needed to support your claim. However, medical records will eventually become a key part of proving your case.
For accident victims in Idaho, understanding how medical evidence works in a personal injury claim can help you avoid delays and strengthen your case.
Why Medical Records Matter in Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims are based on the concept of negligence. To recover compensation, an injured person must generally show that another party acted carelessly and that this negligence caused measurable harm.
Medical records help establish several important elements of a claim, including:
- Proof that an injury occurred
Medical documentation confirms that you were actually injured and received treatment. - The severity of the injury
Records show diagnoses, treatment plans, imaging results, and physician observations. - When the injury occurred
Timely treatment helps connect the injury directly to the accident. - The cost of treatment
Medical bills and records help calculate economic damages such as hospital expenses, physical therapy, medications, and follow-up care.
Without medical documentation, it can be much harder to demonstrate the extent of your injuries or the financial impact they caused.
Can You Start a Claim Without Medical Records?
Yes, you can begin a personal injury claim even if you do not yet have copies of your medical records. In many cases, the process works like this:
- You consult with a personal injury attorney.
- The attorney investigates the accident and begins building the claim.
- Your lawyer obtains your medical records directly from healthcare providers.
Attorneys regularly request records from hospitals, clinics, and doctors as part of preparing a claim. This means you do not need to gather every document before seeking legal advice.
However, it is still important that you seek medical care as soon as possible after an accident. Delaying treatment can create challenges when proving that your injuries were caused by the incident.
How Medical Records Help Prove Fault and Damages
Medical records do more than confirm that an injury occurred. They also help connect the injury to the accident itself.
For example, a doctor’s notes may document that a patient reported neck pain immediately after a car crash. Imaging scans or diagnostic tests can then confirm the injury and show how serious it is.
These records can help establish:
- The cause of the injury
- The timeline of symptoms and treatment
- The expected recovery time
- Any long-term complications or permanent damage
Insurance companies closely review medical records when evaluating claims. If the documentation clearly shows that an accident caused the injuries, it becomes much more difficult for insurers to dispute the claim.
What Happens If You Do Not Seek Medical Treatment?
One of the most common mistakes accident victims make is waiting too long to see a doctor. Even if symptoms seem minor at first, some injuries—such as concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal injuries—may not appear immediately.
If there is a large gap between the accident and your first medical visit, insurance companies may argue that:
- The injury was not caused by the accident
- The injury is not as serious as claimed
- Another event caused the condition
Seeking prompt medical attention protects both your health and your legal claim.
Other Evidence That May Support a Personal Injury Claim
Although medical records are critical, they are not the only type of evidence used in personal injury cases. Other helpful documentation may include:
- Accident or police reports
- Photos or videos from the scene
- Witness statements
- Employment records showing lost wages
- Expert opinions from medical professionals
Together, this evidence helps build a clear picture of what happened and how the injury affected your life.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Navigating a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, especially when you are also dealing with medical treatment and recovery. A personal injury attorney can help gather medical records, work with medical experts, calculate damages, and negotiate with insurance companies.
At Bendell Law Firm PLLC, attorneys help injured individuals understand their rights and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, speaking with one of our lawyers can help you determine the next steps and ensure the necessary evidence— including medical documentation— is properly obtained and presented. Contact us today and gain clarity about your situation from our experienced legal team.