Should You Sign a Blanket Medical Release After a Car Accident?

The aftermath of a car accident can seem like a blur. After all, not only are you likely to be in pain, but you may be struggling both to attend medical appointments and to pay for the care you need. Receiving prompt payment of your insurance claim ensures you continue to have financial resources to support yourself and your family.

Insurance companies often employ a variety of tactics to try to pay claimants significantly less than they deserve. One of these, obtaining your signature on a blanket medical release, may catch you by surprise. Nonetheless, you should think carefully before putting pen to paper.

What Does a Blanket Medical Release Do?

Once you sign it, a blanket medical release allows the insurance company to get its hands on your entire medical history. This likely includes records that relate to your car accident and those that have nothing to do with it. In fact, the insurance company may see medical details from years or even decades ago.

Why Can Signing a Blanket Medical Release Be Harmful?

According to Consumer Reports, individuals should take steps to protect their medical privacy from the curious eyes of others. Regrettably, when you execute a blanket medical release, you agree to waive some of your privacy rights. Even worse, you may give the insurance company medical details it can use to deny your claim, offer you less than its worth or drop your coverage.

You do not want an insurance company to take advantage of you when you are at your most vulnerable. Ultimately, by obtaining a legal opinion before signing any insurance forms, you help to level the playing field.