Legal Question in Personal Injury in Virginia

Personal Injury

I recently was a victim of a car accident. I have filed a personal injury claim against the other drivers insurance company, that is also my insurance company. The insurance company first told me to keep track of detailed expenses related to medical treatment and time off work, etc. Then told me that when I was ready to settle the claim, I had to submit these documents. Then sent me a medical release form to sign, that says they can basically request nearly any information from my work or doctor. I do not have anything to hide, but did not like the power that the form gave the insurance company to my life. I figure that if they are requiring me to produce these documents personally, then why do they need the release form. Am I legally required to sign the form in order to pursue settlement in the future? Also any feedback related to this situation would be helpful. Is signing this form a bad idea?

Thanks


Asked on 8/15/00, 9:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Daniel Press Chung & Press, P.C.

Re: Personal Injury

It depends if the claim is under your own policy (med-pay, uninsured/underinsured coverage) or the other driver's policy. If under your own, you may have a contractual obligation to provide the records release. This is not true with respect to a claim against the other driver.

You should not try to handle a personal injury claim on your own. The insurance company adjusters are trained to obtain the lowest possible settlement and to take advantage of unrepresented persons. The fee you would pay a lawyer to handle this will more than pay for itself.

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Answered on 9/22/00, 10:48 am


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