What Car Accident Victims Need to Know
If you’ve been in a car accident in San Diego, one of the most important steps to protect your legal rights is obtaining your medical records. These records prove your injuries, link them to the accident, and support your personal injury claim.
The Real Impact of Car Accidents
Even seemingly minor car accidents can result is serious injuries like:
- Whiplash and neck strain
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Herniated discs or spinal damage
- Broken bones or soft tissue injuries
- Emotional trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress
Unfortunately, symptoms don’t always appear immediately. That’s why it’s essential to seek medical treatment right away and to keep detailed records or every visit, diagnosis, and treatment pain.
Why Medical Records Are So Important
Medical records serve four key purposes in a car accident case:
- Prove that you were injured
- Show the injury was caused by the accident
- Document your treatment and recovery timeline
- Support your credibility with insurers and courts
Insurance companies often try to deny or reduce claims due to lack of documentation. Your medical records are your strongest evidence.
How to Request Your Medical Records from Major San Diego Hospitals
If you were treated at a hospital after your car accident, you’ll need your medical records to support your personal injury claim. We’ve created list of hospitals and their contact information to help you easily request your records in San Diego:
- UC San Diego Health (UCSD) Fax: 619-543-7128: Click here
- Scripps Health Mail: 10790 Rancho Bernardo Rd San Diego, CA 92127, $15 fee*: Click here
- Sharp Memorial Hospital. Fax: 858-636-2287. $6.50 fee*: Click Here
- Kaiser Permanente San Diego – Email: sdroiu@kp.org: Click here
- Rady Children’s Hospital– (for child injury claims) Fax: 858-966-8527: Click here
- Palomar Hospital Fax: 760-480-7966: Click here
Car Accident FAQ
What should I do right after a car accident in San Diego?
Check for injuries, call 911, take photos, and exchange information. Then seek medical attention immediately if you have sustained an injury. Early documentation can be crucial part of your claim.
When should I see a doctor after a car accident?
It’s always a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible, ideally within 24–72 hours. This ensures your injuries are diagnosed early and documents the connection between the accident and your medical condition.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?
In most cases, the statute of limitations in California is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit. Speak to your attorney to ensure that your interests are protected within the statute of limitations.
What compensation can I recover after a car accident?
You may be eligible for compensation for:
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Vehicle damage or loss
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer to File a Claim?
Insurance companies often offer low settlements to unrepresented victims. An experienced lawyer can handle negotiations, gather medical records, prove liability, and protect your rights—especially if your injuries are serious or long-term.
At Hariri Law Group, we’ve helped countless San Diego car accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Our team knows how to deal with insurance companies and will fight to maximize your recovery.
Need Help? Contact Hariri Law Group in San Diego
At Hariri Law Group, we specialize in helping car accident victims get the medical documentation they need to support their injury claims. We’ll guide you through every step—from requesting records to negotiating a settlement.
Call us today at (619) 363-2899.
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