Keeping up with the messy aftermath of a car accident will be the least of your worries, but keeping records of your medical bills and how you store them will affect the outcome of your case. Insurance adjusters scrutinize accident victims’ records for gaps in treatment, missing bills, and other inconsistencies. A good Utah car accident attorney will tell you that the quickest way for an accident victim to lose their case is to have poorly organized records.

What Should Go to Your Attorney First

These records should not wait. They should be collected on the first day:

  • ER records—Discharge reports, reports of paramedics, reports of all requested imaging.
  • Records of treating/diagnostic providers—all records of providers from treating doctors, specialists, and chiropractors.
  • Diagnostic imaging records—actual imaging; do not accept radiology reports.
  • Itemized bills—request from all providers.
  • Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements—compare to provider bills.
  • Out-of-pocket receipts—for all expenses, transportation, braces/crutches, medical supplies, assistive devices, and over-the-counter medication.

Your car accident attorney in Utah will need all of the above.

Staying Organized

Place each record in its proper section. Label your file sections: medical records, medical bills, correspondence, lost wages, photos, and notes. File the latest bills in the front.

Keep copies of everything (digital and physical). Make a master treatment timeline. This should include every treatment appointment, with details of the treatment provider, including notes on the treatment. It is important to log every call with the insurance company, including the date, the representative’s name, and what transpired. An orderly filing system is beneficial to a Utah car accident attorney when preparing a claim against the clock.

Billing Errors Occur Often

Typically, 49% to 80% of medical bills contain errors. Since you are responsible for paying the bill, be sure to request detailed itemized bills and compare them with your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Errors should be addressed early before they generate case delays and mistakes.

When to Contact a Utah Car Accident Attorney

If more than one urgent care visit was required, or if the bills are coming faster than the answers, then you should contact a Utah car accident attorney. They can retrieve missing records, confirm charges, and negotiate medical liens. Many offer free consultations, which means there is no cost to call and no harm in having them assist you from day one of your claim.