If you have suffered a serious injury in a car accident, you are far from alone. In fact, collisions cause an estimated 4.4 million injuries in the U.S. annually. Fortunately, you may be able to pursue compensation from the driver who caused the crash. This compensation may help you pay medical bills and move on with your life.

The days and weeks after a catastrophic car accident can be confusing. An insurer may take advantage of your confusion by asking you to sign a blanket medical authorization when you are not thinking clearly. Signing this simple form may do more harm than good, though.

The importance of medical privacy

Medical privacy is a fundamental part of the health care system. After all, you must be free to discuss sensitive details with your physician and other medical providers. With a blanket medical authorization, you essentially waive your right to medical privacy. That is, adjusters may look at all aspects of your medical records, even details that have little or no relevance to your car accident injuries or insurance claim.

The profits of the insurance company

Insurance companies make money by collecting regular premiums from customers and either offering low settlements or denying claims altogether. If you sign a blanket medical authorization, an adjuster may find something in your medical past to blame for your accident-related injuries. This may be especially true if you have a pre-existing condition or prior injury.

Following a crash, an insurance adjuster may ask you to sign many different forms. Before you do so, though, you must be certain you understand all the legal consequences of your actions. Put simply, insurance forms, including blanket medical authorizations, are likely to put the interests of the company far above yours.