Your medical records are the official, objective proof of your injuries and the treatment you received. They directly connect the accident to your physical harm, document the severity and progression of your condition, and establish the necessity of all related medical care. Insurance companies and courts rely on these records to verify your claim. Without detailed, consistent medical documentation, it becomes extremely difficult to prove the extent of your damages and recover full compensation.

First, remove all personal belongings from the vehicle. Do not sign a release or cash the settlement check until you fully agree with the valuation. Request and scrutinize the insurer’s valuation report. Negotiate if you find errors. If you have a loan, coordinate directly with your lender, as the settlement check will likely be made out to both of you. Finally, formally cancel your insurance and surrender your license plates as required by your state’s DMV.

No. Never tell someone they do not need medical care. Your role is to ensure their well-being is addressed, not to make medical judgments. Instead, encourage them to be evaluated by a professional, especially if they report any pain or discomfort. You can say, “I’m not a doctor, so it’s always best to get checked out to be safe.“ This shows reasonable care and prevents accusations that you downplayed their injuries, which could be seen as an admission of guilt.