Why Insurance Companies Request a Medical History
When you’re involved in a Utah car accident, the at-fault insurance company may request your medical history from the past 5 or even 10 years. This request may seem intrusive, but it serves specific purposes in evaluating your claim.

What Does a Medical History Include?
The insurance company will typically ask for details such as:
- Name of the Medical Provider or Clinic: Where you received treatment.
- Dates of Treatment: When the medical visits occurred.
- Reason for Treatment: The specific condition or injury treated.
Providing this information helps the insurance adjuster assess the validity and extent of your injury claim.
Purpose of Providing a Medical History
Insurance companies request a medical history to determine if:
- Pre-Existing Injuries Exist: They want to confirm whether the injuries you’re claiming were caused or aggravated by the accident, as opposed to pre-existing conditions.
- Only Relevant Damages Are Paid: Utah law requires the at-fault party to compensate for the injuries they caused or aggravated, but not for unrelated injuries.
By supplying your medical history, you help the insurance company justify your settlement. Often, giving a detailed and accurate history reassures the adjuster and their superiors, leading to better settlement offers or even policy limits.
What Happens If You Don’t Provide a Medical History?
If you hesitate to provide a 5-year medical history, the insurance adjuster may:
- Offer a lower settlement due to concerns about pre-existing conditions.
- Push the matter toward litigation, increasing the complexity and duration of the claim.
Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 26.2
If your case moves to litigation, Utah law requires you to disclose a 5-year medical history under Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 26.2(b)(2). This rule mandates:
“A list of all other health care providers who treated or examined the plaintiff for any reason in the 5 years before the event giving rise to the claim, including the name, address, approximate dates of treatment, and a general description of the reason for the treatment.”
Failing to provide this history during litigation can harm your case and reduce the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
How Providing a Medical History Helps Your Case
Giving the requested information to the at-fault insurance company often:
- Quells Concerns: Demonstrates that your injuries are new or were aggravated by the accident.
- Improves Settlement Offers: Satisfies the insurance adjuster’s requirements to justify higher settlements.
- Prepares for Litigation: Ensures compliance with legal requirements, avoiding complications during the lawsuit.
Call Jake Gunter: Utah Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and need help understanding your rights, attorney Jake Gunter offers a free consultation to discuss your case. He will help you navigate medical history disclosures, settlement negotiations, and litigation if needed.
- Contact Information: Call or text (801) 373-6345 for expert legal advice.
Conclusion
Providing your medical history after a Utah car accident is crucial for securing a fair settlement and avoiding unnecessary litigation. While the process may feel invasive, it often leads to better outcomes and faster resolutions. Contact Jake Gunter today to discuss your injury case and ensure your rights are protected.
Learn More About Utah Accident Lawyer Jake Gunter 
For additional insights on Utah personal injury law and to get to know Jake Gunter better, check out these helpful videos:
- Meet Jake Gunter – Learn more about Jake Gunter’s background, experience, and dedication to helping clients throughout Utah.
- How to Choose a Utah Personal Injury Attorney – This video offers guidance on selecting the right personal injury attorney to ensure you receive effective representation.
- What Jake Gunter Does and Who He Represents – Discover the types of cases Jake Gunter handles and how he advocates for the rights of injured individuals statewide.
These resources will provide you with valuable information as you consider your legal options. For any questions or to schedule a free consultation, feel free to reach out to us directly.