Setareh Law
December 4, 2025
Telemedicine has become an essential part of modern healthcare, connecting patients with doctors through video calls and digital platforms when in-person visits aren’t possible. Yes, telemedicine visits can support your personal injury case in California, but the way you document and present this virtual medical care makes the difference between a strong claim and one that insurance companies may question.
At Setareh Law, we guide clients through building cases that insurance companies take seriously. California courts recognize telemedicine as legitimate medical care, and we help injury victims use these virtual visits to strengthen their claims for compensation.
How California Law Treats Telemedicine in Personal Injury Claims
California law treats telemedicine visits the same as in-person medical appointments when it comes to personal injury cases. The California Telemedicine Act confirms that virtual consultations constitute valid medical care, and insurance companies cannot dismiss your treatment simply because it occurred through a screen. Your telemedicine records carry the same legal weight as traditional medical documentation when properly maintained.
The key is ensuring your virtual visits meet the same documentation standards as office visits. Your treating physician must create detailed notes about your injuries, symptoms, treatment plans, and progress. Courts look at the quality of medical documentation, not the method of delivery, when determining the value of your claim.
When Telemedicine Strengthens Your Case
Virtual medical visits can actually improve your claim in several situations. If you sustained injuries that limit your mobility, telemedicine demonstrates you sought care despite physical constraints, showing the severity of your condition. When you need immediate medical evaluation after an accident but cannot travel, a quick telemedicine visit creates a crucial early record connecting your injuries to the incident.
Telemedicine appointments work well for follow-up care, ongoing treatment monitoring, and mental health support after traumatic accidents. These virtual visits create a consistent treatment history, which proves you took your recovery seriously and followed medical advice. This regular documentation timeline becomes powerful evidence when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
Documentation Requirements for Virtual Medical Evidence
Strong telemedicine evidence requires the same thorough documentation as in-person visits. Your medical records should include the date and time of each consultation, detailed descriptions of your symptoms and complaints, your doctor’s diagnosis and treatment recommendations, any medications prescribed or adjusted, and specific instructions for recovery or rehabilitation. You should also maintain records of any diagnostic tests ordered during virtual visits.
Keep copies of all telemedicine visit summaries, prescription records, and any photos or videos you shared with your doctor during consultations. Many doctors ask patients to show their injuries on camera during virtual visits. These visual assessments become valuable evidence, especially when combined with written medical notes. Save all communications with your healthcare providers, including appointment confirmations, test result notifications, and treatment plan updates.
Limitations of Telemedicine in Injury Claims
While telemedicine offers many benefits, some aspects of personal injury care require in-person evaluation. Severe injuries often need hands-on physical examinations, diagnostic imaging, or specialized tests that cannot happen virtually. Insurance companies may challenge telemedicine-only treatment for serious injuries like fractures, significant soft tissue damage, or neurological conditions that typically require direct medical assessment.
For the strongest case possible, combine telemedicine with appropriate in-person care. Use virtual visits for immediate post-accident consultations, routine follow-ups, and mental health support, while scheduling in-person appointments for comprehensive physical examinations, diagnostic procedures, and specialized treatment. This balanced approach demonstrates you received thorough medical care while still benefiting from the convenience and consistency of telemedicine when appropriate. If you were hurt in a car accident, truck accident, or any other type of incident, proper medical documentation through both virtual and in-person visits will support your compensation claim.
Get Help Building a Strong Personal Injury Case With Setareh Law
Your choice of medical care should support your recovery, not create obstacles to fair compensation. The attorneys at Setareh Law understand how to present telemedicine evidence effectively in personal injury claims across California. With over 60 years of combined experience and more than $250 million recovered for injured clients, we know how to build cases that insurance companies respect. Our team has earned over 400 five-star reviews by making ourselves available to clients around the clock and fighting tirelessly for maximum compensation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Whether you received virtual care, in-person treatment, or a combination of both, we can help you document your injuries and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your personal injury claim.
