After you get into a car accident and file a car accident claim to recover financial compensation, the insurance company gets to work to reduce your compensation. The insurance company will demand you undergo Independent Medical Exam, usually known as IME.
IME is mandatory for victims when persuing a claim. When you go for IME, the insurance company appoints a doctor who conducts your medical evaluation to determine the injuries. However, while the doctor will conduct a medical evaluation, it is essential to understand that the doctor is chosen by the insurance company. So, in the end, the doctor works in the insurance company’s best interest.
Your Hillsville Auto Accident Lawyer will be able to determine whether the IME results are biased or honest by speaking to your own doctor and conducting various researches.
What happens during IME?
During your independent medical evaluation, a doctor is appointed by the insurance company who reviews your doctor’s report and evaluates your injuries. Usually, the insurance company considers IME as a second opinion and verification to determine whether you are exaggerating your injuries or faking them.
IME is mostly a one-time physical examination. However, you should remember which information you should share with your doctor during IME since they work for the insurance company’s best interest and not yours. So, they may try to find loopholes in your reports or say that your injuries did not result from a car accident.
After the IME is complete, the doctor will send a report of the evaluation to the insurance company. One more essential thing to understand is that you have the right to protect your medical records from everyone under the law. You can also demand a copy of your medical evaluation from the insurance company after the doctor sends the final one.
If your reports are biased, you can provide your doctor’s reports. In most cases, your doctor’s report will be given priority compared to a one-time IME. So you can provide the insurance company with your detailed medical records. Testimony from your doctor will also help in making your claim stronger against the biased IME report.
Speak to your attorney
Your attorney will be one of the most reliable legal assistance for your claim. Your attorney can help you understand all the options to protect your rights and not fall for the insurance company’s traps to lower your compensation amount. Your attorney will work with other professionals to ensure you get the right compensation.
