7 Tips to Prepare for an Independent Medical Examination
7 Tips to Prepare for an Independent Medical Examination

If you have filed a personal injury claim following a car accident, there is a chance you will have to submit to an independent medical examination (IME). This is a medical exam requested by the opposing party’s insurance company, usually in an attempt to disprove your claim.

Understand that the doctors who perform IMEs for insurance companies are paid by the insurance company. And most times, insurance companies have used these doctors before, and pay them well. It is well known that doctors who perform IMEs are on the side of the insurance company. Their job is to show that you are healthy and uninjured, or that your injuries are not related to the accident.

Here are some precautions you can take to protect your rights during an IME:

  1. Consult with your personal injury attorney beforehand. Talk through any concerns you have and discuss what you are going to say.
  2. Write down the details of your injury, in case you are not given enough time to tell the doctor everything. This should include current complaints about your injuries, what activities cause pain, the types of activities you cannot do because of the injury, and the treatment you have received so far. You should not get into the details about the accident—that is what the deposition is for. Stick to the facts about your injury.
  3. Don’t go alone. You have a right to bring someone with you to the IME. This might be someone from your attorney’s office, or a friend or family member. This person can take notes about the exam, but they should not answer any questions on your behalf. They are there as a witness who can help verify what was said if there are questions later on.
  4. Be honest about your injuries. If you are asked to demonstrate a task, do it to the best of your ability and do not exaggerate.
  5. Do not fill out any paperwork at the IME. There is no rule stating you must do this, and any written information you provide can be used against you.
  6. Be prompt, polite and courteous. The IME report is often extensive, and the doctor will pay attention to the way you conduct yourself as well as what you say. You want to make a favorable impression.
  7. Consider scheduling an exam with your own doctor on the same day. If you are concerned that the IME doctor has not assessed you fairly, a report on your condition from another doctor conducted on the same day can be a good way to counter the IME report.

“IMEs can be intimidating for personal injury clients, but they are standard and you should not be alarmed if you have to submit to one. Do your best to be calm and honest, and speak with your personal injury attorney if you have any concerns,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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