Independent Medical Exams in Car Accident Cases: Some Tips for Houstonians to Handle Them

Houston is a thriving city with countless automobiles and is known for having terrible traffic. In addition, the car accident, injury, and property damage rates are pretty high. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), Harris County has been the #1 for fatal car accidents in Texas for the past 4-5 years.

Settling an accident claim in Houston requires different actions and steps on your part as a victim with injury. One of these requirements is an IME (Independent Medical Exam). You'll need the help of car accident attorneys from Houston in such situations.

An independent medical exam is a bit different from seeing your regular doctor. This time, you’re meeting with a doctor chosen by the insurance company or someone else involved in your claim.

Their job isn’t to treat you but to evaluate your injuries and give an opinion on your condition. Their findings can impact your case, which is why it’s so important to be prepared and take the exam seriously.

Insurance companies use this exam to gain strong evidence they can use to deny your car accident claim. This article will give you first-hand tips on handling IME exams and passing them successfully.

The Purpose of Independent Medical Exams

Many Houstonians do not really understand the purpose of the IME, which is why they care less about it. Some issues that the doctor in charge may address as part of the Independent Medical Exams include;

• Your ability to get back to your life and work
• Whether a prior accident, injury, or illness contributed to the cause of your present situation
• The type of restrictions you may need if your injury prevents you from carrying out certain duties at home and work
• Confirm that the physician treating you diagnosed your injury correctly
• If you need more medical attention or treatment for your injuries
• The extent of any physical impairments or disabilities caused by the car accident
• Whether the car accident could have resulted in your injuries

Generally, this exam provides more information about the extent of your injuries. It's also used to clarify any problems related to your injuries and determine if you are fit to return to your life and work.

Tips For Houstonians to Handle Independent Medical Exams

Before undergoing any medical assessment by a designated doctor, your attorney will inform you of your rights and what you should expect. The tips include;

Be Honest About How the Injury Happened

When the doctor asks you how you got hurt, stick to the facts. Keep your explanation short and straightforward. For example, if you were rear-ended at a stoplight, just say so. There’s no need to dive into unnecessary details about what you were doing earlier that day or what happened after the crash.

Don’t Hide Your Medical History

Always be honest about your previous medical history, car accidents, and injuries. This information should be in your medical record because you should have informed the physician treating your wounds and injuries.

Never Downplay Your Pain

Don't tone down your symptoms and injuries. While you should not exaggerate your injuries, you also shouldn't play the hero and try to demonstrate how much pain you can endure without complaining.

The designated doctor might take lengthy pauses to encourage you to continue talking. However, kill the urge to give out information unrelated to your injury.

Be as Calm as Possible

Above all, ensure to remain calm. Also, know that undergoing an IME does not mean you will lose your car accident claim. However, you should take the IME seriously. The conclusions of the doctor in charge could impact your car accident claim.

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