What Are Independent Medical Examinations In Car Accidents?

A car accident has several aspects. For instance, a car accident consists of evidence gathering, insurance claims, filing a case in court, etc. One of the essential aspects of a car accident is often related to insurance claims. Not all victims can afford to go through an accident financially. In such cases, insurance claims can be a sign of enormous relief.

An insurance claim process might require the victim to undergo an independent medical examination for a given set of reasons. Most people need to learn what independent medical examinations are. It would be helpful if you stayed aware of the latter and hired a car accident lawyer in Glen Falls, NY, for any legal assistance. 

What is an independent medical examination?

After an accident, severe injuries can occur and make way for significant financial compensation on the victim’s side. The responsible party can offer compensation to the staff or the insurance company. As a result, the defendant, either the insurance company or the responsible party, would like to know the extent of the injuries before initiating the compensation. 

In such cases, an independent medical examination is required. In the medical examination, a medical evaluation by a doctor other than the victim’s doctor will occur. In a nutshell, a medical assessment by a doctor unrelated or unknown to the victim is appointed to verify the severity or seriousness of the injuries. 

Why would an independent medical examination occur? 

There are several reasons why an independent medical examination will be called for by the insurance company or the liable party for the accident. The car accident victim will be examined and treated by an independent doctor after the accident. 

However, the main reason such a medical evaluation will take place is that the defendants are often concerned about the victim’s doctor being biased toward their injuries and their extent. The liable party for the accident will likely want an independent physician to examine the victim’s condition. Below are some additional reasons why an independent medical examination will take place.

  • To verify the victim’s severe injuries and their claims for damages 
  • To ensure the victim suffered injuries. 

You should also know that if an accident involves workers’ compensation to cover medical treatment and recovery for a medical condition, an independent medical examiner report (IME report) for the claim process will be required. If you face any trouble claiming damages, hiring a lawyer in Glen Falls, NY, will be best.