After being involved in a South Carolina car accident it’s highly likely that no matter your role in causing the accident an insurance company will request you to submit to an independent medical exam, or IME. Unfortunately, insurance companies are usually contractually able to demand Independent Medical Exams, but there are things you can do to protect your car accident claim, even when you must undergo an IME.
After being in a South Carolina car accident, it can be nerve racking to receive the official request for an independent medical exam. For one, despite “independent’ being in the name, it’s clear that the insurance company will do everything in their power to benefit from the results of the independent medical exam.
It’s reasonable to be concerned, and to see the medical examiners as agents for the insurance company that will potentially limit your reward or even completely dismiss your claim. The complexity of medical science leaves plenty of opportunities for an insurance company to limit their losses after an Independent Medical Exam.
Since IMEs are rapidly becoming standard procedure after South Carolina car accidents, you will want to contact a qualified Charleston car accident attorney immediately after an accident to protect your rights and make sure your claim is not unfairly dismissed.
To protect your claim, your Charleston car accident attorney may:
- help you understand your policy obligations; and
- help you prepare for your IME (you’ll need to give your physician an accurate, detailed account of your injuries but also be aware of any discrepancies for which they’ll be searching).
While an IME can be a tough experience, as long as you are prepared and working with a qualified Charleston car accident lawyer, there is really very little to worry about.
Seeking the Help of a Charleston Car Accident Attorney
The South Carolina car accident attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of everything an insurance company will do to try to limit your claim. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.
Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, please request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston car accident attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.
