Independent Medical Exams After a Car Accident: What to Know

What Is an Independent Medical Exam (IME)?

An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a medical evaluation requested by an insurance company in a personal injury or workers' compensation case. The IME aims to assess the severity of your injuries, determine whether they were caused by the accident, and evaluate whether further medical treatment is necessary.

However, the examining physician conducting the IME is not your regular doctor. Instead, they are a third-party IME provider chosen and paid by the insurance carrier, often leading to a biased assessment that favors the insurer rather than the injured worker.

Why are these examinations requested?

Insurance companies claim that independent medical exams objectively verify injury claims, but these evaluations often work against accident victims. While they may present these as legitimate reasons, the true purpose is often different.

• To verify the extent of your injuries and ensure that your reported symptoms align with your medical records and diagnostic testing results
• To determine whether your medical condition is related to the accident or if pre-existing conditions may have contributed to your impairment
• To assess whether the treatment plan recommended by your doctor is necessary and appropriate based on medical standards
• To evaluate whether you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) or if continued medical care is required
• To resolve disputes in a personal injury or disability insurance claim by obtaining a second opinion from an independent medical evaluation

How Insurance Companies Use IMEs Against You

Insurance companies don’t request an independent medical exam (IME) to necessarily help you—they use it to protect their financial interests. While they claim these exams provide an objective assessment, IMEs are often used to dispute or minimize personal injury claims.

Downplay the severity of injuries

Insurance companies know that the more serious your injuries appear, the more they may have to pay in compensation. The IME doctor may claim that your injuries are mild, temporary, or healing well to avoid this. They may report that your pain levels are inconsistent with your diagnosis or that you should be able to return to work. If the insurance company can argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as your treating doctor suggests, they have a reason to reduce your settlement or even deny coverage.

Blame preexisting conditions

If you have a history of injuries or any underlying medical conditions, the IME doctor may claim that your current pain and limitations were not caused by the accident. Instead, they may blame your discomfort on aging, degenerative conditions, or an old injury—even if your symptoms only started after the crash. This shifts responsibility away from the at-fault driver and makes it harder for you to prove that the accident caused your injuries.

Dispute the cause of injuries

The insurance company may argue otherwise even when an accident caused your injuries. The IME doctor may suggest that the impact wasn’t significant enough to cause the harm you’re claiming. This strategy allows insurers to deny responsibility, making it more difficult for you to get the compensation you deserve. If they can cast doubt on whether the accident caused your injuries, they can justify offering a lower payout—or none at all.

Argue that treatment is no longer needed

If you’ve been receiving ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, or pain medication, the insurance company may use the IME report to claim you’ve reached full recovery. The doctor might state that additional treatment is unnecessary, even if your treating physician believes otherwise. Based on this report, the insurer may cut off payments for medical care, forcing you to either pay out of pocket or stop treatment altogether.

Create grounds to deny your claim

If your case goes to court, the insurance company may present the IME report as evidence to dispute your claims. If the IME doctor’s findings contradict your treating physician’s medical records, the insurer may argue that you’re exaggerating your injuries or that the accident had little to no lasting impact. This can make it much harder to secure fair compensation, as courts and juries may view the IME as an impartial assessment—even when it favors the insurance company.

Are You Required to Attend an IME?

In many cases, yes—you may be legally obligated to attend an independent medical examination if your insurance policy includes an IME clause or a court orders it as part of a personal injury lawsuit. Insurance companies have the right to request an IME but must follow certain guidelines:

• You shouldn’t have to travel an unreasonable distance for the exam
• The IME doctor should be qualified to evaluate your specific injury
• The exam should be scheduled at a reasonable time and with proper notice

What if you refuse to attend?

Failing to attend an IME can have serious consequences. The insurance company may deny your claim for non-compliance, arguing that you refused to cooperate with their investigation. They could also use your absence to suggest you’re not injured or are avoiding the exam because your condition isn’t as severe as you claim.

What Happens During an Independent Medical Exam?

An independent medical examination (IME) is unlike a regular doctor’s visit. The insurance company hires the examining physician to evaluate your injuries—not to provide treatment or advocate for your well-being. Their job is to assess your medical condition and create a report that the insurer can use in your case.

• Review of your medical history: The doctor will review your past and current medical records, including any pre-existing conditions
• Discussion of the accident: You'll be asked to describe how the car accident happened and the injuries you suffered
• Questions about your treatment: Expect questions about the medical care you've received, including surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments
• Pain and symptoms assessment: The doctor may ask how much pain you experience daily, what activities make it worse, and whether your condition has improved
• Physical examination: The doctor will conduct a hands-on exam to assess your mobility, range of motion, and any visible signs of injury

How to Prepare for an IME to Protect Your Case

• Arrive early and dress professionally: Show up at least 30 minutes early to complete paperwork and demonstrate that you take the exam seriously. Wear comfortable clothing that reflects your medical condition—if you have a back injury, for example, avoid wearing athletic gear that might suggest you're physically active
• Bring a written summary of your injuries: Write down key details about your accident, injuries, and medical treatments. This helps ensure your answers remain consistent and accurate throughout the exam. If you’re nervous or forget details under pressure, this document will be a useful reference
• Stick to the facts: Only answer the questions, and keep your responses short and factual. Do not exaggerate, speculate, or downplay your symptoms—the doctor is trained to detect inconsistencies
• Be aware you are being observed: You are under evaluation from the moment you walk into the office. IME doctors may watch how you move, sit, or get on and off the exam table to look for contradictions between your behavior and reported pain levels
• Have someone accompany you: Bringing a trusted friend, family member, or nurse can provide a witness in case the IME doctor misrepresents what happened during the exam. Some states allow your attorney to attend, so check with your lawyer beforehand
• Be honest about prior injuries: If you have pre-existing conditions, acknowledge them but clarify how the accident worsened your condition. IME doctors may try to blame your injuries on past health issues rather than the crash
• Rate your pain accurately: Be realistic and honest if the doctor asks you to rate your pain on a scale from 1 to 10. Saying “10” (the worst pain imaginable) might sound exaggerated unless you are in constant, unbearable agony

What to avoid during the exam

• Never say you’re "fine" or "feeling better." Even if you’re having a good day, these statements can be used against you to argue that your injuries aren’t serious
• Don’t exaggerate symptoms. Some claimants think they must "prove" their pain by groaning or limping more than usual. Others downplay symptoms to appear strong. Neither approach helps—you should act naturally and be truthful about your feelings. Doctors are trained to detect overstatements and may use them to question your credibility
• Avoid unnecessary details. Stick to facts directly related to your injury—do not discuss your personal life, hobbies, or activities that could be misinterpreted as signs of recovery
• Do not discuss your legal case. The doctor is not on your side, and anything you say about your claim or lawsuit may be included in the IME report and used against you by the insurance company

What Happens After an IME?

The doctor will not discuss their findings with you once your independent medical exam (IME) is complete. Instead, they will submit a written IME report based on their assessment of your medical condition, treatment history, and current symptoms to the insurance company that requested the evaluation. After receiving the IME report, the insurance company will review its contents to determine how it affects your claim. They may compare it against your primary doctor's medical records, diagnostic testing, and treatment notes.

If the IME doctor states that your injuries are not severe, improving, or unrelated to the accident, the insurer may use that conclusion to justify reducing your benefits or settlement.

Depending on the findings in the report, the insurance company may continue processing your claim as expected, reduce or deny medical benefits if the report suggests you no longer need treatment, or argue that your injuries are minor or pre-existing. Sometimes, the insurer may use the IME to negotiate a lower settlement, claiming that your condition does not warrant further compensation.

After the IME, you may receive a formal notice from the insurance company informing you of any changes to your claim. If the insurer believes the report favors their position, they may contact you with a settlement offer based on the IME findings.

Can You Challenge a Negative IME Report?

You can challenge a negative IME report, but it requires strong medical evidence and strategic action. If the report downplays your injuries, your personal injury lawyer can submit documentation from your treating physician, including medical records, diagnostic testing, and proof of ongoing treatment. A second opinion from an independent medical provider can also help dispute the findings.

Sometimes, your lawyer may cross-examine the IME doctor in court, exposing inconsistencies or biases in their assessment. If the insurance company relies on the findings to deny or reduce your claim, your attorney can present expert testimony and challenge the examiner's credibility, ensuring your injuries are accurately represented.

Do You Need a Lawyer for an IME?

Having a personal injury attorney on your side can significantly affect how your medical exam report impacts your claim. A lawyer can help you prepare for the exam, ensuring you don’t unknowingly say or do anything that could be used against you. They can also challenge an unfair IME report, using expert testimony, medical records, and diagnostic testing to dispute biased findings.

If the insurance company attempts to use the IME results to undervalue or deny your claim, your attorney can negotiate for fair compensation or take legal action if necessary. With an experienced lawyer, you’ll have the guidance to protect your rights and strengthen your case.

Conclusion

An independent medical exam can play a significant role in a personal injury claim, but it’s not always as neutral as it sounds. While insurance companies use IMEs to assess injuries, these exams can sometimes lead to disputes over the severity of your condition or the necessity of continued treatment. Preparing, sticking to the facts, and understanding the IME process can help ensure your case is accurately represented.

If an IME is part of your claim, getting the right support can make a difference. At YourAccident.com, we connect accident victims with legal professionals who understand the challenges of the process and can provide the guidance needed to move forward.