When you’re injured in a serious truck accident, getting medical care is your first priority. But as your case moves forward, you’ll likely be asked to undergo a personal injury medical assessment, a key step in building your claim. Understanding what this assessment involves and how it impacts your case can make a significant difference in the outcome. That’s where an experienced personal injury lawyer like the team at Witherite Law Group can help guide you through the process.
Why a Medical Assessment Is Important
After a wreck, simply having medical treatment isn’t enough on its own to secure fair compensation. Insurance companies and defense lawyers often want a detailed, objective evaluation of your injuries to determine aspects such as:
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- Whether your injuries were caused by the truck accident
- How your injuries are likely to affect your life going forward
A medical assessment helps document the full scope of your injuries and provides a written report that becomes a crucial piece of evidence in your case.
Before the Medical Assessment
Your attorney will help prepare you for the assessment. Part of that preparation includes:
- Gathering your medical records, including initial treatment notes, hospital reports, imaging results, and specialist evaluations, all help paint a full picture.
- Explaining the role of the assessment so you know why it’s requested and what to expect from the doctor.
- Arranging the appointment is often done with a medical professional chosen either by your lawyer or requested by the insurance company.
It’s important to remember that some assessments are independent medical examinations (IMEs). These are conducted by doctors who haven’t treated you before and are intended to give an unbiased opinion of your condition, although insurance companies sometimes choose the doctor, which can introduce bias.
What Happens During the Assessment
On the day of the medical assessment, you can expect:
- Review of Your Symptoms and Pain: The examiner will ask detailed questions about your symptoms, pain levels, limitations, and how the accident has affected your daily life.
- Physical Examination: This includes tests relevant to your injuries (e.g., range-of-motion tests, neurological checks, strength tests).
- Medical History Discussion: You’ll be asked about pre-existing conditions and prior injuries so the doctor can distinguish what’s new from what may have existed before.
- Documentation and Reporting: The doctor will create a written medical report summarizing their findings and opinions, which your lawyer can use as part of your claim.
This assessment is not the same as treatment. The doctor is evaluating your condition for legal purposes, not providing medical care.
Why Your Conduct Matters
How you communicate during the assessment matters. Be honest and accurate about your symptoms, how they started, and how they affect your life, but avoid speculation or exaggeration. Remember, the assessment will be documented and shared with insurance companies and legal teams. Your attorney can help prepare you so that you feel confident and clear during the process.
After the Assessment
Once the assessment is complete, the doctor sends a medical report to the appropriate parties. This report often becomes part of settlement negotiations or court proceedings. Your personal injury lawyer will:
- Review the report carefully
- Compare it with your treating doctors’ records
- Identify whether any parts of the assessment need clarification
- Use all medical evidence to support the true value of your claim
If the assessment supports your injuries and limitations, it can strengthen your position. If it raises questions, your lawyer can challenge it with additional evidence or expert testimony.
How Witherite Law Group Helps
Medical assessments may seem intimidating, but Witherite Law Group is here to help every step of the way. Our experienced attorneys understand how to prepare clients, interpret reports, and ensure your medical documentation accurately reflects the impact of your injuries.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck wreck and needs guidance on medical assessments or any part of your injury claim, contact Witherite Law Group to schedule a free case review with a trusted personal injury lawyer.
