It is not uncommon for symptoms to show up long after the initial trauma. If the accident was caused by another person s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, wage loss, and other financial losses. It is unlikely that the insurance company will offer you this information voluntarily. If you have Personal Injury Protection or Medical Payments coverage, your insurance company will be involved in paying your medical expenses. Though you might expect your own insurance company to advocate for you, that is not necessarily the case.
Many insurance carriers use cost-containment strategies to pay as little as possible on claims.
Your insurance company may hire a doctor to review your records or examine you. Don t be misled by the word independent. The purpose of this exam may be to terminate benefits by having a doctor conclude that you require no additional treatment or that your condition is not related to the accident. When that happens, your insurance company will stop paying your bills. It is important to seek legal advice before an IME to make sure your right to treatment and payment of your bills is protected.