Setareh Law
July 6, 2026
When you file a car accident claim, the insurance company may require you to undergo what is called an independent medical examination, or IME. Despite its name, this exam is arranged by the insurer and conducted by a doctor of their choosing, with results that can directly impact how much compensation you receive. Understanding what an IME is and how it actually works can make a major impact in the outcome of your case.
At Setareh Law, we help injured Californians navigate the complex claims process, including the challenges that come with IMEs. With over 60 years of combined experience and more than $250 million recovered on behalf of our clients, we know the strategies insurers use to minimize payouts, and we know how to fight back. If you were hurt in a car accident, having skilled legal representation by your side matters.
What Is an Independent Medical Examination?
An IME is a medical evaluation requested by an insurance company or the defendant’s legal team after you file a personal injury claim. The examining physician is selected and paid by the insurer, not you, which is why the term “independent” can be somewhat misleading. According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, IMEs are a legally mandated examination used in the resolution of personal injury claims, and approximately 95 to 97 percent of civil actions are ultimately resolved by settlement. Where your claim falls within that outcome often depends heavily on the strength of your medical evidence.
The IME doctor’s role is to assess the nature and extent of your injuries, determine whether ongoing treatment is necessary, and evaluate whether your condition is related to the accident. Since these physicians are often hired repeatedly by the same insurers, their conclusions can reflect the interests of the retaining party rather than an objective medical opinion. This dynamic frequently sets the stage for a conflict between what your treating doctor documents and what the IME report concludes.
How an IME Can Work Against Your Claim
In a car accident settlement, IME results are frequently used as a tool to dispute the injuries documented by your own treating physician. There are several ways this type of exam can directly impact your case. An IME doctor may cite or dispute any of the following:
- Pre-existing conditions: Your symptoms stem from a prior injury rather than the accident itself.
- Injury severity: Your injuries are less serious than your medical records indicate.
- Treatment necessity: You no longer require ongoing care or physical therapy.
- Causation: Your documented injuries are not directly related to the crash.
Any one of these findings can justify a reduced settlement offer or a full denial of your claim. This is a serious concern for victims who have sustained severe trauma, such as those dealing with spinal cord injuries or brain injuries after a high-impact collision.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself
Knowing what to expect from an IME puts you in a stronger position to protect your claim before, during, and after the examination.
Before and During the Exam
Always attend your scheduled IME. Skipping it can jeopardize your claim or result in a denial of benefits. Bring copies of your medical records, current prescriptions, and notes from your treating physicians to the appointment. Be honest and consistent when describing your pain, symptoms, and limitations, and do not minimize your condition in an attempt to appear stronger than you feel. The physician will closely observe your movement, demeanor, and responses, so accuracy matters throughout the entire visit.
After the Exam
Afterward, write down everything that you remember about the examination, including how long it lasted, what questions were asked, and whether the evaluation felt thorough or rushed. Your attorney can use this documentation to challenge any findings that contradict your established medical history and treatment record.
If the IME results are later used against you, we can counter them by presenting your treating doctor’s records, retaining independent medical experts, and exposing inconsistencies in the examiner’s report. Personal injury cases are often decided by the quality of medical evidence on record, and having an experienced legal team in your corner can make all the difference.
Contact Setareh Law After a Car Accident in California
If you have been asked to attend an IME or your settlement has been negatively affected by one, you need a legal team that understands how insurance companies operate. At Setareh Law, we take a client-first approach to every case, which is why we have earned over 400 five-star Google reviews and offer eight office locations across California, including home visits. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
You deserve compensation that truly reflects the severity of your injuries. Our attorneys speak Spanish, are available around the clock, and are ready to fight for the outcome you deserve. Take the first step today by completing our contact form.
