Los Angeles Car Accidents: Preparing for An Insurance Company Medical Exam
If you have found yourself the victim of a Los Angeles car accident, and you decide to file a claim against an opposing party who was the alleged cause of the accident, California law dictates that the at-fault party’s insurance company has a right to conduct its own medical examination of your injuries. The purpose of this examination is not treatment, but to determine for the opposing party whether or not the doctor can ascertain that your injuries are not as serious as you claim, or if they are fabricated.
Knowing that the at-fault opposing party has requested this examination, it is important to know your rights before you show up for the exam. To begin with, in Los Angeles, medical examinations cannot be painful or for an extended length of time. The intrusiveness of the exam is also regulated. Taking a sample of your blood, giving you an injection, or taking an X-ray all cross the line and go too far according to California law. As far as distance needed to travel, if you are more than seventy five miles away from the site of the examination, it is too far and you are not required to have your examination taken there. With regard to physical injuries and any examination of them, you are allowed to bring in your personal injury lawyer to ensure that all procedures are being properly followed, and no bias is being applied to what is supposed to be an objective exam, even if it is being conducted for subjective reasons. The only exception to this rule is for examinations for mental conditions.
While engaging in a medical exam for the at-fault party, make sure you stay calm and cool. There is nothing to worry about. Think of the exam as a formal legal obligation. Show up promptly and on time. Be cooperative. Discuss your personal injuries whether they are physical or mental, but only with relation to the specifics of the questions asked. No need to talk about more than is asked. On that note, answer all questions asked thoughtfully and carefully, and if you are unclear about any aspect of a question do not hesitate for a moment to ask for clarification. Write down any questions asked and general observations about the exam after it is completed.
Having a medical examination conducted on behalf of an opposing party during a Los Angeles car accident claim can be a nerve-wracking process. Having an experienced, knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who has dealt with at-fault party medical exams at your side, or even to answer your questions in advance, can set your mind at ease, and provide a better experience for you, as well as a more advantageous one. The seasoned, highly skilled personal injury lawyers at California Attorney Group are here to answer any of your questions. Contact us for a free consultation at (866) 650-0505 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 650-0505 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
