If you’ve been seriously injured in a Maryland car accident, you likely will try to seek compensation from the person responsible for the crash. When you call the insurance company, you can expect them to request that you see an independent doctor in addition to your family doctor. Usually, they have a list of these doctors ready from which you can choose.
Seems nice, right? Not necessarily. In fact, if you’ve heard much about these so-called “independent doctors,” you may already know they are not exactly the most honest.
While not all independent doctors are so obviously biased, it is true that most of them are paid through the insurance company and therefore tend to make a decision that would favor the company over you.
Warning signs for which you should be on the lookout during your independent exam include:
- A short appointment (5 to 10 minutes)
- An incomplete exam
- Very few questions regarding how you feel
- Doubt expressed about the injuries you claim
- A hasty determination
Don’t be too surprised if the “independent” doctor claims that your Silver Spring car crash injuries are not really as bad as your family doctor originally said. This is a common tactic that these doctors use in order to get their clients—the insurance companies—off the hook for your potentially expensive medical bills.
If you are one of the lucky few whose independent doctor exam did not reduce your expected compensation, congratulations! If, however, you are nervous that the insurance company may now try to reduce the amount they are considering giving you, speak with an experienced Silver Spring accident attorney who can argue your position.
At Nickelsporn and Lundin, we work with trusted physicians to ensure that you get the best medical care and the settlement you deserve after your Maryland auto accident. Call us today at 1-800-875-9700 for a free consultation.