In some personal injury cases, the relevant insurance company may feel that your doctor's testimony is not enough to prove your injury-related damages. In such a case, the insurance company may order for an independent medical evaluation. Below are some of the things the independent medical examiner will look out for during the evaluation.

Appearance

An experienced doctor can tell a lot merely by examining your physical appearance. The color of your eyes, the way you walk, and your range of motion are some of the things the doctor will use to judge your appearance. For example, walking with a limp usually means you have an injury on your leg, difficulty climbing stairs may point to a back or knee injury, and a disheveled dressing might point to emotional distress.

The doctor will observe your appearance from the moment you walk into the office. It is important, therefore, to behave just as you would have behaved without the examination. That will give the doctor the right idea about your condition. Don't exaggerate your pains, and don't try to mask them.

Signs of Deception

Insurance companies are always on the lookout for injury victims who exaggerate or feign their pains. Therefore, expect the doctor to watch out for signs that might mean you are feigning of making too much out of your injuries. The minute the doctor senses that something is not genuine; they will begin to suspect other aspects of your case and pass on their impressions to the insurance company.

Manifestations of Injury

The doctor will also be interested in how the injury is manifesting itself. The doctor will do this by examining your medical tests and records and by conducting their own tests or examinations if necessary. If you have x-rays or results of CT scans, the doctor will be interested in them. The doctor may also ask you to stretch, bend, or raise your arms to determine whether your physical limitations are consistent with your injuries.

Other Health Issues

Lastly, the doctor will also look out for signs of other diseases or injuries. After all, just because you cannot walk doesn't mean that your recent accident is the cause of your mobility issues. Maybe you can't walk due to a past accident or an infection that has nothing to do with your latest accident. The doctor will watch out for these health issues to confirm that your recent injury is indeed the sole basis for the limitations for which you are seeking damages.

Your personal injury doctor will advise you on how to handle the examination. Follow your lawyer's advice if you don't want to jeopardize your case. For more information, reach out to a personal injury attorney near you.