Accident Claim Lawyers
InsuranceUpdated September 2026

Independent medical examinations

In plain English: an independent medical examination, or IME, is an assessment by a doctor chosen and paid by the insurer or the defence, not by you. Despite the name, the doctor isn't working for you and isn't there to treat you.

Why you're being asked to attend

The insurer wants its own opinion on your diagnosis, whether the accident caused it, whether your treatment is reasonable, and whether you can work. In a first-party claim, such as no-fault or disability benefits, your policy usually requires you to attend. In a lawsuit, the defence can normally ask the court to order one; in US federal courts this falls under Rule 35, and states have similar rules. In Canada these are often called defence medical examinations, and Ontario accident benefits insurers use insurer examinations. In England and Wales, the process is usually built around medical experts' reports under court rules, and the defendant may ask you to see its own expert.

Before the appointment

  • Confirm who the doctor is, their specialty, and how long the exam should take.
  • Ask your lawyer what the exam can and can't cover. Some courts limit the scope.
  • Check whether you can bring someone or record the exam. The rules differ by state and province.
  • Re-read your own medical history so your dates and details are accurate.

During the exam

Everything counts, from the moment you walk into the car park. Examiners note how you sit, stand, get on the table and take off your coat. That's not a reason to act. It's a reason to behave exactly as you normally would.

  1. Be polite and honest. Answer the question asked.
  2. Describe your pain precisely: where, how often, what makes it worse.
  3. Don't minimise. Many people say "I'm fine" out of habit, and it ends up in the report.
  4. If a movement hurts, say so at the time instead of pushing through silently.
  5. Don't discuss fault or the legal claim.

After the exam

Write down straight away how long the doctor actually spent with you, which tests were done and anything said that surprised you. IME reports sometimes describe tests that took seconds as thorough assessments. Your notes give your lawyer something to compare against. Ask for a copy of the report; in most places you or your lawyer are entitled to see it if it's used against you.

A report you disagree with isn't the final word

Your treating doctors, who have seen you over months, can respond in writing. Their opinion often carries more weight than a single visit, particularly when it's backed by consistent records.

Next: independent medical opinion · surveillance evidence · your medical records.

Related terms

Recorded StatementA recorded statement is an audio-recorded interview where an insurance adjuster asks you about the accident, your injuries and your medical history.Rental Reimbursement CoverageRental reimbursement is an optional add-on to your own car policy that pays for a rental car, up to a daily and total limit, while your car is being repaired or replaced after a covered claim.Reservation of RightsA reservation of rights is a letter from an insurer saying it will investigate or defend a claim for now, but it may later decide the policy doesn't cover it and refuse to pay.Actual Cash ValueActual cash value, or ACV, is what your car or property was worth immediately before it was damaged or stolen.

General information, not legal or medical advice. Rules differ between US states, the UK and Canadian provinces, so check the law where your accident happened. How we write and check · Legal disclaimer