How Should I Prepare for an Independent Medical Examination in My Connecticut Car Accident Case?

How Should I Prepare for an Independent Medical Examination in My Connecticut Car Accident Case? by Dan Petroskey Connecticut car accident attorney Dan Petroskey explains how to prepare for an independent medical examination in Waterbury, CT — before your appointment date arrives. An independent medical examination, or IME, is not a treatment visit. It is a formal medical evaluation performed for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit rather than to provide care. Your treating physician manages your ongoing recovery, while the IME examiner assesses the claimed injury, its cause, the extent of impairment, physical restrictions, and potential future recovery on behalf of the requesting party. Understanding that distinction is the first step in preparing for the examination. The legal framework controlling the IME depends on who requested it and whether a Connecticut Superior Court lawsuit has been filed. If your own auto insurer requests the examination, your policy terms and applicable insurance law govern the process. If a lawsuit is underway, Connecticut Practice Book Section 13-11(b) applies. Under that rule, any party adverse to the plaintiff may file and serve a request for a physical or mental examination, identifying the time, place, manner, conditions, scope, and proposed examiner. A written objection to the terms must be filed within 10 days after the request is filed, and a plaintiff may separately object in writing to the proposed physician. The requesting party pays the examination expense under Section 13-11(b). If you receive an invoice after a litigation-related IME, forward it to your attorney. The examined party may request the examiner's report under Section 13-11(d), but doing so can trigger disclosure and privilege consequences under subsections (d) and (e). IMEs frequently arise when a preexisting condition, such as a prior lumbar injury before a rear-end crash, creates a dispute about whether the collision caused a new injury or aggravated an earlier one. Preparing for the examination means reviewing your full treatment history, current medications, prior conditions, and the specific injuries you are claiming. Bring photo identification, the appointment notice, and any assistive device relevant to your condition. 🕒 VIDEO TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – IME preparation overview 0:14 – What an IME is and is not 0:33 – Who controls the examination 0:41 – Insurance policy IME rules 0:48 – Practice Book Section 13-11(b) litigation process 0:59 – Filing objections within 10 days 1:15 – Who pays the exam fee 1:31 – Reviewing your treatment history 1:41 – What to bring to your IME 1:59 – Preexisting conditions and IME disputes 2:17 – How DeFronzo & Petroskey can help 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES IME preparation guide: https://www.defronzolawfirm.com/how-p... Google Business Profile: https://maps.app.goo.gl/i4bXxg33Vd6AH... Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=20747... Call for a free consultation: (203) 756-7408 📍 OFFICE DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. 255 Bank St # 2b Waterbury, CT 06702 (203) 756-7408 👋 ABOUT THE FIRM DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. is a personal injury law firm in Waterbury, Connecticut, serving clients throughout New Haven County, Hartford County, and surrounding areas. Attorney Dan Petroskey handles car accident and personal injury cases, helping injured clients understand their rights at every stage of the claims process. People also ask: How do I prepare for an independent medical examination after a car accident in Connecticut? What does Connecticut Practice Book Section 13-11(b) say about IMEs in personal injury cases? Can an insurance company require me to attend an IME in a Connecticut injury claim? How long does the independent medical examination process take in a Connecticut lawsuit? Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. #DeFronzoPetroskey #CarAccidentLaw #WaterburyCT #IndependentMedicalExamination #ConnecticutPersonalInjury