What To Expect On the Day of Your Independent Medical Examination

by OMEED E. BERENJIAN

Last Updated December 19, 2025 in Personal Injury

It is important to know what to expect on the day of your independent medical examination. Read this article to learn some last-minute tips and tricks.

What To Bring To an IME

Bring Photo ID/Driver’s License

This is common practice for IMEs, as it will be used to verify your identity.

Bring Any/All Medical Records

Your legal team often does this; however, if you have additional documentation or aftercare summaries from your treatments related to the accident, then please bring along these materials for the doctor’s review.

Request a Copy of the IME Report

Request a copy of the IME report from the physician conducting the exam. Make this formal request and follow up once the exam has concluded to ensure your request has been documented. You can further ask when and how the IME report will be delivered.  

Request Compensation for Wages Lost and Travel Expenses

Reach out to your Attorney or Paralegal at BK Law Group and notify us of the total miles for the round trip to attend the IME. Please also notify us if you have missed work and lost wages to attend the IME. We will then begin the process to have your lost wages and mileage reimbursed by your auto insurance. 

What To Do at the IME

Document Your Injuries and Symptoms

Know your injuries and symptoms, and the injuries you sustained immediately after the collision. 

Document when your symptoms have worsened, what caused them to worsen, and when they have improved, and what treatments were beneficial in the overall improvement of symptoms. 

Be Honest, Polite, and Cooperative

It is crucial to be honest, polite, and cooperative when undergoing an IME. 

• The gold standard advice for IMEs is:
  • Be honest, but refrain from oversharing. 
  • Be polite, but be clear, and do not let the doctor interrupt you.
  • Be cooperative, but if you are in pain or are unable to perform a task, tell the doctor.

Be Consistent

You should also be consistent. The IME physician will note any inconsistencies in your story, injuries, and treatments. It’s best to be consistent and honest in what has occurred, what injuries you have sustained, and what treatments you are doing. 

Be Direct

• Answer the question, but do not give unrelated information. 
• Answer the physicians’ questions directly and try not to provide them with any additional information that they can use adversely in their IME report. 

What Not To Do During the IME

Don’t Be Combative

The IME physician could end the appointment due to combative and uncooperative behavior.

Don’t Be Late

It’s important to arrive on time or even early to ensure you will be seen at the correct time and show full cooperation. 

Don’t Overshare

It’s vital you’re honest during the IME, but if something isn’t pertinent to the collision and your claim, it likely can be left out.  

Don’t Avoid Answering Questions

Give clear, direct answers and move on to the next question. 

Don’t Lie, Exaggerate, or Underexaggerate

Be direct and honest in your answers, as the IME physician may be looking for any exaggeration of symptoms on your part. 

Don’t Worry

Try not to worry. IMEs are routine examinations and a standard part of many personal injury claims. BK Law Group has extensive experience handling cases after an IME and will make sure your claim is managed with the highest level of care.

Contact Us Today To Learn What to Expect On the Day of Your IME

If you need an attorney for help with a personal injury claim or would like to know more about what to expect on the day of your independent medical examination, BK Law Group is here for you. Please contact us by phone at (952) 314-5101 or by email at in****@*********up.com. We are ready to assist you.