Week One of Our New Building

We have now completed week one of construction on our new Port Orchard office. While the new building is being constructed we will still be working out of our small office which is currently located in the middle of the construction site. Day one of construction was very exciting and new, we were all looking out of our windows and eagerly watching tractors and trucks move dirt around. Here we are at day seven and now we are looking out of the window to see the dump trucks narrowly miss our cars. In fact today one of the trucks took out our mail box! We are obviously still excited at the prospect of a new office, however the building process no longer holds any excitment for us. I will keep you updated on the process as we go along.

"Independent Medical Examinations"

Do I have to attend a PIP "IME"
In your contract with your insurance company, there is a Cooperation Clause, which requires you to attend an "Independent" Medical Examination. If you do not attend, the PIP Carrier can cut off PIP benefits without requiring a doctor's opinion.

What Happens at an "IME"?
You will be required to go to a facility designated by the PIP carrier. Once there, you will be required to fill out paperwork as if you were a new patient of the facility. You will then meet with the selected examiner, who will proceed with taking a medical history and asking questions about your injuries and treatment, based upon information derived from the medical records provided by the insurance company. the doctor will then conduct a physical examination, the sufficiency and accuracy of which is often suspect. At the conclusion of the examination, you will be dismissed, and the examiner proceeds with preparing the report, most often without sharing the findings or conclusions with you. Nonetheless you must wait until the PIP carrier contacts them by which time several weeks may have gone by. PIP benefits may be denied retroactively.

How should I Prepare for a PIP "IME?"
Here are some simple tips that will help you get through your PIP IME.

1. Be prepared. You should have a general understanding of your medical treatment and injuries since the accident.

2. Be believable. You do not have to convince the doctor that you were really hurt. However, coming across as truthful and honest, without exaggerating symptoms, will lend credence to your case.

3. Focus on what is being asked. This is not a social visit, and you are not having a friendly chat. This is a medical professional, being paid by the insurance company, and looking for a reason to terminate your PIP benefits.

4. Watch out for traps. They examining doctor may say "This hurts right?" when in fact they know it does not hurt. they want to see if you are exaggerating your pain complaints.

If you are being sent for PIP IME, contact an attorney at Graham Lundberg & Peschel. There are strategies and procedures that may be put into place to assure continued PIP benefits.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection is part of your auto insurance policy. It is designed to take care of you immediately after an accident. You should always take advantage of your PIP!Here are a few PIP TIPS to assist you: • PIP pays medical bills for 3 years or $10,000 (or more, depending on your policy)• PIP pays a portion of your lost income from missing work after an accident• PIP pays reimbursement for household chores that you normally do yourself• PIP does not have a deductible or co-pay requirements• PIP is no-fault, so it does not matter who caused the accident, you’re covered!!!• PIP must be included in your policy unless you rejected it, in writing• BY LAW, your insurance company cannot raise your rates for using PIP• BY LAW, your insurance company cannot cancel your policy for using PIPOPEN YOUR PIP CLAIM IMMEDIATLEY AFTER AN ACCIDENT!!! You shouldn’t have to pay expensive medical bills out of your own pocket until you settle your case! Take advantage of your PIP coverage - - - that’s why you have it!!! Contact the offices of Graham Lundberg & Peschel if you have any questions regarding PIP or any other issues related to Personal Injury @ 1-800-273-5005.