Not a Bunch of Ambulance Chasers

You may have read the article we shared last week about the less-than-ethical, so-called “independent” examinations that auto insurers subject injured victims to. These questionable practices are not something our team is unfamiliar with—on a regular basis, we work with clients who are devastated by how significantly their life has changed since their auto accident, which has been compounded by the games insurers are playing. In our office, we assist clients with both the physical and psychological repercussions a motor vehicle accident has on one’s life. Let me share with you a few of the reasons why I personally am passionate about helping clients in this capacity.

First, I should mention that I enjoyed a decade-long career working in the insurance industry in various positions. Despite my intimate knowledge of the industry, when I moved into my current role, I was flabbergasted to learn of the independent examination process; this got me thinking—if seasoned professionals in the auto insurance industry are not even blatantly aware of this practice, how is the public supposed to protect themselves?

Secondly, many of the professionals in our office are no strangers to overcoming adversity—a skill that so many MVA victims must learn in the midst of chronic physical pain and psychological distress (such as depression, anxiety, rage, resurgence of past trauma, cognitive issues, nightmares). Just think for a minute about how you would go on if life as you knew it changed in an instant. Even so-called minor accidents can have this impact on people, resulting in an inability to complete what seemed like simple, mindless daily tasks. My personal passion for rehabilitation psychology comes from my own personal journey of learning to live life with a degenerative disability—I have a rare condition which has rendered me legally blind. Of course, there are the obvious difficulties, like not being able to drive, cross the street, and read print material, but in my situation, and with those recovering from an MVA, there exists a great deal of psychological turmoil; feelings of inadequacy, doubt, hopelessness, fear, longing for the way things used to be—all things which make a tough situation even tougher. What’s worse is the perception of others who say that you “look fine”. Now think for a moment how much worse that would feel coming from an “independent” medical professional, an individual whose job it is to help. This is what we see day after day, and this is why we are devoted to advocating for injured accident victims. Someone needs to be on their side. We have had success in helping overturn decisions made based on independent examinations, and will continue to do all we can to advocate for our clients, and walk with them down a difficult road.