During the past month, there has been substantial increase in the number of clients who have come into my office after their own auto insurance company required them to have an Independent Medical Examination (IME). In each case, the medical doctor authorized that insurance benefits to be suspended. This made the client financially responsible for their medical treatment. Despite the fact that the clients’ own medical physicians prescribed them the medical treatments, due to the IME, their own insurance company was able to basically cut them off from receiving the medical insurance benefits needed to pay for the treatment. Surprised and angered that they were so easily taken advantage of by their own insurance companies, these Utah accident victims came to the Christensen Law Firm for help.

These victims of Utah accidents followed their insurance adjustor’s advice to get the IME because it was their own insurance company. They were paying monthly premiums for auto protection for accidents like this, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, this is a common misperception that many Utah accident victims fall for.
“Even if you pay your premiums and have purchased a good insurance policy in the effort to protect you and your family in the case of an emergency, the insurance company’s bottom line is all that they care about,” states Attorney Ken Christensen, author of The 7 Biggest Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case.

Three Reasons to AVOID an IME

1. Understand the Real Purpose behind an IME

All Insurance companies are for-profit-companies. Every dollar an insurance company saves from spending on your medical treatment is a dollar they make. In fact, insurance adjusters are rewarded with bonuses for this. In their efforts to make more profit, your insurance adjuster will try everything to get you to stop treating and to accept the lowest settlement offer possible. An IME is one of the most damaging tactics used by insurance companies. Remember; never trust your own insurance company interests over your own.

2. Why IME’s are Never Beneficial

Have you ever wondered why your own doctor doesn’t conduct the IME? The insurance company claim an “independent source” should conduct the exam; however, it is the same insurance company who employ the medical doctors that perform the Independent Medical Examination. This means that the insurance company both chooses who the IME doctor is and pays the doctor’s fees. In other words, these medical doctors are paid to find results that are approved by the insurance company. The insurance company is not going to hire a doctor that isn’t going to make them money. In fact, they have a group of doctors that always conduct these IME tests.

Additionally, if your accident case goes to trial, the defense council will require an IME. If you have already had an unfavorable IME performed by your insurance company, you have highly risked the outcome of your personal injury claim. You will now have two IMEs that state your medical treatment was unwarranted.

3. Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney ASAP

If any insurance company requests that you have an IME conducted, you should contact an experienced Utah personal injury attorney right away. Firstly, a reputable personal injury lawyer is able to set up attorney liens with medical professionals so you don’t have to pay for your medical treatment out of pocket. With an attorney’s lien, your medical doctors will agree to wait for payment until your case is settled. Your health and recovery should remain the priority. A skilled Utah personal injury attorney will ensure your rights and livelihood are protected even if your own insurance company won’t.

If you or a family member has been injured in a Utah accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another, you can contact the skilled Utah personal injury attorney’s of the Christensen Law Firm for a FREE no obligation consultation to discuss your legal rights and options. We understand the complexities of the insurance world and how to navigate successfully through them so you and your loved ones receive the settlement you deserve. Contact us today at 801. 506.0800.

The driver of the Chevy sedan, Alex Amundson, 21, and his passenger Donald Callison, 18, were killed in an car accident with a southbound TRAX train on Thursday evening of March 11, 2010. The two surviving passengers, believed to be in their early twenties or late teens, remain at Intermountain Medical Center in critical condition.

The car verses TRAX collision occurred around 7pm near Central Avenue in South Salt Lake, about 150 West and 4100 South. Unified Police Department Capt. Clinton Smith confirmed that the crossing arms were down when the late Mr. Amundson, the driver of the Chevy sedan, decided to go around those safety arms in the attempt to beat the train. The TRAX train was going full speed of 55mph when it struck the Chevy sedan, dragging the car 300 feet before it stopped. Fortunately, the force of the impact did not cause the train to derail. The sixty-plus passengers on the southbound TRAX train were not injured.

My heart goes out to the families of these young men who were killed in such a sudden and unexpected Utah car accident. I pray that the two victims, who remain in grave medical condition, may recover fully from their injuries. This is such a tragic accident; please keep the grieving family in your prayers.

Three Ways to Prevent a Car Accident with TRAX Trains

The U.T.A. TRAX transit has been a remarkable addition to the commuting system of the state of Utah. However, in order to maintain commuter rail safety Utah motorists, pedestrian, TRAX riders and others need to be alert and take steps to share the road. The Utah Transit Authority reminds motorists to abide by the following rules:

• Rule #1: Turn left across the tracks only at designated intersection.
• Rule #2: Never stop on the tracks or go around crossing gates when they are down.
• Rule #3: Don’t race the train or try to beat it through a crossing.

Your Options when You are in a Utah Car Accident

The victims’ families in such cases, would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a skilled Utah personal injury lawyer that has extensive experienced in wrongful death claims and working with the insurance companies of government agencies. In fact, there are two statutes of limitations, according to Utah law, that are applicable to this particular accident. These laws significantly reduce the amount of time a claim can be filed; therefore, experienced Salt Lake City wrongful death attorneys can ensure that your legal rights are protected within the stipulated deadlines.

Where negligence or reckless behavior is involved injured victims and families of deceased car accident victims can file personal injury claims and wrongful death claims to seek compensation for their damages. The attorneys of the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, specialize in assisting victims of Utah Car accidents. Don’t hesitate to call us today at 801.506.0800 to set up a FREE no obligation consultation with one of our experienced Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers.

On September 12, 2008 a Metrolink commuter train collided with a freight train in Chatsworth, California killing at least 25 people and injuring 135 more. According to news sources the Metrolink train was carrying as many as 350 rush hour passengers when it slammed into a freight train in San FernandoValley.

Investigations have revealed that while traveling on a track, trains must go through a series of signals and each one of the signals must be obeyed. Officials believe that the Metrolink commuter train operator failed to stop at red stop signals, and that was the cause of the accident.

Our nation mourns as we continue to see the tragic affects of this train accident that never should have happened. Please keep these victims and their families in your prayers.

There is no doubt Metrolink and possibly other companies will have to take responsibility for this accident and the damages caused by their gross negligence. When they do, the victims and their families would be well advised to contact a California train wreck attorney to ensure their rights are fully protected.

Fortunately, these victims already have California’s best personal injury lawyer, John Bisnar and his staff looking after and protecting their rights. I know John Bisnar and can say there is no finer attorney to handle this sensitive case. Not only does he have experience handling California train accidents, he goes the extra mile for his clients.

If you or your loved ones were involved in this tragic accident, I strongly encourage you to contact Chatsworth Metrolink train wreck lawyer, John Bisnar; you’ll be glad you did.