Psycho-Babble Social Thread 3989

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An insurance company thinks I'm a liar.....

Posted by Cowgirl on January 16, 2001, at 16:23:00

I was rear-ended in September by a guy in a 12 passenger van. I was stopped, and he clobbered me doing about 35mph. I was driving a Suburban with a trailer hitch, and the only damage was to the trailer hitch (which was bent beyond belief). Now the insurance company has decided that since there wasn't much in the way of expensive (or extensive) damage to my vehicle, I must not be injured very badly and I'm just holding on to the pain and headaches for the fun of it. They've hooked me up for an independent examination with someone of their choice; a specialist in CHILD psychology (he holds a Ph.D). This man is supposed to do a psychological work up on me, followed up by a neurological exam. I'm concerned, because the man is not a neurologist, yet they expect him to render a medical opinion.

I've been seen by an emergency room doctor, my own physician, a neurologist, a physical therapist, 2 chiropractors, and a massage therapist, and they all tell me what I already know; that I have been pretty badly injured.

I've never been to a psychologist - I have a brother who's a psychologist, and he has so many issues of his own, it's a wonder that the man can even tie his own shoes, so I have a skewed view of psychologists. I know there are some good ones out there, but my personal experience is negative. Needless to say, I'm more than a little skeptical and concerned. I have no idea what to say to this man when I see him. Any suggestions?

 

Re: An insurance company thinks I'm a liar..... » Cowgirl

Posted by Greg on January 17, 2001, at 13:47:19

In reply to An insurance company thinks I'm a liar....., posted by Cowgirl on January 16, 2001, at 16:23:00

Howdy Cowgirl (sorry, couldn't help it...)

Sorry to hear about this. My experience with insurance companies is that most of them can be a real pain in the ass, but a lot of people file fraudulant claims and they have to protect themselves I suppose.

My suggestion for what to say to the doctor is to just be honest. If you feel that the doc is asking questions that have no bearing on the matter of the accident, you certainly are not required to answer. Don't hesitate to ask, "What bearing does this have on the accident?". This doctor is most certainly one that has been used by your insurance company before and could even be on retainer to them. You might want to find that out.

It may well be to your benefit to see a psychologist on your own as well as theirs. This would help to offset any report that might reflect negatively on you.

I hope that you heal quickly and are feeling better soon. Please let me know how this works out for you.

Greg

> I was rear-ended in September by a guy in a 12 passenger van. I was stopped, and he clobbered me doing about 35mph. I was driving a Suburban with a trailer hitch, and the only damage was to the trailer hitch (which was bent beyond belief). Now the insurance company has decided that since there wasn't much in the way of expensive (or extensive) damage to my vehicle, I must not be injured very badly and I'm just holding on to the pain and headaches for the fun of it. They've hooked me up for an independent examination with someone of their choice; a specialist in CHILD psychology (he holds a Ph.D). This man is supposed to do a psychological work up on me, followed up by a neurological exam. I'm concerned, because the man is not a neurologist, yet they expect him to render a medical opinion.
>
> I've been seen by an emergency room doctor, my own physician, a neurologist, a physical therapist, 2 chiropractors, and a massage therapist, and they all tell me what I already know; that I have been pretty badly injured.
>
> I've never been to a psychologist - I have a brother who's a psychologist, and he has so many issues of his own, it's a wonder that the man can even tie his own shoes, so I have a skewed view of psychologists. I know there are some good ones out there, but my personal experience is negative. Needless to say, I'm more than a little skeptical and concerned. I have no idea what to say to this man when I see him. Any suggestions?

 

Re: An insurance company thinks I'm a liar.....

Posted by stjames on January 17, 2001, at 17:07:21

In reply to An insurance company thinks I'm a liar....., posted by Cowgirl on January 16, 2001, at 16:23:00

Get a lawyer. Then they listen.

james

 

Re: An insurance company thinks I'm a liar.....

Posted by Noa on January 18, 2001, at 16:09:33

In reply to Re: An insurance company thinks I'm a liar....., posted by stjames on January 17, 2001, at 17:07:21

> Get a lawyer. Then they listen.
>
> james

I agree.

A few months ago one of the major networks did a great expose of car insurance companies (I think they focused on State Farm) and how they use so call "independent medical examiners" who are neither "independent" nor are they "medical" nor do they "examine" anyone.

I'll see if I can find the story and give you the link, because I am sure they list info on what to do if you are in such a situation.

 

Re: An insurance company thinks I'm a liar.....

Posted by Noa on January 18, 2001, at 16:44:43

In reply to Re: An insurance company thinks I'm a liar....., posted by Noa on January 18, 2001, at 16:09:33

Here is the address for the NBC story:

http://www.msnbc.com/news/437401.asp


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