The adjuster is about to ask, "Why are you still treating if our doctor says you're okay?" Your answer matters because that report is often used to delay payment, deny treatment, or push a low settlement.

What the insurance company will tell you is that the exam was "independent" and the doctor found no serious injury, no need for more care, or that your pain is just arthritis or age-related degeneration.

What is actually true is that an IME - an "independent medical exam" - is usually a one-time evaluation for the insurer, not treatment. That doctor is not following you over time, reviewing how symptoms flare after walking, or seeing what happens when delayed pain sets in after a spring pothole or frost-heave crash around Rutland.

In Vermont, your own records usually carry more weight than a quick insurer exam if they are consistent. That means records from Rutland Regional Medical Center, your primary doctor, physical therapy, imaging, and any specialist visits matter. If symptoms started days later, that does not automatically make the claim weak. Neck, back, and concussion symptoms are often delayed.

If you are on Medicare, the insurer also does not get to pretend those bills disappeared. Medicare may pay conditionally, then seek reimbursement from a settlement. That is one reason the insurer tries to minimize treatment.

A few practical points help:

• Keep every visit and avoid long gaps in treatment unless a doctor told you to stop.
• Tell each provider exactly when symptoms started and how they changed.
• Ask for the IME report and compare it to your actual chart.
• Save bills, mileage, and prescription costs.

For most Vermont injury claims, the lawsuit deadline is generally 3 years. Vermont also has no cap on pain-and-suffering damages, so an insurer doctor saying "you're fine" does not set the value of your case.