What Does Maximum Medical Improvement Mean in a Car Crash Claim?
After a car crash, the desire to settle a claim quickly is often overwhelming. Claimants, burdened by mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of recovery, may feel an intense urge to resolve their case as soon as possible. Furthermore, hastening the settlement process before reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) can be a costly mistake.
A marvelous and dedicated car accident lawyer can gather comprehensive medical documentation and evidence, aggressively pursue negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure that you don’t settle for less than what you rightfully deserve.
What is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?
Maximum Medical Improvement refers to the point at which a car accident victim has reached a plateau in their recovery. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the patient has fully recovered, but rather that their condition is not expected to improve significantly with further medical treatment. It’s a critical milestone in personal injury cases because it provides a clearer picture of the long-term effects of the injuries sustained.
How is MMI Determined for Car Accident Victims?
MMI is determined by medical professionals who assess the patient’s progress over time. The process typically involves:
- Medical Evaluations: Continuous monitoring and assessment by healthcare providers, including doctors, physical therapists, and specialists.
- Treatment Records: Analysis of the patient’s medical history, treatments received, and their outcomes.
- Consultations: Collaborative discussions among treating physicians to agree on the patient’s prognosis and whether further treatment would yield significant improvements.
Once these steps are taken, a physician can declare that you have reached MMI.
Why is MMI Important in an Atlanta Car Crash Claim?
Reaching maximum medical improvement is an essential moment in a car crash claim for several reasons:
Assessment of Permanent Impairments
MMI helps in determining any permanent disabilities or impairments resulting from the crash. This assessment is vital for calculating long-term damages and compensation.
Avoiding Premature Settlements
Settling a claim before reaching MMI can lead to a significant financial disadvantage. Premature settlements might not fully account for ongoing medical treatments, potential surgeries, or long-term care needs that become evident only after reaching MMI. In Atlanta’s competitive legal environment, an experienced attorney can help ensure that you do not rush into a settlement that inadequately addresses your needs.
Settlement Negotiations
Insurance companies and attorneys often wait until maximum medical improvement is reached to negotiate settlements. This ensures that all parties have a clear understanding of the injury’s impact and the necessary compensation.
Future Medical Needs
Knowing the patient’s condition post-MMI allows for a better prediction of future medical needs and associated costs, which are factored into the compensation.
Disputes Over Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement
Disputes often arise when there is disagreement between the injured party, their healthcare providers, and the insurance company about whether MMI has been reached. Resolving these disputes is important for ensuring fair compensation.
- Differing Medical Opinions: Your doctors may believe that you have not yet reached MMI and require further treatment, while the insurance company’s doctors may argue that you have reached MMI to limit the insurer’s liability.
- Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies may push for an MMI determination prematurely to minimize their payout. They may hire their own medical experts to review your case and assert that you have reached MMI, even if your doctors disagree.
- Complex Medical Conditions: For injuries that are complex or involve long-term rehabilitation, determining MMI can be particularly challenging. Chronic pain, psychological trauma, and evolving medical conditions can complicate the assessment, leading to disputes.
Skilled Car Accident Lawyers Can Provide Invaluable Support in the MMI Determination Process
Your lawyers can ensure that your health and well-being are paid attention to in the MMI determination process. They can facilitate communication between your healthcare providers and the insurance company, ensuring that your doctors’ opinions are fully considered.
Gathering Comprehensive Medical Evidence
An attorney can help gather and present comprehensive medical documentation to support your case. This includes medical records, expert opinions, treatment plans, and detailed assessments of your condition. Robust evidence is vital for countering the insurance company’s claims and demonstrating that you have not yet reached MMI.
Challenging Insurance Company Tactics
Attorneys are skilled at identifying and challenging tactics used by insurance companies to prematurely declare maximum medical improvement. They can cross-examine the insurance company’s medical experts, highlight inconsistencies in their assessments, and present counterarguments based on your medical history and ongoing needs.
Facilitating Independent Medical Examinations
If there is a dispute over MMI, your lawyer can arrange for independent medical examinations (IMEs) by neutral third-party doctors. These IMEs can provide an objective assessment of your condition, which can be pivotal in resolving disputes and supporting your claim.
Beware – You Cannot Reopen an Auto Accident Claim
Once you settle your car crash claim, you are generally required to sign a release of liability. This release states that you waive your right to seek further compensation related to the accident. If you settle before reaching maximum medical improvement, you might later discover additional medical issues that require treatment, but you will no longer have the legal recourse to obtain compensation for these expenses. Therefore, reaching MMI is essential to understanding the full extent of your injuries and ensuring that all current and future medical needs are considered.
Don’t Settle for Less: Our Car Accident Lawyers will Fight to Maximize Your Compensation
The aftermath of a car accident is a critical time for your recovery and financial stability. At Miller Injury Trial Law, our experienced car accident attorneys are geared to provide the legal support you need. Schedule a free consultation with us today and take the first step toward a more secure future. Call us at 855-44MILLER or complete this online form.
