A critical analysis of neuropsychological evaluations in motor vehicle accident claims in South Africa

Abstract

This study focused on the local dilemmas of forensic neuropsychological evaluations in South Africa within the context of motor vehicle accident claims based on three separate studies. Study 1 explored the expectations of 20 experienced legal representatives with regards to neuropsychological evaluations in motor vehicle accident claims, where it was found that the legal profession requires psychologists to provide more user-friendly reports and receive more training of legal constructs. The second study explored the shortfalls in neuropsychological evaluations and reports as viewed by 20 experienced South African psychologists who work in the context of a motor vehicle accident claims. The results generally identified a significant need for a registration body for forensic neuropsychology, but also that the South African forensic neuropsychologist has limited training which must be addressed. Study 3 analysed 50 recent neuropsychological reports aiming to explore the current neuropsychological evaluation methods applied in South Africa regarding motor vehicle accident claims. The results indicate that no generic evaluation model for neuropsychological evaluations exits, which results in substandard report formats, unethical documents, as well as weak conclusions. Article 4 integrates the three studies and concludes with proposed guidelines for neuropsychological evaluations for South African psychologists.