Receiving medical care after being injured in a car accident is one of the most important things you can do. A doctor can assess the extent of your injuries and provide a treatment plan to aid in your recovery.
If you are concerned that the doctor may have missed something or if you disagree with his or her diagnosis or treatment plan, you have the right to see another doctor. The second doctor may confirm the first doctor’s opinions, offering you some peace of mind, or provide other treatment options.
Our attorneys further discuss the benefits of getting a second opinion about your car crash injuries and how it may help your claim. Sigman Janssen has recovered millions in compensation on behalf of car accident victims. An initial consultation is 100 percent free.
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Reasons Crash Victims May Seek a Second Opinion
There are several reasons why crash victims may decide to seek a second opinion about their injuries.
Some car accident injuries – such as whiplash – may take days or weeks to manifest. Even if you saw a doctor right after the crash, injuries with delayed symptoms can be hard to diagnose. Perhaps you returned to the same doctor to discuss the new symptoms you are experiencing, but he or she does not take your injuries seriously. Maybe the doctor thinks that doing additional tests is unnecessary.
A crash victim may be concerned that the doctor is not doing everything he or she can do to treat an injury or is taking an approach the victim disagrees with. For instance, you may feel that the doctor could do more to help with pain management. Perhaps you heard about alternative treatments.
It is important to have a doctor you can trust with your care. If you do not completely agree with the recommended treatment, you may be less likely to follow through with it. Discontinuing or delaying treatment could make an injury worse, making treatment more difficult and hurting your recovery.
If the doctor has recommended surgery, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons and think about what you want and what is best for you. If you have addressed your concerns with the doctor and are still unsure about undergoing the procedure, you may want to think about getting a second opinion.
The other doctor may agree with the first doctor’s recommendation or offer other forms of treatment that are less invasive. Another opinion could allow you to learn more about your options to help you make an informed decision about your medical care that you feel comfortable and confident in.
For instance, say you sustained a soft-tissue injury that has led to painful symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness and soreness. You may learn that your injury can be treated with rest, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy without the need for surgery.
You may also want to seek a second opinion if you are not responding as expected to current treatment. It is important to have a doctor that is doing everything possible to treat your injuries. A second opinion can help relieve stress and give you peace of mind during this difficult time.
Getting a Second Opinion from the Right Doctor
Crash victims may think the logical thing to do is to follow up with their primary care doctors. If you went to the hospital after the car accident, you may have been advised upon release to follow up with your doctor if your pain continues or worsens over the next several days.
Primary care doctors, however, lack the training to treat serious car accident injuries. Your doctor will likely refer you to a specialist who has experience diagnosing and treating your injuries on a daily basis. If you suffered a back-related injury, you may be referred to an orthopedic doctor.
Be sure to do some research to find the right doctor for you. You may want to consider asking friends and/or family members for recommendations and looking at online reviews.
It is important to receive medical care not only to protect your health but also protect your potential claim. At Sigman Janssen, we are ready to answer any questions about seeking a second opinion.
When Insurers May Request a Second Opinion
You deciding to get a second opinion from another doctor works differently than the insurance company requesting a second opinion about your car accident injuries.
If you decide to see a different doctor about your diagnosis and treatment, the insurance company may try to use this second opinion as an excuse to devalue or deny your claim. They may argue that you are not as seriously injured as you say you are. They may even argue you are simply looking for another doctor who will side with you so you are able to pursue compensation.
This should not deter you from getting a second opinion of your injuries. An experienced lawyer at our firm is here to help. He or she is ready to help counter any arguments made by insurance companies.
On the flip side, the insurance company may ask that you undergo an independent medical exam (IME) and see a second doctor of their choosing. If you agree to this exam, this doctor will offer his or her perspective on the injuries you suffered. While an IME may seem reasonable, is often a tactic used by insurance companies to dispute your injuries, question your credibility and pay you less for your claim.
A lawyer can also help protect the value of your claim if you are required to attend this exam. He or she can advise you on how to best prepare for an IME.
Get Answers to Your Legal Questions Today
Our car crash attorneys in Oshkosh have a proven track record of getting maximum compensation for our clients. If you have been injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact us. Our initial consultations come with no cost or obligation to you. There are no upfront fees to hire our firm.
Call (877) 888-5201 to get started today.