Do I Need a Second Opinion About My Car Crash Injuries?

May 7, 2021

One of the most important steps to take after being injured in a car crash is to seek medical treatment. You need a doctor to examine you and diagnose your injuries so treatment can begin.

If you are concerned that the doctor you saw missed some things, or you disagree with his or her diagnosis or treatment plan, you may want to consider seeing another doctor. Just as you have the right to choose the repair shop that fixes your vehicle, you have the right to choose the doctor who treats you.

Concerned whether seeing another doctor may impact your claim for compensation? Do you have other questions about pursuing compensation or has the insurance company been difficult to deal with?

Phillips Law Group is here to assist you. Our firm has secured millions in compensation on behalf of crash victims, and there are no upfront fees for our services.

When You Might Need a Second Opinion

Sometimes it takes days or weeks for a car crash injury, such as a whiplash, to show up. Even if you were examined by a doctor immediately after the accident, injuries with delayed symptoms can be difficult to diagnose. If you go back and tell the doctor about the onset of your new symptoms, but he or she decides against further tests to determine their cause, it may be time to go to another doctor.

This is just one reason why a crash victim may need another opinion about his or her injury. You may also be concerned your doctor is not taking the appropriate steps to treat your injury or help you manage pain or other symptoms.

If a doctor is recommending an invasive surgery, you may want to consider a second opinion to confirm what the first doctor is telling you. You do not want to undergo the surgery only to see another doctor who tells you he or she does not think the surgery was necessary. A second opinion could allow you to learn more about the nature of your injury and other possible treatments besides surgery.

Learning more about your injuries from another doctor may help you to make a well-informed decision about the care being recommended. For example, you may learn about a treatment with a high success rate that only requires minor surgery or physical therapy and rehabilitation.

If the doctor is older and not as informed about new treatment methods, or is young and inexperienced, confirmation from another doctor can provide peace of mind.

It is important not to rely only on the opinion of a general practitioner. General practitioners do not provide extensive treatment for serious injuries. They are often the first point of contact for patients trying to diagnose a problem. A visit with a general practitioner usually leads to referrals for testing or to see other doctors who regularly deal with others who have suffered injuries like yours.

You may also want to get a second opinion if your treatment is not going well. Is the current doctor listening to you when you say the treatment is not going well? Has he or she reassured you or simply brushed off your concerns?

How do I Find a Doctor for a Second Opinion?

You can ask friends or family members for recommendations, particularly if they dealt with a similar injury and recommend the doctor they saw for that injury. Online reviews can also be helpful.

When you call the office, ask them about the types of patients they see. Have they dealt with injuries like yours before? How long has the doctor been practicing?

Obtaining quality medical treatment is just as important as finding a qualified Phoenix auto accident lawyer to represent you. While a lawyer may be able to help you secure compensation, the doctor may be able to help you make the best recovery possible.

Can the Insurance Company Require a Second Opinion?

The insurance company may ask you to undergo an independent medical exam because they want a second opinion about your injuries.

It is important to review the situation with a licensed attorney who can determine if you are required to go through this exam. Your lawyer can also prepare you for the exam. That way you know how to protect the full value of your claim. Even though it is called an independent medical exam, the doctors who conduct these exams often act like insurance claims adjusters.

While your lawyer can give you more specific instructions and advice, here are some best practices that can help you:

Call to See How Phillips Law Group Can Help

There is no risk in giving us a call to schedule an initial consultation. This meeting is free of charge and there is no obligation to take legal action. If we validate your claim and you decide to hire our firm, there are no upfront fees.

Our experienced attorneys have extensive knowledge of state laws that often impact these cases and have secured compensation for numerous car crash victims. We know how insurance companies try to devalue or even deny claims, and we are prepared to go to court to fight for maximum compensation.

Phillips Law Group. No Upfront Fees. Call 1-800-706-3000 .