Is Getting a Second Opinion for My Crash Injuries a Good Idea?

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Is Getting a Second Opinion for My Crash Injuries a Good Idea?

Posted on behalf of Jeff Pitman on December 6, 2021 in Car Accidents
Updated on April 24, 2024

getting a second medical opinion There are many reasons that patients receiving medical care may want to get a second opinion. Often, it is just to gain more faith in their doctor or a treatment being recommended. However, what if you got seriously hurt in a traffic accident? Is getting a second opinion about your car crash injuries a good idea? Could doing this risk or delay your insurance claim?

After a car crash, injury victims may often have questions about decisions they need to make. At PKSD, we understand this, and we are ready to help provide the answers you need.

Our car crash lawyers in Milwaukee are dedicated to helping those injured by another’s negligence. The free initial case review we offer is a good place to bring your questions and learn if you may have legal options. Call today or anytime, night or day. We are available to help.

No Out-of-Pocket Costs. Proven Results. 414-333-3333

Why Would You Need a Second Opinion?

After a car crash that caused you injuries, getting a second opinion may benefit you in many ways. For example, it may help you to better understand why surgery or some other treatment is being recommended. It can also help when:

Your doctor seems younger and inexperienced – or older and not in touch with the latest treatments
You have already been following your doctor’s treatment plan, but the results have been minimal
The treatment seems risky, such as with surgery, when compared to the potential outcome
You feel like some of your injuries or concerns are being ignored by your current doctor
Your doctor rushes your appointments, and you are worried something important may be missed
For one or more reasons, you have lost confidence in your doctor’s ability to handle your care

Continuing treatment is a critical part of protecting your claim. It is better to get another opinion than to skip doctor’s appointments because you are unhappy with your current care. If you completely stop your treatments, it can seriously damage your credibility, as well as your claim. The insurance company will likely use this opportunity to say you are not really injured that badly – or at all.

What to Consider When Seeking a Second Medical Opinion?

There are a few precautions to consider before seeking a second opinion from another doctor. First of all, it is important to know that you may have to foot the cost for a second opinion. For this reason, make this appointment count by being sure the doctor you see is properly qualified to handle your injuries. For example, if you have serious fractures, it is better to seek an orthopedic doctor over a general practitioner.

While it will take some time and effort on your part, you also want to find a doctor who is well recommended. Online research can help you with this, but you can also ask for referrals from friends and family members. If you have legal representation for your claim, an attorney may be another valuable source.

Will Seeing Another Doctor Risk or Delay Your Claim?

Getting a second opinion is unlikely to risk your claim. That said, there are several ways that insurance companies may try to create delays or reduce the value of insurance claims. This should not stop you from seeking a second opinion when you feel it is needed. As a patient – even after a car crash – you have a right to seek the medical care you need.

What the insurance company may require – even without a second opinion – is for you to get an independent medical exam (IME). This exam involves seeing a doctor chosen by the insurance company. This request often intimidates injured victims. However, if you have a qualified attorney, he or she can explain the IME process and help to prepare you.

Call Our Trusted Law Firm for Legal Help After a Crash

Most car crash claims are complex and may even have a few unexpected hiccups. Having an experienced attorney handling your case can help to ensure your interests are protected each step of the way.

There is no need to try to handle the legal process on your own. If you cannot travel to our office, we can come to you. Insurance companies may often try to take advantage of an injured victim filing a claim without a lawyer’s help. One way they do this is by offering a settlement that is far below the value of a victim’s claim.

If you have been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, we are prepared to help. We have been helping injured victims for decades and recovered millions on their behalf. This recovery record includes $635,000 for the victim of a car crash. Deadlines apply, so call today to get started.

No cost to speak with a lawyer today. 414-333-3333

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