Why Should You Take a Second Opinion After Crash?

Getting medical attention for any injuries you sustained in a car accident is immensely essential. Two things happen when you undergo a thorough medical examination. As a first step, it helps determine the full extent of your injuries, including those that may take some time to manifest. Also important is the official record of the injuries you sustained in the accident that can be used as evidence if you decide to pursue compensation in a personal injury claim or a legal action. In the aftermath of an accident, should you rely on the first doctor you see? Getting a second opinion can be beneficial for a number of reasons.

Your Physician Was Dismissive of the Severity of Your Injuries

Examining the body for signs of injury or illness is part of the doctor's education and job duties Doctors, on the other hand, have a tendency to underestimate the severity of some injuries. In addition, doctors may misinterpret or dismiss symptoms that patients describe as incapacitating side effects of injuries, such as nerve damage and pain.

It's a good idea to get a second opinion if you believe your doctor is understating your injuries. In order to accurately assess how an injury affects your quality of life and sometimes even your ability to work, many doctors are unwilling to conduct more extensive examinations and testing. You need to call for a personal injury lawyer soon.

There is a discrepancy between your symptoms and your doctor's diagnosis

It is possible for adrenaline to mask a significant amount of pain following a car accident. Internal injuries, on the other hand, may not be immediately apparent in the wake of a collision. It's common for people who have been in a car accident to experience only minor symptoms at the time of the collision, only to later experience extreme pain and complications.

A few days after your crash, your diagnoses may be completely different. Despite this, you should seek medical attention as soon as you possibly can. And if your doctor missed these symptoms—or dismissed them—getting a second opinion can give you a better idea of how your car crash has affected you.

In court, your doctor will not feel at ease (if necessary)

Despite the fact that most car accident claims are settled out of court, there are some that must be litigated in court. Victims' doctors are frequently called upon to verify the severity, debilitating, and disabling nature of their injuries.

However, not all doctors are accustomed to testifying in front of a jury and judge, and some may be too busy to fit it into their schedules to do so. There are times when it makes sense to get a second opinion from a doctor who can support you in court if necessary.

You're looking for more evidence that your injuries are real from a medical professional.

Isn't always the case that getting a second opinion results in a different diagnosis or the discovery of additional injuries and complications? Knowing that your first doctor was correct in their findings and diagnosis is sometimes all it takes to put your mind at ease.

It's also a good idea to have two doctors examine you to ensure that their findings are consistent. When two doctors agree on the severity of your injuries—even if it isn't always necessary—insurers have a hard time convincing them that they aren't serious.

You didn't tell your doctor everything that was on your mind when you first went in for a checkup.

In a car accident claim, exaggerating or trying to downplay your injuries can have a devastating impact. The insurance company may deny your claim if you exaggerate your injuries, and you may be left without compensation. It's also possible that you'll need more compensation than the insurance company offers if you downplay your injuries.

In order to get the most accurate results, doctors and their patients must work together and be open and honest with each other. A second opinion, even from the same doctor, may be necessary if you intend to sue for damages because you omitted or exaggerated your injuries during your first examination.

Looking for reliable personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma City? Book your appointment with The West Law Firm immediately.

** Disclaimer: The above article does not imply a relationship between attorney and client, nor is it legal advice.