Should I Get a Second Opinion About My Charleston Car Crash Injuries?

Charleston roads can become dangerous when serious collisions occur, and even seemingly minor accidents can result in significant injuries. You trust your doctor’s expertise, but what happens when their diagnosis does not align with how you are feeling?

At Roden Law, our Charleston car accident attorneys understand that car crash injuries are not always immediately apparent or properly diagnosed. We are committed to your personal and financial recovery. As an injured victim, you deserve compensation for not only present injuries but also future burdens down the road.

There are no upfront costs or fees when we fight for your justice.

Call (843) 790-8999 for a free initial consultation

Do I Need a Second Medical Opinion After My Charleston Car Accident?

No, you do not always need a second medical opinion after an accident. However, you might need a second opinion if your pain worsens despite treatment or new symptoms develop weeks after your accident. Your initial instinct matters; seek another evaluation if something feels wrong or your doctor dismisses legitimate concerns.

Insurance companies often dispute injury claims, making additional medical documentation important to your case. A second opinion verifies your injuries, uncovers missed diagnoses, and strengthens your compensation claim. Most importantly, it ensures you receive proper treatment for all accident-related injuries, including those that surface later.

What Warning Signs Might Mean I Need Another Doctor’s Opinion?

Trust your body’s signals after your car accident. Certain warning signs indicate that your initial diagnosis may have missed something important. These red flags suggest it is time to seek a second medical opinion.

Key warning signs to watch for:

• Pain that worsens instead of improving with prescribed treatment
• New symptoms appearing days or weeks after your accident
• Headaches, dizziness, or vision changes developing post-crash
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your extremities
• Doctor dismisses your concerns without proper testing
• Limited range of motion that does not improve
• Sleep disruptions or mood changes following head trauma
• Prescribed treatment shows no improvement after reasonable time
• Insurance company questions your injury severity
• Your injuries interfere with work despite “minor injury” diagnosis

Will Switching Doctors After a Car Crash Hurt My Injury Claim?

Switching doctors should not hurt your Charleston injury claim when done properly. This second opinion often strengthens your case. Insurance companies cannot penalize you for seeking appropriate medical care. Second opinions can provide valuable documentation of your injuries.

Document your reasons for changing doctors, maintain continuous treatment, and inform your attorney about the switch. Multiple medical perspectives add credibility by confirming injury severity and ensuring nothing gets overlooked in your diagnosis. Second opinions also show insurers that you are committed to your recovery, which is key to maximizing your compensation.

How Long Do I Have to Get a Second Medical Opinion After a Charleston Crash?

South Carolina gives you three years to file a personal injury claim, but seeking medical opinions works differently. Get a second opinion as soon as concerns arise about your diagnosis or treatment effectiveness.

When you wait too long, it creates gaps in your medical records that insurance companies exploit to minimize compensation. Early second opinions catch missed injuries while symptoms remain connected to your accident. Most doctors recommend seeking additional evaluations within 30 days of initial treatment if problems persist.

Will My Insurance Cover a Second Medical Opinion After My Charleston Accident?

Yes, most health insurance plans should cover second opinions, especially when dealing with serious injuries or recommended surgeries. Your auto insurance personal injury protection (PIP) coverage typically pays for additional medical evaluations.

Check your policy details, but state law generally supports your right to seek appropriate medical care. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages if you are less than 51 percent at fault.

The at-fault driver’s insurance may cover all reasonable medical expenses, including second opinions documenting your injuries. Multiple medical evaluations strengthen your claim regardless of partial fault in the accident.

How Insurance Companies May Push Back if You Switch Doctors

Insurance companies often challenge doctor changes to minimize payouts, using various tactics to question your injury claim. Their pushback aims to create doubt about the severity of your injuries or their connection to the accident.

Common insurance company tactics:

• Claim you are “doctor shopping” for favorable diagnoses
• Argue treatment gaps prove injuries are not serious
• Suggest new symptoms are unrelated to the crash
• Demand extensive documentation justifying the switch
• Question why initial treatment was not sufficient
• Delay approvals for second opinion appointments
• Refuse coverage for “duplicate” diagnostic tests
• Imply you are exaggerating injuries for compensation
• Use your medical changes against settlement negotiations
• Request all previous medical records seeking pre-existing conditions

Why Hire an Experienced Charleston Car Accident Attorney to Manage Your Claim

Handling your car accident claim alone means facing experienced insurance adjusters who minimize payouts daily. You need an advocate who understands South Carolina injury law and can fight for maximum compensation while you recover.

Roden Law levels the legal field by managing complex legal deadlines, gathering crucial evidence, and negotiating with insurers on your behalf. We coordinate with medical providers, calculate actual claim value, including future costs, and are not intimidated by insurance company tactics. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call Roden Law for Legal Help After a Charleston Car Crash

Your car accident injuries deserve proper diagnosis and treatment. Do not let insurance companies rush you through recovery or accept unfair compensation.

At Roden Law, we help Charleston accident victims secure favorable compensation while ensuring they receive appropriate medical care. Our experienced car crash attorneys understand how second opinions impact your case value. We can work with trusted medical professionals who thoroughly evaluate crash injuries. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.

Call Roden Law today or complete our online form for a free consultation about your car accident case.

Need Legal Help? Call Our Trusted Law Firm Today. (843) 790-8999