Is It Worth Getting a Second Medical Opinion After a Car Accident?

Following a car accident, one of the most important things that a person can do is get medical attention. Doctors not only play a very important role in diagnosing injuries, but they also help to create evidence that can support a car crash claim.

What happens if something feels off, though? Is it worth getting a second medical opinion after a car accident?

In many cases, it's a good idea to get a second opinion following a car accident if something feels off. The experienced attorneys at Tom Fowler Law work with accident victims in Des Moines, and note that a second opinion can often provide clarification, protect health, and even strengthen a legal claim. They can also help with questions like Is it worth reporting a minor accident to insurance?

Why a Second Medical Opinion Matters for a Car Crash Injury

Car accidents often cause serious injuries, and some of these injuries might not immediately appear. Soft tissue damage, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries might not show up immediately, or they might not be easy to detect without testing.

When crash victims get a diagnosis or treatment plan that does not match the symptoms they have, or if the treatment from the current doctor seems too limited or overly aggressive, one of the most important steps to take is to get another opinion.

A second opinion or an independent medical exam can:

• Confirm or correct the initial diagnosis for an injured person.

• Identify injuries that were missed in the first evaluation.

• Note if unnecessary treatment is happening.

• Provide access to more effective or less invasive treatment options and the best possible care.

• Offer a better understanding of long-term recovery expectations.

For someone recovering from an accident, or their family members, reassurance and accuracy are just as valuable as medical treatment itself.

Common Situations That Mean You Should Get a Second Opinion

Anyone can get a second opinion following auto accidents, and in some cases, it truly is necessary.

1. Persistent or Worsening Symptoms

If a person has pain, dizziness, or mobility issues following treatment, its a sign that something might be overlooked. A second doctor's opinion may run more tests or discuss other complications with the victim.

2. Unclear or Conflicting Diagnoses

Sometimes, two doctors may disagree about what a person's symptoms mean. A second, or even third, opinion, can help determine the most accurate diagnosis.

3. Surgery Recommendations

If surgery is recommended, it's always a good idea to get a second opinion. For example, the procedure might not be necessary, or you can treat the condition with alternative treatments like physical therapy, injections, or medications.

4. Incomplete or Missing Documentation or Medical Records

Oftentimes, accident victims will file a personal injury case, but they don't have consistent medical records. If the initial documentation is incomplete or vague, another opinion can fill those gaps.

5. Pressure from Insurance Companies

Sometimes, the insurance company requires that victims see their preferred doctors for treatment. These doctors might try to minimize claims or downplay symptoms. In these cases, getting an independent medical exam is crucial to ensure fair and maximum compensation.

How a Second Opinion Strengthens a Personal Injury Claim

In personal injury cases, medical documentation is everything. The value of a claim depends on the ability to prove that an accident caused real injuries requiring legitimate treatment and recovery time.

A second opinion provides:

• Credibility: Having two doctors reach similar conclusions about the extent of the injuries adds weight to a claim.

• Evidence: Additional diagnostic imaging or medical reports create a stronger factual basis for negotiations.

• Clarity: Conflicting opinions can be reviewed by an attorney, who will determine how to use the information strategically.

In short, a second medical opinion doesn’t just protect health — it also ensures that insurance companies cannot downplay or dismiss valid injuries.

How to Get a Second Medical Opinion After a Car Accident

Getting a second opinion doesn’t have to be complicated. Most healthcare providers expect and even encourage patients to seek confirmation before proceeding with major treatments.

Here’s how to approach the process:

1. Notify the Original Doctor

It’s courteous to inform the initial physician that another opinion will be sought. This helps maintain transparency and ensures medical records can be transferred smoothly.

2. Request Copies of All Records

Patients have the right to access their full medical records, including imaging scans, test results, and treatment notes. These materials should be provided to the new doctor for review.

3. Choose an Independent Specialist

Avoid doctors suggested by insurance adjusters. Instead, select a physician who is independent and has no connection to the insurer or employer. Orthopedic specialists, neurologists, or physical medicine experts are common choices after car accidents.

4. Communicate Honestly

Explain the accident, the symptoms, and what the first doctor diagnosed or recommended. Providing full context allows the second doctor to make an informed and thorough assessment.

5. Share the New Findings with an Attorney

Once the second opinion is complete, an attorney can evaluate both sets of medical records to determine how the findings affect the case. Sometimes, the new opinion becomes the key piece of evidence in securing higher compensation. For more information, hire an auto accident attorney in Des Moines.

Why Insurance Companies Dislike Second Opinions

From the perspective of insurance companies, second opinions complicate claims. When an accident victim seeks additional evaluations, it often results in:

• New diagnoses or additional treatments, increasing claim value.

• More detailed medical documentation, strengthening legal leverage.

• More medical bills to pay in the settlement offer.

• Longer recovery timelines, delaying settlement payments.

Insurers prefer to close claims quickly and cheaply. That’s why adjusters might discourage second opinions or suggest “independent” exams by company-approved doctors. These exams often favor the insurer, not the victim.

Having a trusted lawyer from a firm like Tom Fowler Law ensures the accident victim’s rights are protected and their medical decisions remain independent of insurance influence. They also have insight on questions such as Is it worth filing a claim if I was partially at fault?

Crash Victims Can Get Fair Compensation and a Free Consultation with Experienced Attorneys - Call Tom Fowler Law

The legal team at Tom Fowler Law in Des Moines understands how critical medical evidence is to any car accident case. Their approach prioritizes both client well-being and the strength of the claim.

They assist clients who want to take legal action by:

• Connecting them with reputable medical professionals for accurate evaluations.

• Reviewing all medical reports to identify inconsistencies or underreported injuries.

• Ensuring fair compensation that covers all medical care, including second opinions and follow-up treatments.

• Handling insurer communications to prevent manipulation or coercion into premature settlements.

By combining legal strategy with compassion, Tom Fowler Law ensures that accident victims get the care they deserve — and the financial recovery they’re entitled to.

There are several reasons to get a second medical opinion, and if you are wondering if it's right for you, talk to someone who cares - reach out to Tom Fowler Law.