Can I Change Doctors During a Personal Injury Case in Columbia, SC?

If you live in Columbia, South Carolina, and are injured in an accident, you have the right to choose your doctor. However, if you decide to change doctors and you’re pursuing a personal injury case, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney before making any decisions about your medical care. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options under the law. Contact the Law Office of Jason E. Taylor today for a free consultation. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

What Doctor to See After an Accident in Columbia, SC

If you are injured in an accident, you will likely be seen by a doctor in the emergency room. However, once you are released from the hospital, you will need to find a doctor who can provide you with long-term care. If you do not have a regular doctor, your insurance company may give you a list of their network providers.

If you already have a regular doctor, you may want to stick with them for your injury case. This is because they already know your medical history and can provide continuity of care. However, if you are unhappy with your regular doctor or need specialized treatment, you may consider finding a new doctor.

How Long Do I Have to Go to the Doctor in Columbia?

It is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident. In South Carolina, you must file a personal injury lawsuit three years from the accident date. However, if you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident.

How to Find a Doctor After an Accident in Columbia, South Carolina

If you need to switch medical providers after an accident, there are a few ways to go about it. You can ask your insurance company for a list of their network providers. Alternatively, you can search for doctors online or ask your personal injury lawyer. Once you have found a few potential doctors, you can read online reviews or ask for recommendations from friends or family.

You should also:

  • Ensure the doctor is board certified and has experience treating patients with similar injuries.
  • Feel comfortable with the doctor and be able to communicate openly with them.
  • Make sure the doctor is familiar with personal injury cases and knows how to work with insurance companies.

If you have been injured in an accident, we can help you find the right doctor for your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and help you make the best decision for your situation.

How to Talk with Your Doctor After an Accident in Columbia, South Carolina

If you have been in an accident, it is important to be honest with your doctor about your injuries and how the accident happened. Your doctor will use this information to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Additionally, if you are planning on filing a personal injury claim, this information will be used to support your case.

Be sure to:

  • Tell your doctor about all of your injuries, even if they seem minor.
  • Be honest about how the accident happened and what symptoms you are experiencing. For example, if you were injured in a car accident, tell your doctor how the accident occurred and what parts of your body were injured.
  • Keep track of your symptoms, even if they seem unrelated to the accident. For example, tell your doctor if you are experiencing anxiety or depression after an accident. These symptoms could be related to your injuries and should be treated accordingly.

If you have any questions about your treatment or case, ask your personal injury lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and what you need to do to protect yourself.

What to Bring to Your Doctor’s Appointment After an Accident in Columbia, South Carolina

When you go to the doctor after an accident, it is important to bring all of your relevant medical records. This includes any records from the hospital or other doctors you have seen for your injuries. Make a list of all the medications you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. Be sure to include vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies.

Bring any X-rays or MRIs that have been taken and your medical records from before the accident. This will help your doctor get a complete picture of your health. Finally, bring your insurance information so the doctor’s office can submit a claim.

Reasons You May Want Switch Doctors During Your Columbia Personal Injury Claim

There are a few reasons why you might want to switch doctors during your injury claim.

  1. It may be time for a change if you are unhappy with your current doctor or feel they are not meeting your needs.
  2. You may need to see a specialist such as a neurologist, orthopedist, or pain management specialist. If this is the case, your current doctor can provide you with a referral.
  3. You may need to find a new doctor if you have moved since the accident or your current doctor is not conveniently located.
  4. If your current doctor is not in the insurance company’s network, you may want to find a new doctor who is in-network.
  5. Your insurance coverage has changed.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with your doctor and that they can provide you with the care and treatment you need.

Switching Doctors Could Impact Your Claim

It is important to note that switching doctors could impact your personal injury claim. For example, if you change doctors before settling your case, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. They may also try to use any gaps in treatment against you. Additionally, if your new doctor follows the same treatment plan as your previous doctor, the insurance company may deem the treatment unnecessary and refuse to pay your medical bills.

Furthermore, if you have already seen a specialist and switched to a new doctor, the specialist may need re-evaluation. This could delay your case and add additional costs. Therefore, speaking with your personal injury lawyer before deciding to switch doctors is important. They can help you understand the potential impact on your case and make sure you are making the best decision for your situation.

Allegations of Doctor Shopping

If you change doctors during your case, the insurance company may accuse you of “doctor shopping.” Doctor shopping occurs when an accident victim disagrees with their original doctor’s diagnosis and seeks a new doctor who will give them the diagnosis they are looking for. For example, if your first doctor says you only have soft tissue injuries, you may go to another doctor hoping to get a more serious diagnosis.

While there is nothing wrong with seeking a second opinion from another doctor, insurance companies often use this as an excuse to deny claims. They may argue that you are not injured or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. If the insurance company accuses you of doctor shopping, it is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer who can help you defend your claim.

Other Compensation You May Be Eligible For in a Columbia Claim

In addition to medical expenses, you may also be able to recover others, such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. If someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and get the compensation you deserve.

Common Personal Injury Claims in Columbia, SC

Car accidents are the most common type of personal injury case in South Carolina. Other common cases include:

  • Slips and falls
  • Dog bites
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Workplace injuries

Contact a Columbia, South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal options. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor have helped thousands of accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We offer free consultations, so there is no risk in speaking with us about your case. Call us today to schedule your free consultation. We do not charge any fees unless we win your case.

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Can I Change Doctors During a Personal Injury Case in Columbia?

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