Can I Choose My Own Doctor After a Car Accident in Louisiana?

Can I See My Own Doctor After a Car Accident?

Yes. After a car crash, you do not have to rely on the doctor the insurance company suggests for your ongoing care. You have the right to see your trusted primary care physician or a specialist. As a Metairie car accident lawyer, I know that choice helps protect your health and your claim.

Why Is It Important to Pick My Own Doctor?

• Better care from a provider you trust
  You likely already have a doctor who knows your medical history. They can recognize even small changes in your condition right away.
• Stronger medical evidence
  To build a solid injury claim, you need well-documented records. Your doctor’s ongoing notes, test results, and observations give your attorney vital evidence for a higher settlement.
• Accurate severity assessment
  Some injuries, like soft-tissue damage or whiplash, may not show clearly on the surface. A trusted specialist can catch hidden damage with tests like MRIs or nerve studies.
• More control over your treatment
  A doctor who cares about you is more likely to explain treatment options clearly, making you feel involved and supported.

Do I Ever Have to See the Insurance Company’s Doctor?

Yes, sometimes. The insurance company may ask you to attend an independent medical exam (IME) with a provider they choose. They claim it’s a way to evaluate your injury. You might have to go once or twice. But:

• You can still keep seeing your own doctor before and after the exam.
• Your doctor’s reports carry more weight in claims or court.
• Your legal team can help prepare you and handle any misleading questions.

How Many Doctors Can I See for My Injuries?

You can see as many qualified doctors as necessary to treat your injuries well.

What kind of doctor should you see for your injury:

• Your trusted doctor
• Specialists, like orthopedists, neurologists, chiropractors, or physical therapists
• A second opinion or pain management expert

What If the Insurance Company Says Their Doctor Is “Mandatory”?

Insurance companies sometimes use strong language to make you feel pressured. But here’s what you need to know:

• No law forces you to stay with them. You can refuse ongoing care with their doctor.
• You may need to comply with one exam. But you can still follow up with your own providers.
• You remain in control. You choose who treats you once or twice visits are complete.

Won’t Seeing Multiple Doctors Make My Case Look Weak?

No. In fact:

• Seeing specialists can highlight unique aspects of your injury.
• Multiple credible reports can reinforce the severity of your condition.
• Insurance companies expect to see thorough documentation. It proves your injuries are real and serious.

How Can a Second Opinion Help My Claim?

A second opinion can be powerful, especially when:

• There is a dispute about injury severity
• You feel treatment progress is slow
• Your doctor suggests surgery or other major steps

What Happens If I Don’t See the Insurance Company’s Doctor?

If you refuse the insurance company’s doctor entirely, they may:

• Delay payments
• Try to deny your claim
• Stress the lack of their own exam

However:

• You can still use your own doctor’s evidence.
• Courts don’t require someone to use the insurance-provided doctor.
• A skilled lawyer can push back on delays or denials and help your case move forward.

What If They Say I “Waived” My Right to Choose?

You don’t waive your rights just by filing a claim. Be aware:

• Some statements on forms can be misleading.
• Never sign away rights without checking first.
• Ask your lawyer to review documents—avoid giving up your freedom to choose.

How Do I Balance Both Doctors When Insurance Requires an Exam?

1. Attend the insurance exam. Don’t risk claim delays.
2. Continue treatment with your own doctor.
3. Make sure both sets of records go to your attorney.
4. Let your lawyer talk to both doctors, aligning medical findings and treatment plans.

Can Seeing My Own Doctor Hurt My Claim?

No. Quite the opposite:

• Insurance companies know self-referral is standard.
• Detailed, objective notes from familiar providers strengthen claims.
• Seeing specialists can show the full picture of your injury and care needs.

What If My Preferred Doctor Doesn’t Take My Auto Insurance?

If your doctor doesn’t handle auto claims, you still have options:

• Ask them to accept your health insurance and bill the at-fault insurer later.
• Work with your lawyer who can arrange payments or handle billing.
• Your doctor might defer your bill until the claim settles.

Will Seeing My Own Doctor Delay Care?

No, often it speeds recovery:

• Most primary and specialist doctors can begin treating you promptly.
• Insurance-driven doctors can be backlogged or less familiar with your history.
• You’ll get faster, more personalized treatment and feel cared for sooner.

How Do I Protect My Rights When Dealing with Insurance?

• Know this is your legal right. You decide who treats you.
• Keep detailed records. Track visits, prescriptions, tests, therapies.
• Include everything in your case file. Let your lawyer review all notes and bills.
• Enjoy legal support. Your lawyer can handle communications, push past delays, and schedule IMEs when needed.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Choose My Own Doctor?

While it’s your right, a lawyer helps by:

• Explaining your rights and strategy
• Flagging misleading insurance forms
• Managing treatment coordination and billing
• Negotiating and protecting your claim
• Standing up to insurers—so you don’t have to

How Can LJBLegal Help with Medical Treatment?

At LJBLegal, we combine toughness with care. Our Louisiana personal injury team:

• Has deep experience with local insurers and medical providers
• Connects injured clients with premier doctors and specialists
• Keeps medical evidence solid and consistent
• Stands ready to handle insurance roadblocks and delays
• Makes sure you’re seen by the best team available

What Should I Do Right After a Car Accident?

1. Seek medical care immediately. Even mild pain could be serious.
2. Tell the doctor about the crash clearly. Connect everything to the accident.
3. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Keep appointments and notes.
4. Talk with a lawyer early. We can recommend trusted local doctors and help guide your case.
5. Let us handle the rest. Services such as billing, insurer calls, and treatment tracking, so you can focus on healing.

How Long Should I Follow My Own Doctor?

Until:

• You’re recovered
• Your doctor says you’re stable or finished with treatment
• Your lawyer and doctor agree that your reported treatment matches your injury

What If I Need Surgery? Can I Pick the Surgeon?

Absolutely. You select trusted surgeons, and your lawyer can help you research outcomes, get second opinions, and document procedures. Working with top surgical teams adds credibility, strengthening a claim for compensation.

Is My Privacy Protected with Multiple Doctors?

Yes. Federal and Louisiana laws protect your medical privacy. Doctors only share what’s needed for billing or legal defense. Sensitive details stay confidential.

How Do I Find the Right Doctor for My Injury?

• Ask your primary care doctor. They know your record and can refer you to injury specialists.
• Visit a Louisiana specialist. Orthopedists, neurologists, pain-treatment experts, whoever fits your injury.
• Check credentials. Look for board certification, patient reviews, and personal recommendations.
• Talk to your lawyer. We work with proven providers who care and support injury claims.

How Can Your Lawyer Document My Treatment Properly?

• Send official requests to providers
• Gather all test results, scans, and bills
• Review medical charts for accuracy
• Coordinate reports to show your injury’s course and costs
• Package everything for settlement talks or court

Isn’t It Expensive to Hire Multiple Doctors?

Not for you. In most car-accident claims:

• Injured people don’t pay upfront
• Providers bill the at-fault insurer
• If insurers resist, your lawyer intervenes
• You focus on healing, not on costs

What’s the Bottom Line on Choosing Doctors?

1. You have the right to pick your own providers.
2. Insurance may require one exam, but not ongoing care.
3. Your trusted providers build your case.
4. Multiple experts can benefit your claim.
5. Legal support ensures you aren’t pressured or delayed.

FAQ Summary Table

Question	Answer
Can I choose my own doctor?	Yes, for ongoing care.
Do I have to see theirs?	Perhaps once for an exam, but not beyond that.
Will more doctors weaken my case?	No—it can strengthen it.
What if I can’t pay?	Insurance pays; your lawyer manages billing.
Do I need a lawyer?	It’s wise—so you can focus on injury and recovery.

What Should I Do Now?

If you’ve been in a car accident:

• Get medical care right away
• Choose a doctor you trust
• Start building strong medical records
• Contact LJBLegal to protect your rights and future

You deserve care, attention, and full compensation. When you contact us, we’ll ensure you get proper treatment and guide every step.