Crucial Steps to Take After an Auto Accident: Prioritizing Your Health with Chiropractic Care
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2021, Florida saw an average of 1,100 car crashes daily. Auto accidents can be traumatic and unexpected, leaving victims with physical injuries and emotional distress. Seeking immediate medical attention is vital after an auto accident, even if you don’t feel injured immediately; it can take days or weeks to develop symptoms after a car crash. If you experience acute pain after the accident, you should visit an urgent care facility for evaluation.
IMPORTANT: No matter how mild or severe your accident or injury is, you will be ineligible for insurance coverage if you do not see a doctor within 14 days of your accident. So, it bears repeating: please make an appointment immediately when you are in an auto accident, regardless of its severity. This article will explore why visiting a chiropractor within two weeks of an accident is crucial and how auto insurance coverage can aid your treatment.
The Importance of Early Care: Seeing a Chiropractor for Personal Injury Caused by an Auto Accident
According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly 1/3 of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) seek treatment from a Doctor of Chiropractic. Auto accidents can lead to hidden injuries, such as whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and musculoskeletal problems that may not manifest symptoms immediately.
Waiting too long to seek medical attention could exacerbate these injuries, leading to prolonged
pain and more complicated recovery processes. Therefore, visiting a chiropractor as soon as possible is essential, preferably between 3 days and two weeks after the accident.
All chiropractors are trained in diagnosing and treating accident-related injuries (including auto accidents), focusing on musculoskeletal and nervous system issues. They use non-invasive techniques such as spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and massage therapy to promote healing, restore mobility, and alleviate pain. Chiropractic care after an accident may also help reduce inflammation and scar tissue and restore range of motion.
Understanding Your Auto Insurance Coverage: PIP and Its Benefits
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of coverage included in most auto insurance policies. It is designed to provide immediate medical benefits for individuals involved in auto accidents, regardless of who was at fault. PIP typically covers 80% to 100% of medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs up to a specified limit, usually up to $10,000.
When you visit a chiropractor for personal injury caused by an auto accident, your PIP coverage can significantly help with treatment costs. You can receive the necessary care without worrying about upfront expenses or delays in receiving treatment while waiting for insurance claims to be processed.
Visiting a trusted chiropractor who will walk you through any complicated insurance jargon is especially imperative. Visit an office that does all paperwork in-house so there are fewer mistakes or delays in claims, and be sure to provide your auto insurance information to the chiropractor during your initial post-accident visit.
Utilizing PIP for Chiropractic Care
Commonly known as Florida’s PIP Statute, this law ensures that those who have been in an auto accident receive immediate medical attention. Before Florida enacted the PIP Statute, claims were often delayed while insurance companies and lawyers established the driver at fault. One of the significant advantages of PIP coverage is that it includes chiropractic care as a valid medical expense. Chiropractic treatment is effective for auto accident injuries, so utilizing your PIP for chiropractic visits can be highly beneficial.
During your initial visit, the chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination to identify any underlying injuries or conditions. If chiropractic care alone suits your case, the chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve pain, restore mobility, and promote healing. Sometimes, individuals find that combining chiropractic treatment with traditional medical care can yield the best results for their recovery. For patients who require such combined treatment, LivingWell Chiropractic is happy to provide recommendations for excellent medical doctors nearby. Call (239) 498-2225 or request an appointment online to begin your treatment plan and receive referrals to pain management or rehabilitation practitioners, if recommended.
In summary, suffering an auto accident can be a life-changing event, but seeking quick medical attention is vital to help you identify and address potentially hidden injuries. Leveraging your auto insurance’s PIP coverage can significantly ease the financial burden of seeking medical attention immediately after an auto accident, and contacting a chiropractor is an excellent place to start a pain management plan that does not mask the symptoms with medicine but treats it at the source.
When you’re searching for a “chiropractor near me,” you can feel confident directing all your chiropractic care-related questions to Dr. Vivian Ebert of LivingWell Chiropractic in Bonita Springs, FL, located in The Brooks Town Center at the northwest corner of Three Oaks Parkway and Coconut Road.
LivingWell Chiropractic provides state-of-the-art chiropractic care, spinal decompression, medical massage, and nutritional guidance with a holistic wellness approach focused on pain relief for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Centrally located in Bonita Springs, the office is convenient for patients from Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and South Fort Myers.
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