Car Accidents

Did you know that injuries sustained in an auto accident can be hidden and often undetected for months or even years? This is why it is so important to get evaluated by a Chiropractor as soon after the accident as possible. Even "minor" accidents can have a huge impact on the delicate structures surrounding your spine and nerve system. If left uncorrected, this seemingly minor trauma can progress into more serious problems down the road.

Immediately after the auto accident, or within 48 hours, you may experience obvious symptoms such as: muscle pain and stiffness, headaches, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, memory loss, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and many others. Or even worse, you may be injured and feel nothing at all, leading you to believe that you do not need to get a physical evaluation.

There are many reasons why it is important to get evaluated by a Chiropractor whether or not you have symptoms. The obvious one is for your health. Auto accidents can cause post-traumatic osteoarthritis, which can ruin your posture (giving you a slumped or hump back appearance). Osteoarthritis can also cause spinal disc degeneration and create scar tissue formation, which leads to chronic stiffness and reduced ability to move properly.

You also need to know your rights when it comes to getting reimbursed by your auto insurance (or the liable party's insurance). Once you settle your case, you lose the right to have auto insurance pay for your treatment if you need it. Unfortunately, most individuals that do not experience obvious symptoms do not get evaluated by a Chiropractor. If symptoms related to trauma sustained in the accident arise down the road, your insurance is no longer liable if you never received a proper evaluation.

Here are some frequently asked questions when it comes to auto accidents:

Q: Will I need to pay out-of-pocket for treatment first?

A: No. If you or the liable party has auto insurance it is very rare that we require the patient to pay for care in our office. We will work with your insurance company directly, and are reimbursed for services provided once you settle your claim.

Q: Do I need to hire an attorney?

A: It is important to get evaluated first. An exam will be able to determine the extent of your injuries and help to determine if legal services are necessary.

Q: I already went to the hospital and/or my medical doctor and they said I was fine. Why would I need to see a Chiropractor?

A: Medical doctors are responsible for making sure there are no life-threatening injuries that need immediate attention. Most often, they will release you with pain medication and icing instructions if you do not need life-saving treatment. It is important to realize that pain medication may provide acute symptom relief, but it does not correct underlying problems such soft tissue and structural damage. Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to correct improper musculoskeletal biomechanics that can and often do lead to future problems.

Q: How often and how long will I have to have Chiropractic care after my accident?

A: The frequency and duration of your treatment will depend on the extent of your injuries determined by a thorough examination. Everyone heals at different rates, but we will be able to estimate how much care you will need once you begin receiving care.

Q: What information do I need to bring to my first visit?

A: You may download new patient intake forms directly from our website or complete them in the office. Bring auto insurance information from all parties involved, including a claim number if you have already filed a claim. Any information related to the accident, including: police reports, damage estimates for your vehicle, etc. will be useful. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our office.