Auto Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents cause the loss of time, property, and possible life long discomfort. Such accidents occur because of elements including driver error, negligence, manufacturing defects and dangerous weather.  Injuries resulting from auto accidents can range from minor abrasions to more severe chronic injuries such as whiplash, headaches, neck pain, numbness and tingling, dizziness, insomnia, low back pain, sciatica and a whole host of other problems.  Once these physical symptoms become chronic they can be difficult to treat and surgery may be warranted.  Chiropractic care is an excellent and safe solution to these problems.

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If you are injured, or if you are unsure whether you have sustained any injury, seek chiropractic attention immediately.  Often symptoms from motor vehicle accidents don’t arise for the first few weeks and even months.  It is extremely important to document the extent of the accident and receive chiropractic treatment if necessary.

Chiropractic care and physiotherapy can help prevent acute inflammation from spreading throughout soft tissue and spinal joints.  Treatment will help the body heal itself from injury and prevent chronic, long lasting pain.

The Legal Aspect

An individual who has been injured in an automobile accident may be able to seek monetary compensation for injuries and damages. Cases are fact specific, typically with complex issues of proof and fault in dispute. Working with an experienced chiropractor will help you sort out your legal options.

Individuals suffering from an accident are generally entitled to recover monetary damages for their pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and other economic losses. In certain limited circumstances, the person suffering the injury can also recover punitive damages.

The damages recoverable in a personal injury action include all medical expenses and future medical expenses; pain and suffering and future pain and suffering; lost wages and future lost wages; and in some cases loss of consortium. Damages are paid in a lump sum at the end of the case either through settlement or jury verdict. Once the final amount is determined, you cannot seek additional amounts in the future for the same claim.

A common question asked is whether you should contact a chiropractor before an attorney when dealing with an auto accident.  It is important to be checked out by a doctor first in order to obtain information to decide if an attorney is necessary. A chiropractor will obtain detailed information and documentation of symptoms that are required when dealing with a personal injury case.   If necessary, we will refer you to a reputable and qualified attorney.

What you Need to Know

• Accident victims often settle their case with the insurance companies before getting evaluated from a doctor trained in soft tissue injuries.  This can be a big mistake because once you settle your case, you lose the right to have your insurance company pay for treatment. Most insurance companies want you to settle your case as soon as possible while your medical bills are low or non-existent.  Insurance companies are business companies; it is cost effective for them to settle at the lowest rate possible.

• If the insurance company is calling you to settle your accident, do not sign or settle until you have had us evaluate your injury.  If you settle before your injury is fully resolved, you will be completely on your own and will have to pay out of pocket for your care.

• Injury is not directly related to the impact of the accident even if you vehicle sustained minor damage.  Documented studies done by Charles Carroll, M.D., Paul McAtee, M.D. and Lee Riley, M.D. revealed that: “The amount of damage to the automobile bears little relation to the force applied to the cervical spine (neck) of the occupants.”  Whiplash can be caused by motor vehicle accidents going as slow as 5-10mph.

• If you have been to the hospital or have seen a medical doctor you can still see a chiropractor.  You need a doctor who focuses on the treatment and diagnosis of auto accident injuries.  Usually hospitals will check vital signs and make sure there are no life threatening conditions and release the patient with pain medication.  They normally do not treat the underlying musculoskeletal biomechanics that can lead to future pain.  If you are still experiencing pain you should get a second opinion.  If a medical doctor gives you anti-inflammatory and or pain reducing medication, you must understand that will only treat the symptoms and not fix the underlying cause of the pain.

* The information on this page is provided as a courtesy and does not constitute legal advice.