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Many car accident victims need chiropractic care at some point during their medical treatment process. However, not so many people know exactly how important it is to get checked by a chiropractor.
At Morgan and Morgan, we understand how painful life can be after a car accident. The events and emotions following an accident can be difficult to handle. It is even worse if you lose a loved one in an accident. Chances are, the last thing you will want is regular trips to the chiropractor. However, such trips could save your life and change the trajectory of your case.
We receive many questions from accident victims all over the country about the need for chiropractic care after a car accident. As a result, our legal experts have compiled and answered some of these questions, hoping you will know what to do if you or your loved one has been injured in a car accident. And if you have any additional questions about chiropractic care, including car accidents in general, do not hesitate to contact us for a free case evaluation.
What Does a Car Accident Chiropractor Do?
A chiropractor is a medical professional responsible for realigning your spine after an injury. This individual uses different tools and techniques to realign the vertebrae after a car accident, restoring the patient’s range of motion, and decreasing inflammation, among other benefits.
What Injuries Can a Car Accident Chiropractor Help Treat?
A car accident chiropractor can help treat a variety of injuries, including but not limited to:
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Nerve, muscle, or ligament pain
- Bone fractures
When and How Often Should I See a Car Accident Chiropractor?
This will depend on the nature of your injuries. To put things into perspective, it is not uncommon for chiropractors to recommend treatment at least four times a week right after the accident. Then, the frequency of treatment reduces as your condition improves.
When you visit the chiropractor, they will conduct several tests to determine just how badly you have been injured. They will then recommend the most suitable treatment and discuss how frequently you should see them.
What Type of Chiropractic Treatment Will I Need After a Car Accident?
There are four main types of chiropractic treatment after a car accident. The exact treatment you need will depend on the type of injuries you suffered after the accident. That said, these treatment options include the following:
Whiplash Treatment
As the name suggests, this type of chiropractic treatment specifically focuses on whiplash injuries. The chiropractor uses various techniques to reduce inflammation within the neck area.
These techniques may involve modern technology, such as ultrasound, or manual therapy, such as gentle stretching. The medical professional will also recommend various supportive devices to help eliminate the pain caused by whiplash.
Manual Therapy
This treatment technique involves manual therapy, including but not limited to therapeutic messenger, instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy, trigger point therapy, manual joint stretching, and pressure resistance.
Spinal Manipulation
Also known as spinal rehabilitation, this technique can be used to treat whiplash and other common injuries caused by car accidents. This treatment option usually involves three techniques, as discussed below:
Specific Spinal Manipulation
Here, the chiropractor identifies spinal joints with restricted or abnormal motion. They then use a thrusting technique to restore the joint’s normal motion. Per the name, this technique focuses on specific joints.
Instrument-Assisted Manipulation
This technique involves the use of a special hand-held instrument for treatment. It is usually less painful and more common among older adults who suffer from degenerative joint syndrome.
Flexion-Distraction Technique
This hands-on technique uses gentle spinal manipulation to treat herniated or building discs, reducing pain and inflammation.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation involves the use of weak electrical current to stimulate muscles and alleviate inflammation.
Where Can I Find the Best Car Accident Chiropractor?
You can find the best car accident chiropractor by looking up chiropractors near you. While at it, check their reviews to find out what our clients say about their services. Alternatively, you can ask your friends, colleagues, or family if they know of a good chiropractor in your area.
The two options will definitely give you a list of chiropractors to contact after a car accident. However, this process can be overwhelming, especially if you or your beloved suffered serious injuries. For this reason, it is advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Most competent car accident lawyers usually have a list of chiropractors in their network with good ratings. Therefore, when you contact the attorney to fight for you, they will likely recommend a chiropractor they know is best suited to help you feel better. This eliminates the stress and frustration you would have gone through while seeking a good chiropractor on your own.
Is Seeing a Chiropractor After a Car Accident Mandatory?
Not really. It all depends on the nature of your injuries. In most cases, if you suffer whiplash, which most car accident victims do, you will definitely need a chiropractor. However, the decision to visit this medical professional is entirely up to you. While seeing a chiropractor comes with many benefits, no one can force you to do so against your will.
What Are Some Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
Let’s discuss some common advantages of seeing a chiropractor after a car accident.
The first and most important reason for visiting a chiropractor after a car accident is to improve your health. When you suffer whiplash and other spinal injuries after such an accident, you risk losing your range of motion, eventually leading to paralysis. A professional chiropractor can help reduce this risk through any of the treatment techniques discussed earlier.
When you get injured in a car accident, it is important that you document your injuries. The other party will not believe you just because you got injured—they will need proof of the injury. While having photos and videos of the injuries can significantly boost your case, they may not be enough.
So when you visit a chiropractor, they will document your visits, injuries sustained, and other relevant information. As a result, you will have medically credible proof of your injuries, much stronger than photos, videos, or even notes.
Another thing you need to know is that insurance companies will need proof of your injuries before processing your claim. Bear in mind that insurance companies usually have claims adjusters working to help them minimize risks. For this reason, they will likely try as much as possible to dismiss your injuries.
But when you visit a chiropractor, you will have solid proof of the injuries you sustained and the treatment received or required. With such solid evidence, the insurance company will have a rough time trying to despite your claim.
Should I Accept a Settlement Before Seeing a Chiropractor?
No, it is never advisable to accept a settlement before seeing a chiropractor or getting any other treatment, for that matter. In fact, the insurer will try to have you sign a settlement agreement before you begin treatment. This tactic is designed to prevent you from recovering the true value of your claim.
Keep in mind that once you accept the settlement offer from the insurance company, there is no turning back. In other words, you cannot sue them for the same accident or injury. This is because accepting a settlement effectively closes the case.
Think about it this way, when you accept a settlement for your injuries before visiting a chiropractor, you will not know exactly how much your medical bills will cost. And since the case will already have been closed by then, you will need to settle the additional expenses out of pocket. Also, it is important to note that you may be entitled to more than just compensation for your medical bills.
Other damages you may be able to recover include lost wages, cost of transportation to and from your medical appointments, lost earning potential, pain and suffering, and other damages. So if you accept a settlement prematurely, you may lose your only chance to obtain compensation for these damages.
The Insurance Company Claims I Do Not Need a Chiropractor for My Injuries – What Should I Do?
It is not up to insurance companies to decide whether or not you need chiropractic treatment. This decision can only be made by a professional chiropractor. The only reason the insurance provider might suggest that you do not need this type of treatment is that they will likely be responsible for settling your medical bills.
In other words, insurance companies will always prioritize their best interests over yours. And in this case, their best interest is to manage risks and avoid paying your medical bills. If the insurer claims you do not need a chiropractor even though you are in pain after the accident, contact an experienced car accident attorney for a case evaluation.
The attorney can fight for you, ensuring that the insurance company settles your medical expenses and other damages you may be entitled to.
Does Seeing a Chiropractor Increase the Settlement I May Be Entitled to?
In most cases, visiting a chiropractor can increase the settlement you are entitled to. This is because, besides your medical expenses, you can also claim pain and suffering as part of the settlement you are entitled to.
In addition, when you visit a chiropractor, you will likely be unable to work. For this reason, you can claim lost wages in your claim. And if the injury affects your future earning capacity, you can also include a loss of earning potential claim in your case.
What Should I Do if I Cannot Afford a Car Accident Chiropractor?
Talk to your attorney if you cannot afford a car accident chiropractor. In fact, most people who visit chiropractors after a car accident are not usually able to settle their medical bills out of pocket. And even if you can, it is never advisable to go down that path because it is not your responsibility. An experienced attorney can help you explore other options for settling your medical bills, even if your case is still pending.
As discussed, these attorneys usually have a network of professionals, including chiropractors, who are always willing to offer treatment and recover the money after the case has been settled.
How Much Do Car Accident Chiropractors Charge?
There is no standard cost for chiropractic treatment. It all depends on the type of injuries you suffered, how you respond to treatment, and how many times you will need to see the chiropractor.
Do I Still Need Physical Therapy Treatment if I See a Chiropractor?
Yes, depending on the nature of your injuries, you may need to see these professionals. A chiropractor specializes in managing your injuries and pain, while a physical therapist helps strengthen your muscles.
Get the Chiropractic Treatment You Need After a Car Accident
At Morgan and Morgan, our car accident attorneys can help you get treatment from top chiropractors in your state after a car accident. All you will need to do is contact us for a free case evaluation. Other than helping you get the medical attention you need, we can also help you recover the compensation you are eligible for, ensuring you do not pay your medical expenses and other related costs out of pocket.