Experiencing a car accident can be a traumatic event that often leads to enduring injuries. As such, many individuals wonder when it is appropriate to see a chiropractor after such an incident.
After a car accident, the timing of a chiropractic visit depends on various factors, such as the nature of the accident, types of injuries, severity of pain, and certain legal procedures. It is essential to promptly seek medical attention, including a chiropractic evaluation, which can help identify and address injuries before they worsen. By taking appropriate steps, individuals can prioritize their health and protect their legal rights following a car accident.
For a free case assessment, speak with our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 709-6940.
When Should I See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
If you have been in a car accident and are experiencing back pain, it is important to seek medical attention from a hospital, urgent care, or your physician’s office as soon as possible. From there, the medical professional who treats your injuries will guide you on when to see a specialist, such as a chiropractor.
If you are diagnosed with an injury after receiving medical care, it is best not to wait to see a chiropractor. Waiting for a settlement can take weeks or months, and your injuries could worsen during this time. Most insurance policies cover chiropractic care after a car accident. Whether or not you have insurance coverage, it is important to have your pain treated and work with a personal injury attorney to seek reimbursement.
Our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers advise you not to wait longer than 72 hours after your accident to receive chiropractic care. Whiplash is the most common car accident injury that chiropractors treat. When you visit a chiropractor for the first time after your accident, you will receive a physical examination and have X-rays taken. In most cases, you will not receive any adjustments until your follow-up appointment.
Getting chiropractic care can significantly reduce the chance of further injury down the road. Realignment of your back or spine is a slow and steady process. Continuing to visit a chiropractor for back pain treatment can save you from experiencing ongoing and worsening pain later.
After receiving medical care, it is also recommended that you seek legal counsel to evaluate your case and advise you on how to proceed. You may have a claim for compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and damages resulting from the negligent party that caused the accident.
What if I Did Not Get Medical Treatment After My Car Accident?
If you were involved in a car accident but did not receive medical care immediately, there’s no need to panic. Though not seeing a doctor right after the accident may make insurance negotiations more complicated, it does not necessarily mean that your chances of recovery are compromised. However, it’s advisable to visit a doctor as soon as possible to assess any injuries or damage that may have occurred.
The cost of visiting a doctor may be a major concern for most car accident victims. Fortunately, many car insurance policies include personal injury protection coverage that covers medical expenses.
Additionally, you may also file a claim with your health insurance provider for coverage. In case you don’t have insurance, some doctors may treat you under a letter of protection, which is an agreement to pay the medical bills from any personal injury settlement or award that you may recover. The most important thing is to not delay your treatment, not just for your case but for your long-term health.
What Damages Can I Claim if I File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?
If you get injured in a car accident, you should expect to receive compensation that covers all the damages resulting from the incident. This settlement should include expenses related to medical treatment and time off work to recover from the injury. In some cases, you may also need to replace a damaged or totaled vehicle. If the accident was caused by another driver, they are responsible for compensating you for these losses, and sometimes even more.
Medical Expenses
When you’re involved in a car accident and get injured, the expenses you incur for medical treatment form a significant part of your personal injury settlement. These expenses cover the costs of treating your physical injuries, which usually account for the majority of a victim’s damages.
Medical bills can include emergency room visits, hospital stays, chiropractor sessions, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any other costs associated with treating your injuries. It is crucial to consider any potential future medical treatment your injuries might require, such as surgery, when negotiating your compensation.
Lost Income
If you were unable to work and lost income as a result of your injuries, you have the right to receive payment for that lost income. The compensation you receive is based on the number of days you were unable to work and the amount of money you would have earned during that time.
If your recovery takes a long time, this compensation can be significant. It is important that you do not agree to a settlement that does not include compensation for lost income. In serious cases, you should be provided payment for any future income loss that may result from permanent physical limitations or other complications caused by the injuries sustained in the car accident.
Pain and Suffering
Car accidents can cause physical and emotional pain that can significantly affect an individual’s life. Pain and suffering damages are provided to compensate for non-economic losses resulting from an accident, including emotional distress, anxiety, depression, disfigurement, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment in life.
These damages are more challenging to prove as they are subjective in nature and vary from person to person. However, they are frequently awarded in car accident cases that go to trial and should be included in your final settlement to ensure that you are fully compensated for the losses you have suffered.
Property Damage
If your vehicle or any other property has been damaged in an accident, it is important to ensure that the compensation for the damages is included in your case. To prove these damages, estimates can be used if your car has not been repaired yet when negotiating the settlement. If your car is considered a total loss, it is important to request fair market value. Additionally, any cell phones that have been damaged in the collision should also be taken into consideration.
Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
Contact The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 for your free case review with our West Chester, PA car accident attorneys.
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