Commonly Asked Questions Of Car Accident Victims

A: Studies done by Charles Carroll, M.D., Paul McAtee, M.D. and Lee Riley, M.D. Documented that: “The amount of damage to the automobile bears little relation to the force applied to the cervical spine (neck) of the occupants.”

Basically, that means drivers of cars with minimal damage after an accident, still sustained whiplash injuries. These days, cars are designed to absorb the forces of a crash, while your body was not.  The energy of the accident gets transferred to the passengers. We have seen many instances where a patient has sustained a spinal fracture needing surgery after an accident with minimal damage.

Because of this, it’s probably wise to have your spine and body evaluated as soon as possible.

A: In most cases, people have PIP coverage when they get car insurance. This covers medical expenses up to a capped amount. After that, there are other ways to cover the cost of your bills, and may require hiring an attorney. This may also be the case if the injured person does not carry the mandatory insurance at the time of the Crash.  Florida is a ‘no fault’ state. this means people are covered for treating their injuries, regardless of who was at fault (even if it was you). If you sustained injuries in an accident, you are entitled to personal injury benefits PIP, under your car insurance policy.

The one caveat is that you must seek medical / chiropractic evaluation and or treatment for such injuries within the first 14 days after an accident. Failing to do that, will eliminate coverage for future treatments for injuries you sustained. Even if they show up after the first 2 weeks.

Having “Med Pay” on your policy often covers all your medical bills, up to a specific amount based on your policy limit. Don’t be afraid to use your coverage. Using your PIP alone should not raise your rates, but having a claim or accident on your record might.

If you were an uninsured motorist at the time of your accident, or if you sought treatment after the 14 days, and you were not the driver / passenger at fault, then we may accept payment once your case is settled by working with an attorney on your case. This allows you to get treatment without the concern of your bill with the expertise of a personal injury attorney. If you do not have an attorney, do not just pick one based on slick advertising, we can refer you to a trustworthy and reputable attorney that will work hard for your rights.

A: By getting checked out by the doctor / chiropractor first, your findings, and the severity of your injuries will give you the information you need to decide if an attorney is necessary. If you opt to pursue a legal route, we can refer you to a reputable and qualified attorney.

A: You have the right to choose any healthcare provider you want. If you were referred somewhere,it is probably because your attorney knows and trusts them. If you are not comfortable with your current doctor, and would like us to help you, please call today to schedule an appointment.

A: Insurance companies love to settle things before you can determine the extent or duration your injuries might last. Don’t let them take advantage of you, jeopardizing your ability to have your care, or proper settlement hindered prematurely. If you settle before your injury is fully resolved, you may be responsible to pay for any and all medical bills.

A: Emergency room personnel (doctors, nurses, aides, etc…) are well trained to detect life-threatening conditions and provide appropriate care as needed.

Unless you sustained broken bones, burns, internal injuries, dislocations, or lacerations, the hospital will typically check your vital signs,  evaluate you and send you home with pain medication, muscle relaxers, sleep medication, anti-inflammatories. Because they have nothing else they can do for you, little or no attention is paid to the soft tissue injuries you will now be suffering with. And that is when you may heal poorly and have years of problems.

In order to get and stay well, and back to how you were before your car accident, you need a doctor that treats and diagnoses Car / Auto accident injuries regularly. We offer that type of care.

A: If your M.D. has given you meds, be aware that while pills will help cover up the pain, they do not fix damage caused to your soft tissue, or spine. There are specific treatments and therapies designed to do just that. Luckily for you, we offer them at our Parkland office. Normally, medical doctors do not treat the underlying problems that chiropractors and physical therapists do. These range from musculoskeletal biomechanics, misalignments, and soft tissue injuries. If left untreated, they often lead to future pains, problems,  or arthritis. get a second opinion if you don’t want that.

A: Absolutely not. We use very gentle chiropractic techniques to ensure your comfort. Our care is so gentle, we are able to take care of children and geriatric patients. Most patients really enjoy getting treated in our Parkland office. We also offer crackless arthrostim adjusting where there is no twisting or popping of the spine for people who are afraid, or do not want a manual adjustment.

A: Yes, extremely safe. Particularly when compared to the ill effects from medications, therapies, or surgeries. Studies have shown it is safer than aspirin!