Frequently Asked Questions about Car Accidents, Whiplash, and if a Chiropractor can help?
Can Chiropractic care help?
YES, and let me explain briefly how the process works. The brain interprets motion of the spine to be healthy and normal. Any time an injury occurs the brain tries to protect your body by restricting motion. This is achieved by tightening the muscles and sending fluid or inflammation and edema to the area of injury. Through chiropractic care the motion is restored to the spine by a chiropractic adjustment. The following video explains more on how it all works (video). Call our office if you have any questions, concerns, or to make an appointment. The sooner you see your chiropractor, the less likely it will be for long term symptoms to develop.
What symptoms are common after a car accident?
This video shows how even small 'fender benders' can cause whiplash (video). The most common response to whiplash is to feel little to no symptoms directly following the accident in a low speed collision of less than 30 mph. The following 24 to 72 hours typically is the time frame that most the stiffness and pain start to set in. It is common to feel nausea, headaches, dizziness, vertigo, neck pain, back pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and/or feet and others. The sooner the symptoms are treated, the more successful treatment will be and the chronic pain patterns will be less likely to set in.
If I don't feel pain right away does that mean everything is fine?
Typically symptoms are felt most intensely 24 to 72 hours following the accident but studies have shown that a delayed response of days to weeks following an accident is possible. If minor symptoms are treated early it decreases the likelihood of more chronic and intense pain patterns from developing.
Should I report the accident to my insurance?
Yes, injuries sustained in a car accident and treatment for those injuries do not affect your premiums or how much your insurance rates are. You need to have the following questions answered from your agent when you contact them; Do I have Personal Injury Protection and what is the limit? What is my claim number? What is the address or fax number that claims should be sent to? Who is the contact for medical claims (many times it is different then your agent)? All this information will make receiving care for your injuries an easier process.
How much is it going to cost?
In the state of Texas there are two ways that health care expenses are paid following an accident by car insurance companies;
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This can be a coverage option that is not required in car insurance policies but pays for medical expenses following an accident and is an easy and quick process for the customer and the chiropractor to use. As long as the PIP maximum for the policy is not exceeded then treatment would be at no cost to the patient. This coverage is availabe regardless of who is at fault and covers the passengers as well.
Third Party Payer: If you are not at fault for the accident then the other drivers car insurance will be responsible for paying for the medical expenses if no PIP coverage is in your policy. This option is more difficult to receive full coverage for your care. After all your care has been rendered due to the accident, the insurance company will review your case and decide how much treatment was necessary and offer a settlement for the case. If all expenses are not covered the patient could be responsible for the remainder.
For any questions of what you read contact information is below.
Bradford Chiropractic
1219 E. Debbie Lane Suite 103
Mansfield, TX 76063
(817) 704-3243