If you’ve been in a car accident, whether it’s a mere rear-end collision, a major crash caused by bumper-to-bumper traffic, or just a U-turn gone bad, sometimes, someone will end up with an injury. There are several ways that car accidents jar the body – ways that we might try to shrug off but eventually become worse as the day goes by.
This article dives into the reasons why early chiropractic assessment is key for individuals who have gotten into minor or major vehicular accidents. Here, you will find out how customized treatments – physical therapy, massage, or spinal manipulation – provide avenues toward better function and complete pain relief. We will also learn how chiropractors play a crucial role in increasing the chances of getting accurate personal injury claims, possibly saving you problems with insurance companies in the future.
California Chiropractic Care
In the state of California and most states as well, car accident injuries usually involve the soft tissues, the neck, or, ultimately, the spine. And one of the most beneficial approaches that we can do is to consult a chiropractor for healing and recovery. Even if those who survive car crashes do not initially feel pain, consulting a chiropractor is often a good idea, as they might not be aware of certain neck or back problems that could potentially worsen in the future. However, among the most asked questions by California drivers is: Who covers chiropractic treatment?
When motor vehicle accidents happen in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, or anywhere in California, who pays for the medical treatment and care for your injuries? Ultimately, vehicle accidents can change your life, and a car accident settlement might be the only means of getting most of that life back.
Before moving on, let us get to know more about chiropractors – what they do and what role they play in improving your chances of getting an adequate settlement.
The Chiropractor
A chiropractor offers different types of therapy to help survivors of vehicular accidents achieve pain relief, restore normal musculoskeletal function, and promote complete healing and recovery. The most vital specializations that chiropractors perform to help improve the physical health of car crash survivors are spinal manipulation and massage therapy. They also perform other equally therapeutic techniques, such as soft tissue therapy, stretching, heat and cold therapy, hip mobility and stabilization, joint adjustments, electrical nerve stimulation, exercise, and nutritional counseling.
When needed, a chiropractor can collaborate with or recommend other healthcare professionals to car accident survivors to further increase their chances of recovering quickly. They may work with a neurologist if the victim suffered nerve damage or with a pain management expert if the victim experienced ongoing pain. The chiropractor may also refer a therapist or psychologist to help check or improve a patient’s mental health.
Moreover, chiropractors play an important role in providing documentation of their patients’ current injuries, plans of care, medications, and progress, all of which are vital for legal procedures or insurance coverage claims that are associated with car accidents.
The Cost Of Chiropractic Therapy
How much chiropractic care costs in California greatly varies on several factors, including how frequent the sessions will be, the types of treatment, and whether or not your insurance covers you. Typically, the initial visits cost at least $90, while the following visits can range between $60 and $160 per visit. Other treatments may be necessary to help identify specific conditions that car crash survivors may be experiencing. MRI scans cost around $400, and X-rays range from $100 to $300. Supplemental therapies like physical therapy can range between $50 and $150 per session, while massage therapy is at least $30.
The cost of chiropractic treatments may also depend on the location of the treatment. In San Francisco, for example, chiropractors might have higher asking prices for their services compared to those located in Fresno, which generally has a lower cost of healthcare services.
Chiropractic Care And Personal Injury Claims
Often, the insurance company or the car accident victim shoulders the cost of chiropractic care following an accident. This depends largely on the evidence given by the victim proving that chiropractic care is indeed beneficial for his quick healing and recovery. This is where the chiropractor can play a crucial role in acquiring an appropriate personal injury claim. Their documentation of your medical treatment and progress increases the chances of getting an appropriate settlement for your injury.
Car accident survivors are also encouraged to file their claims within a specific time frame. In the state of California, the statute of limitations for vehicular injuries is normally two years from the date that the injury occurred, and often, getting insurance coverage from the other party that chiropractic treatment is necessary can be daunting.
This is where a car accident or personal injury lawyer comes in.
The Role Of The Car Accident Lawyer
Your trusted car accident or personal injury lawyer is the best person you need to guide you in getting your chiropractic treatments paid for by your insurance company. They will be the main mediator and representative who diligently works so that everything is prepared and provided, and your claim is accurately filed. Other roles of your personal injury lawyer include:
Collecting proof
Your legal representative can help gather proof to strengthen your claim. This may include getting police reports, medical records, and credible witnesses to determine the benefits of having chiropractic therapy regularly until the pain and other conditions after the accident have subsided or disappeared.
Providing legal advice
A credible and experienced car accident lawyer will capably guide you as you go through the complicated process of claiming compensation for your car accident injury. Here, they also make sure that all requirements are submitted on time.
Negotiating with insurance representatives
If you feel that the settlement is not enough or if you need a better claims settlement, negotiating with the insurance adjusters is among the lawyer’s most crucial roles.
Representing you in court
If problems arise during the claims process and fair compensation is not achieved, the car accident lawyer can take your case to trial. This gives you a chance to secure the compensation you deserve, including the money you need for chiropractic therapy.
Boosting compensation
Through the efforts and skills of a car accident lawyer, your compensation may be maximized, and you may receive the full amount that you rightfully deserve.
Takeaway
For most people, being involved in a car mishap, no matter how complex or simple, is a burden that can negatively affect their lives. The financial, physical, and emotional toll that this brings may be too heavy for them. With a dedicated and experienced lawyer who will commit to working on providing them with appropriate treatment and the best compensation, car accident survivors have an opportunity to heal and move forward positively.
Access to chiropractic care, along with other necessary therapies and procedures, will be within your reach. Get a free consultation from a California car accident lawyer today.