Auto Accidents

What You Should Know If You Have Been Involved in an Auto Accident

   Did you know that one of the most stressful aspects of living in modern life is dealing with the problems that arise after an auto accident?  Were you also aware that some auto accident injuries are hidden and are seldom detected for months or even years?  As a result, two things can occur when an injury is not taken care of properly, or the accident victims settle their case with the insurance companies before getting evaluated from a Doctor trained in soft tissue injuries….

            ….This Could Be A Big Mistake.

   Why?  Because once you settle your case, you lose the right to have the insurance company pay for treatment if you need it.  A good rule of thumb is to be informed of your rights and then make a decision.  It is our position that if you were indeed injured, you should get the care you need to get you back to the way you felt and functioned just before the accident.

   It is not the responsibility of the insurance company to pay for anything more than that.  They are not responsible for pre-existing injuries, only the injuries sustained from the accident.  Even if you are just sore, you should get checked out immediately by your chiropractor because you may experience pain, numbness, headaches, muscle stiffness, fatigue, and other problems including arthritis many months down the road.  An accident puts forceful motion into the body which may disrupt and change the smooth gliding of the joints into joints that jam and hit against each other.  Remember, nothing is more important than your health, especially when you start to lose it.

Here’s where the problem begins…Most people who suffer from an auto accident have one thing on their mind:  their automobile!

Common questions include:

            *”Who is going to fix my car?”

            *”What will I drive in the mean time?”

            *”Will my insurance rates go up?”

            *”Who is going to pay for this?”

            *And the last thing on their mind is:  “Am I Really O.K.?

   Not only are auto accidents an inconvenience and a hassle, a common redundant complaint of auto accident victims is that they don’t feel like their normal selves.  You may also be experiencing obvious pains and symptoms like muscle stiffness or spasm, neck pain, headaches, numbness and tingling, back pain, difficulty sleeping, irritability, memory loss, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and many other difficulties.  Or, worse than that, you may be injured and feel nothing at all.

   Either way, did you know that auto accidents can cause post-traumatic osteoarthritis?  Osteoarthritis can ruin your posture (giving you a slumped or hump back appearance).  Osteoarthritis can cause the discs in your spine to degenerate and create scar tissue formation leading to chronic stiffness and the inability to move properly.

As a matter of fact…

            *Most Doctors Are Not Trained in the Detection of These Hidden Injuries….

          *If you have been in an auto accident, you need a doctor who is trained in the biomechanics of the human body, someone who treats these injuries every day.

In addition, x-rays can be taken to find out if there has been any structural damage. 

              In our office, we evaluate auto accident victims and make any appropriate referrals to other health care providers if needed.

*Our primary responsibility is giving you the care, if you need it, and submitting the required medical reports to the insurance company so your rights are protected.

            If we can’t help you, we will refer you to a doctor or facility that can.

If you have been in an auto accident recently, there are some important decisions you have to make, and if I were you, I’d make these decisions very carefully.

 Q:  Should I See An Attorney Before I See My Chiropractor?

 A:  It is important to get checked out by the doctor first.  That way the findings from your exam will allow you the information you need in order to decide if an attorney is necessary.  If necessary, we can refer you to a reputable and qualified attorney.

 Q:  What If My Car Sustained Only Minor Damage?

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

Q:  If I Need Treatment For This Injury, Do I Have To Pay For It Myself?

A:  No, only in very rare circumstances does the patient pay for his care as he goes.  Our office provides care “on credit” when patients are represented by an attorney.  Some car insurance policies have what is called “Med Pay.”  This means that medical bills will be paid at 100% up to a certain limit.  My office can assist you in obtaining this information.

               Using your medical coverage should not raise your premiums.

 Q:  The Insurance Company Has Been Calling Me And Wants To Settle.         What Should I Do?

     A:  Do not sign or settle until you have had us evaluate your injury for you.  If you settle before your injury is fully resolved, you will be completely on your own and will have to pay out of pocket for your care.

Q:  I’ve Been To The Hospital And My Medical Doctor, Do I Really Need to See A Chiropractor?

A:  You need a doctor who focuses in the treatment and diagnosis of auto accident injuries.  Usually hospitals will check vital signs, make sure there are no life-threatening conditions and release the patient with pain relief medication.  They normally do not treat the underlying improper musculoskeletal biomechanics that can and often do lead to future pain.  If you are still having problems, you should get a second opinion.

 If your M.D. has given you pills you must understand that pills do not correct structural or soft tissue damage.  There are special therapies designed for that, and we offer these modalities at out office.  Also, pills cover up pain.  When you come to our office for your first exam – we want to get an accurate interpretation of the pain you are experiencing. 

 Q:  Does Your Care Hurt?

 A:  Absolutely not.  The care is very gentle and quite soothing.  Most patients can hardly wait to get their care.

Q:  Is The Care Safe?

A:  Yes, extremely.  Particularly when compared to the side effects from medication. 

This Weekly Health Update is Brought To You By:

Dr. Cindy Steward, ND, DC

Chiropractic Oasis

512-626-2332

To be evaluated after an auto accident,

please, call us for an appointment.