When car accidents occur, drivers and passengers inside vehicles are subjected to a variety of forces and impact types. First, an object collides with the vehicle, often launching the body forward or sideways, depending on the point of impact.
Next, the car comes to an abrupt stop, causing the body to collide with an interior surface, such as the steering column, an airbag, or a taut seat belt. The last type of impact occurs inside the body, as internal tissues like organs smash into body cavities, potentially causing internal injuries.
In the wake of an accident, the forces exerted upon the body and the resulting impacts can leave you coping with trauma to bones, organs, and soft tissues. Among the most common injuries are cuts and scrapes, bruises, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones, all of which may require medical treatment.
Several common injuries may require treatment with physical therapy (PT), such as whiplash, sprains, strains, joint pain, ligament trauma, and neck, back, and shoulder pain. Do you need PT after a car accident, and will insurance pay for it?
In this article by top rated Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer Aaron Silvers, we discuss topics having to do with how the costs of physical therapy are covered, when and if PT is necessary, when to start, and more.
After a car accident, it’s natural to be concerned about how you’ll pay for resulting medical bills and rehabilitation. The state of Florida requires every driver to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This protection covers 80% of “necessary and reasonable” medical expenses up to $10,000, regardless of fault.
What if your costs exceed your PIP coverage? Your health insurance may cover additional expenses once your PIP benefits have been used, but it will depend on your policy. You could still end up with PT costs you’re responsible for paying out of pocket.
There is one more option to consider. If another party was at fault for the accident, you can file a civil suit seeking damages. An experienced attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement to cover medical and rehabilitation costs like PT and prepare to go to court if necessary.
You may be understandably rattled after a car accident, and the rush of adrenaline could leave you feeling little pain. However, you may start to notice significant aches and pains in the hours and days that follow.
Ideally, you should seek medical evaluation immediately after a car accident. But what if you have a delayed onset of symptoms? If you don’t realize you’re suffering from injuries until later, you should seek diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
You may need PT if you suffer from stiff, sore muscles and joints or you notice the onset of mobility issues like limited range of motion. Weakness, numbness, and tingling could also be cause for concern, as could lingering pain or fatigue.
Pay attention to secondary issues like headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disruption. If they’re related to conditions like whiplash or soft tissue damage, PT may be necessary to treat them.
PT can also be a secondary treatment after significant injuries, such as those requiring surgery. In addition to rehabilitating muscle and joint damage, PT can contribute to tissue recovery and address complications common to the formation of scar tissue.
Physical therapy can help alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve strength and function. More importantly, it can help prevent long-term damage and reduce risks of reinjury or additional injuries.
When you’re injured in a car accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention, either at a nearby hospital or from your primary physician, depending on the extent of your pain and injuries.
With evaluation, testing, and diagnosis, your healthcare provider can come up with a plan for medical care, including referring you to a suitable physical therapist.
If you suffer from relatively minor injuries like whiplash, sprains, strains, or aches and pains, you may be able to start PT right away. For more serious injuries, other therapies might be prescribed first.
Your most pressing medical needs will be addressed first, so if you have injuries that require surgery, these treatments will precede PT. After surgery, you may need time to heal before you can start PT, and this could take several weeks or months, depending on the extent of your injuries and treatment.
You’ll want to start prescribed PT as soon as you can for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, you don’t want to suffer from unnecessary pain and mobility limitations, and prompt treatment can help to speed recovery and prevent further harm.
From a legal standpoint, rapid diagnosis and treatment generate documentation that may be needed when seeking insurance coverage or a settlement.
The extent of your injuries and the type and amount of treatment required can impact your claim for compensation. It’s best to see a medical professional as soon as possible for diagnosis so you can begin treatment.
A car accident can disrupt your life and leave you dealing with physical, mental, and emotional trauma. The last thing you need is a mountain of medical bills that add more stress while you try to recover.
A qualified attorney with a proven track record tackling cases like yours can guide you through the process of seeking compensation and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf. You need experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers who can help if you have been in a car accident with a reckless driver.
The capable and caring team at Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers is on the job. Contact us now to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more.
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Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
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