The chaos and confusion that you might be feeling after a car accident is completely normal. You have just been in an accident and between instantaneously juggling the accident scene, physical injuries, your car’s damage, talking with the police, and handling your insurance…we understand it can be a lot and take its toll.
You might think you feel fine immediately after the accident. You may forget through all the insurance calls and paperwork to get yourself medical attention before it’s too late. Believing yourself to not be seriously injured may mean that you wait until too much time has passed and you are no longer eligible for medical coverage under your auto insurance. You only have 14 days to seek medical attention or lose your opportunity to get the care you may need covered.
From X-rays to long-lasting injuries to your back or neck are eligible for coverage with a chiropractor at our Tampa area chiropractic offices. As long as you use your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits in time…
Understanding PIP
One of the most common needs for chiropractic care is for individuals that have been injured in auto accidents. Auto accidents can cause a lot of unwanted aches and pains that may not surface right away, but it is still extremely important to seek medical care right away after an accident. If you wait too long your insurance can deny you all medical expenses.
Florida is a “no-fault” state, which means that no matter who caused the accident your auto insurance will pay for the repairs, damages, medical expenses, etc. Drivers in Florida are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection insurance.
PIP insurance normally only covers $2,500 of the $10,000 unless you can be diagnosed with an “emergency medical condition.” By having an EMC, you can now be eligible for the full $10,000 in medical costs for your injuries. It is extremely important to note that only these professions can diagnose EMC:
- Licensed MD or DO
- Dentist
- Physician Assistant
- Advanced Nurse Practitioner
You are still able to see a chiropractor without an EMC. Request an appointment at one of our convenient Tampa area offices in Carrollwood and Town ‘N County.
14-Day Rule for PIP Policies
After being in a car accident you should seek medical attention immediately. This is extremely important for many reasons. But one of the most important reasons—aside from your health—is due to insurance.
Insurance companies require you to seek medical attention within the first 14 days following your accident; if you do not they will void your ability to obtain any PIP coverage for any medical treatment you may need. Why would they do this?
There are two good reasons for insurance companies to deny coverage:
- The 14-day rule encourages people to seek medical attention as quickly as possible for their own health and injury needs.
- The 14-day rule protects insurance companies from false claims. If you do not seek medical attention right away, how does the insurance company know an injury you’re seeking compensation for is the result of the auto accident or from something else?
PIP and Chiropractic Care
Once you have received medical attention within the first 14 days, you are eligible to use your PIP benefits to get chiropractic care. PIP is extremely important because it is used to pay your medical costs after the accident, and medical bills and expenses can add up quickly.
PIP can cover a wide variety of medical services, such as:
- Chiropractic care
- X-Rays and MRIs
- Medical service
- Ambulatory services
- Surgical expenses
- Hospital expenses
Remember: even if your accident was not severe, it could still cause life-long sustaining injuries. Car accidents are notorious for “hidden injuries.” It is easy to immediately diagnosis a broken bone or cut, but hidden injuries may not appear right away. This is another very good reason to seek medical attention within 14 days so if you do have lingering pain later you have medical documentation that will now cover this new injury.
Hidden injuries can include whiplash, ligament and muscle tears, and neck and back injuries. These hidden injuries are what chiropractors are trained to work on. At Chiropractic Naturally, we offer a safe and drug-free alternative that keeps chronic pain from developing or becoming more severe. Contact us today to request your appointment!
Always Seek Medical Care Immediately After Your Accident
At Chiropractic Naturally, we will help you through your injuries as well as with your insurance. Seeking a chiropractor for treatment can strengthen your claim and we can provide the appropriate documentation of your visit history to help you receive the appropriate financial compensation you deserve.
Being injured in a car accident can have life-long repercussions, but our top-rated local chiropractors will do a full body evaluation and identify any issues there are. We will safely make you feel whole again.
If you have been in an auto accident and need medical attention request an appointment today at one of our two convenient Tampa Locations, Carrollwood (813-963-3055) and Town & Country (813-885-5786). You do not need to suffer pain anymore! Visit Drs. Archana Mehta, Susan Yi, or Giannella Gomez today.