The days, weeks and months after an automobile accident can be stressful. That’s why we put together these simple and sincere tips, to help people like just like you who have been involved in an accident and have important decisions to make. When you’re finished reading we invite you to contact us with any questions you may have. We hope you’ll allow our personal and professional experience to help you.
1. Avoid Discussing Your Accident With The Other Insurance Company
Do you think the other insurance company has your best interests in mind? Probably not. Know that it’s a common practice of insurance companies to call you immediately after an accident and offer a small incentive to sign away future medical and injury benefits. Please don’t fall for this tactic. If you settle before your injury is fully resolved you will be completely responsible to pay for future care you really need, and there may be other drastic legal consequences as well. So, unless it pertains to your car, please be careful of signing or settling anything until you’ve had a full chiropractic evaluation and spoken with an attorney.
2. Studies Show Even Minor Vehicle Damage Can Cause Lasting Injuries
Documented research studies done by medical doctors (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. This means a significant accident can cause minor injuries and a seemingly minor accident can cause serious soft tissue injuries. Factors such as head position, seat belt use, position in vehicle and angle of impact can greatly affect your chance of injury. The only way to tell for sure if your soft tissues have been injured is to get a thorough examination from an auto accident injury expert. The amount of damage to the automobile bears little relations to the force applied to the cervical spine (neck) of the occupants.
3. Protect Your Rights, Seek The Advice Of A Qualified And Reputable Attorney
Do you absolutely need to speak with an attorney if you’ve been involved in an accident? The answer is no, but it is a very good idea. An attorney will make sure your rights are protected and inform you of all options available to you after your accident. They also work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t owe them a thing unless they obtain a settlement for you. Upon request we can provide you with a list of attorneys and legal experts who will meet with you at no cost. These experts are in no way affiliated with our clinics. Our referrals come directly from past patients who have already experiences successful outcomes with these attorneys. If you need a legal referral you can trust please feel free to inquire, or ask acquaintances, friends or family who have been through the process. Word-of-mouth often identifies the most trustworthy professional referrals.
4. Don’t Mask Your Pain With Pills Hoping It Will Go Away
Soft tissue injuries left untreated can lead to early arthritis and cause long term pain. Taking pain pills or muscle relaxants to feel better does nothing to help you heal. In fact, it’s like putting a Band-Aid over top of a cut; the cut is still there, you just can’t see it because the Band-Aid is blocking your view! Hiding your pain by taking pills can actually hurt you in the long run. So instead of settling for pain medication, choose to get to the root of your pain. Find out what is really going on with your body and begin a complete and effective course of care for you and your injuries. Also, make sure your care is well documented for future reference.
5. Think Health First! Schedule An Exam With An Auto Accident Expert
Different doctors are experts in different areas of your health. would you go see a dentist to help you with an ear problem? Of course not! Who treats soft tissue injuries (muscles, ligaments and tendons; the things most likely to be hurt in a car crash) more effectively than anyone else? The answer is Chiropractors and Physical Therapists. Choose a primary doctor and accident recovery center focused on the evaluation and treatment of automobile accident injuries for best results. Contact us to schedule your appointment. We’ll be sure to communicate back with you quickly!
6. Don’t Resist Asking For Help When You Know You Need Help
Henry Ford, once considered the world’s most successful man, was asked how he became so successful and wise. He replied, “I don’t need to know anything except how to surround myself with people who know how to get the job done.” Very wise advice indeed! What he meant is nobody can be an expert in every area of life, so use the experts around you to answer your questions and guide you in the right direction. We are experts in the area of soft tissue injuries caused by automobile accidents. If we cannot help you we can definitely guide you in the right direction. We invite you to contact us to receive professional and free advice from our experts today!
7. Know The Benefits & Rights of No -Fault Auto Insurance
Minnesota is what’s called No-Fault Auto Insurance state. That means the evaluation and treatment of injuries caused by car accidents are typically covered 100% with no co-pays. It is very similar to health insurance. Even if you don’t own a vehicle or have other insurance you are probably still covered. You may also qualify for benefits like wage loss protection, disability assistance and mileage reimbursement for trips to and from your doctor visits. If you are a resident of Minnesota the easiest way to find out if you qualify for these benefits is to contact us. We’ll be sure to return your communication quickly to discuss your benefits.
8. Take Action: Don’t Allow Yourself To Be A Victim!
One of the biggest mistakes people make after getting in a car accident is to sit back and do nothing. No examination by an auto injury expert, not speaking with an attorney to learn their rights and benefits, and not protecting their future. Please don’t let this be you! Health or legal problems can remain hidden for weeks, months, even years after an accident. By making smart decision today and taking timely action today you can protect yourself from a lifetime of regret tomorrow. If you have any questions about the advice offered in this article, send us a communication today. We’ll be sure to get back to you quickly to answer your questions.