 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
This page contains 3 sections. Scroll down to read or click one of the following sections:
The Top 11 Reasons Why You Should Be Examined
after a Car Accident
1st Care Chiropractic is able to make an immediate assessment of your injuries and either prescribe a treatment plan or refer you to another specialist for the care you need.
Call for an appointment today: 203-288-7300
If you have been in an accident, there are a number of things you should do to protect your rights and ability to collect compensation for your injuries and related hardships. If you have specific questions you can call our office at 203-288-7300 for guidance.
If emergency treatment is necessary, go immediately. If not, seek care at the earliest possible time. Diagnosing the type and severity of your injuries is the first step towards beginning the healing process. (See above article - The Top 11 Reasons Why You Should Be Examined after a Car Accident) Also, be aware that seeking early medical attention provides documentation of any injuries. This could be very important you are filing a claim for damages because of your injuries and losses. Make an appointment- 203-288-7300
Any collision involving injury or death must be reported to the police. If the police respond, they will complete an accident report. Obtain the accident report number from the police at the scene. The completed accident report will be available from the police at their station, generally within 7 days or so. Pick up a copy of the accident report.
If the police do not respond to the accident, a report should be filled out and submitted to the police at their station as soon as possible after the accident. If you have retained an attorney, they may wish to report it for you. Make sure you list all of your injuries and any statements of fault made by the other driver.
Good pictures can make a huge difference in the outcome of your personal injury case. Take at least one roll of photos following the accident and develop them immediately to ensure you get at least a few good photos of your injuries, damages to the vehicles, and the accident scene.
By law you must exchange driver and insurance information. Beyond that, anything you say from the time of the accident until your case is resolved can be used against you. Do not discuss the accident with the other driver, their attorney or any insurance companies - even your own. Any statement you give to opposing attorneys and insurance companies will be used by them to hurt - not help - your case. Further, in some cases, your own insurance company may act against you. For this reason, you must be careful of what information you share with them. It is in your best interest to consult your attorney before speaking to any opposing attorney or any insurance company representative.
The police do not always include all witnesses in the police report. Many cases have been won - and many lost - by not having a witness to support a claim.
You can use this log to support your claim for lost wages, and as an exhibit in court to prove your wage loss or settle your case.
You or your legal representative can use this log to prepare a medical history relative to your accident, and to obtain the necessary records for advancing the settlement or trial of your personal injury claim.
You are entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident. These can include rental cars, clothing, medical expenses, non-prescription medication, and other expenses not covered by your insurance policy.
If you don't get care, the insurance companies and their lawyers will argue that you are not really injured. Seek all necessary treatment in a timely manner, and don't give them that opportunity. Even good faith efforts at self help or home care will be attacked. It is important that you complete your full treatment program or it might be argued that your injuries are less severe than claimed. Call for an appointment: 203-288-7300
The insurance companies and their lawyers will use all available means to reduce the amount of money they have to pay. They may try to obtain your medical records, and other records, by telling you that they need them to evaluate your claim. In reality, they will use the information they obtain to attempt to discredit your claims. Consult your attorney if you are asked to provide any records, even to your own insurance company.
Medical Payments Coverage can be used to cover your medical expenses resulting from an accident. Medical Payments Coverage allows you to choose your doctors, your treatment, and you will not have to pay it back out of your settlement. Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage (U/M) protects you if the driver that caused your injuries is not covered by insurance or lacks sufficient coverage to compensate you for all of your damages, your own insurance company will compensate you for your damages as if they were the insurance company of the other driver. Both Medical Payments Coverage and U/M are very inexpensive and can provide you with a lot of protection when you need it. Experts recommend that you get the most available.
You are entitled to be compensated for all past medical expenses as well as all future medical expenses that you are reasonably certain to incur. An experienced attorney can help you to determine what amounts you are entitled to receive.
You must be able to prove all elements of your case, and this requires appropriate documentary support. Don't try to guess what you should keep, because you never know what supporting information you will need later in your claim. Keep records of everything, including the police report, witness information, medical bills, lost wages and medical history logs, and anything else that might support your case. If you don't think you need it, check with your attorney before tossing any piece of evidence.
The best way to find out your rights is to see an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible following your accident. An experienced attorney can help you develop the necessary proof for your case and deal with any potential problems. Do not withhold any information from your attorney. Everything you say to your attorney is protected and confidential. The insurance companies and their lawyers deal with personal injury claims on a daily basis. The only way you can even the playing field is to have professional representation on your side as well.
If you do not have an attorney or are unsure of how to select one, 1st Care Chiropractic can recommend several reputable personal injury attorneys with which we have worked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Should I See An Attorney Before I See My Chiropractor?
A: Ideally, you should 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. Call us: 203-288-7300
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." In other words, the damage to the passengers is not necessarily directly related to the damage to the vehicle.
Make an appointment- 203-288-7300
Q: The Insurance Company Has Been Calling Me And Wants To Settle. What Should I Do?
A: I general, if you have an attorney, it is best to have them speak with the insurance company on your behalf. 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 Emergency Room 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, broken bones, or bleeding and release the patient with pain relief medication. They normally do not treat the p 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 our office. Call 203-288-7300
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. I urge you to go to the patient testimonial tab to get a feel for what you can expect.
If you have any other questions, call 203-288-7300
1st Care Chiropractic - 1700 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT 06514-3147 (203) 288-7300 info@1stCareChiro.com