There's still hope even if the Auto/Car Accident was your fault!

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

The Texas Department of Insurance requires automobile insurance carriers in our state to issue all automobile policies it writes at least $2500 worth of coverage and you have this coverage unless you reject it in writing. Most people are unaware of this coverage or even know what it is and therefore very few people use it. You end up paying for coverage that they don’t inform you about and you’re entitled to.

Why? Insurance is not understood and most people rely on their agent and claims adjusters to advise them on what to do after an accident. Insurance is a multi-billion dollar industry and are in business to make money. They keep their costs down, less payout, more profits and bonuses at the end of the year. Good for them and not for you.

What is PIP?

PIP is no fault coverage similar to health insurance but on your auto policy for your injuries and your passengers injuries. This coverage is available regardless who is at fault. Yes, you can be the cause of the accident and you will still be covered. There’s no deductible and no co-payment. There is other separate coverage that will cover the other party if you were at fault. If you do not have PIP then you could still be covered if you were in an accident in another state besides Texas. You may also be covered if you were hit in a crosswalk by a car or on a bicycle or borrowing someone else’s car.

What will a claim do to my insurance rates and policy renewal?
Under section 5.7016 of the Texas insurance code, automobile insurance carriers cannot non-renew you for filing one PIP claim in a 12 month period. Also, it is unlikely that they would raise your rates for a sole PIP claim.
Why doesn’t the other guy’s insurance pay for my medical expenses and why should I use my insurance?

Medical treatment is expensive and you are liable for the costs. There is a chance that the other party may never pay for your medical expenses leaving you a financial burden. PIP gives you peace of mind that your medical bills are covered. If you use your health insurance, you may have to pay a deductible and co-pays to your doctor and if the health insurance finds out that you were in an accident they could request to be reimbursed. Some people get referred to a medical provider by their attorney and the medical provider agrees to be paid months or even years later. Since there are a limited number of medical providers who agree to this arrangement, your choice and quality of healthcare may be limited. The answer is to use your PIP coverage so you will not have to pay for medical expenses out of your pocket and get the best possible healthcare treatment available for you and your family’s injuries caused by the accident.

What is Personal Injury Protection(PIP)?

The Texas Department of Insurance requires automobile insurance carriers in our state to issue all automobile policies it writes at least $2500 worth of coverage and you have this coverage unless you reject it in writing. Most people are unaware of this coverage or even know what it is and therefore very few people use it. You end up paying for coverage that they don’t inform you about and you’re entitled to.

Why? Insurance is not understood and most people rely on their agent and claims adjusters to advise them on what to do after an accident. Insurance is a multi-billion dollar industry and are in business to make money. They keep their costs down, less payout, more profits and bonuses at the end of the year. Good for them and not for you.

What is PIP?

PIP is no fault coverage similar to health insurance but on your auto policy for your injuries and your passengers injuries. This coverage is available regardless who is at fault. Yes, you can be the cause of the accident and you will still be covered. There’s no deductible and no co-payment. There is other separate coverage that will cover the other party if you were at fault. If you do not have PIP then you could still be covered if you were in an accident in another state besides Texas. You may also be covered if you were hit in a crosswalk by a car or on a bicycle or borrowing someone else’s car.

What will a claim do to my insurance rates and policy renewal?

Under section 5.7016 of the Texas insurance code, automobile insurance carriers cannot non-renew you for filing one PIP claim in a 12 month period. Also, it is unlikely that they would raise your rates for a sole PIP claim.

Why doesn’t the other guy’s insurance pay for my medical expenses and why should I use my insurance?

Medical treatment is expensive and you are liable for the costs. There is a chance that the other party may never pay for your medical expenses leaving you a financial burden. PIP gives you peace of mind that your medical bills are covered. If you use your health insurance, you may have to pay a deductible and co-pays to your doctor and if the health insurance finds out that you were in an accident they could request to be reimbursed. Some people get referred to a medical provider by their attorney and the medical provider agrees to be paid months or even years later. Since there are a limited number of medical providers who agree to this arrangement, your choice and quality of healthcare may be limited. The answer is to use your PIP coverage so you will not have to pay for medical expenses out of your pocket and get the best possible healthcare treatment available for you and your family’s injuries caused by the accident.

Why should i be examined after a auto/car accident?

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

The most common symptoms related to whiplash include:

* neck pain and stiffness,

* headache,

* shoulder pain and stiffness,

* dizziness,

* fatigue,

* jaw pain (temporomandibular joint symptoms),

* arm pain,

* arm weakness,

* visual disturbances,

* ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and

* back pain.

In the more severe and chronic case of "whiplash associated disorder" symptoms can include:

* depression,

* anger,

* frustration,

* anxiety,

* stress,

* drug dependency,

* post-traumatic stress syndrome,

* sleep disturbance (insomnia),

* and

* social isolation.

How is whiplash diagnosed?

After an accident the patient may be taken to the hospital and/or a Chiropractor's office to be examined. The doctor will examine the patient to determine if they have any injuries that require treatment. Based on the symptoms and examination findings the doctor may place a collar on the neck for additional support. The doctor may also obtain x-rays of the neck to check for more serious injury. The most important first step is to make sure there is no major injury to the neck, head or the rest of the body requiring immediate treatment.

If the x-rays are normal but the patient continues to have neck pain, the doctor may keep the cervical collar in place and see the back in the office in about a week for an additional examination. At that time the doctor may obtain new x-rays to see if there have been any changes. If the doctor is still concerned about soft tissue injuries, he or she may obtain either x-rays with the head leaning forward and backwards (dynamic x-rays) or obtain an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging study). These dynamic x-rays or MRI scans are better able to detect injuries to the soft tissues of the neck, especially instability, that may not been seen with normal x-rays of the neck.

WHAT IF I WAS IN AN AUTO/CAR ACCIDENT ?

Unfortunately, studies show that most of us will be in an auto accident at some point in our lives. The only question remaining, is how bad will it be?
The following are important things to remember if you are involved in an auto accident:

1. Seek treatment as soon as possible.
If there is a chance you may be seriously hurt, you should go to the Emergency room at your local hospital. There they can rule out fractures and life threatening injuries.

2. If you are still experiencing pain and discomfort a few days to a couple weeks later, than you should come to our office to find out if you have any structural damage.
NOTE: The longer you wait after an accident to come to our office, typically the longer it takes to get you better.

3. Most auto insurance companies have what is called Med Pay. This means that your bills will be paid up to 100% up to a certain limit. Our office can check that for you.

4. If the accident was not your fault. The other party's auto insurance should cover your health care expenses in our office. We do all of the paperwork for you.

5. At the accident scene, get as much information on the other driver or drivers as possible. An accident report by Police is always helpful, but not required to have a case.

6. You should never settle with an insurance company before 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.

7. Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult after an auto accident. We have a number of reputable and highly qualified Attorneys who we can refer you to for a complimentary consultation. Hiring a reputable Attorney essentially takes you out of the direct bargaining process with the insurance company and all the paperwork and phone calls associated with that and lets you concentrate on healing.

8. Injuries sustained after a car-accident if left untreated can lead to spinal degeneration and a host of other problems for years to come.

FINAL NOTE: We find that many people involved in an auto accident that WAS THEIR FAULT never get treatment.
This tends to be due to the fear that their insurance will go up after a claim is filed.
Your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) is why you have auto insurance in the first place.
Many insurance companies will not raise your rates after 1 or even 2 accidents in the same year.
THE INJURIES SUSTAINED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CAN CAUSE A HOST OF PROBLEMS FOR YEARS TO COME, OR EVEN THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF TO COME IN AND GET CHECKED.

Why should i get an attorney after an Auto/Car accident for my injuries?

An attorney helps with all aspects of an auto/car accident claim or injury. They keep an individual from spending countless hours on the phone with insurance adjusters that really don't care about your well being. It also helps to keep stress levels down and allow you to concentrate on recovery and getting well. Our office only works with the best attorneys/lawyers in Dallas/Fort Worth. We have learned through trial and error, who best takes care of our patients. They also make sure that all your medical bills are settled. This allows you to be additionally stress and medical bill free at the end. We also help those who are not able to treat in our office, who are in need of an attorney. We are here to help!!! So don't hesitate in calling and making an appointment to get examined and also ask about scheduling a free consultation with a reputable attorney. You only have one body, so you need to take care of it. Call Today!!! (972)215-7720

What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

The Texas Department of Insurance requires automobile insurance carriers in our state to issue all automobile policies it writes at least $2500 worth of coverage and you have this coverage unless you reject it in writing. Most people are unaware of this coverage or even know what it is and therefore very few people use it. You end up paying for coverage that they don’t inform you about and you’re entitled to.

Why? Insurance is not understood and most people rely on their agent and claims adjusters to advise them on what to do after an accident. Insurance is a multi-billion dollar industry and are in business to make money. They keep their costs down, less payout, more profits and bonuses at the end of the year. Good for them and not for you.

What is PIP?

PIP is no fault coverage similar to health insurance but on your auto policy for your injuries and your passengers injuries. This coverage is available regardless who is at fault. Yes, you can be the cause of the accident and you will still be covered. There’s no deductible and no co-payment. There is other separate coverage that will cover the other party if you were at fault. If you do not have PIP then you could still be covered if you were in an accident in another state besides Texas. You may also be covered if you were hit in a crosswalk by a car or on a bicycle or borrowing someone else’s car.

What will a claim do to my insurance rates and policy renewal?

Under section 5.7016 of the Texas insurance code, automobile insurance carriers cannot non-renew you for filing one PIP claim in a 12 month period. Also, it is unlikely that they would raise your rates for a sole PIP claim.

Why doesn’t the other guy’s insurance pay for my medical expenses and why should I use my insurance?

Medical treatment is expensive and you are liable for the costs. There is a chance that the other party may never pay for your medical expenses leaving you a financial burden. PIP gives you peace of mind that your medical bills are covered. If you use your health insurance, you may have to pay a deductible and co-pays to your doctor and if the health insurance finds out that you were in an accident they could request to be reimbursed. Some people get referred to a medical provider by their attorney and the medical provider agrees to be paid months or even years later. Since there are a limited number of medical providers who agree to this arrangement, your choice and quality of healthcare may be limited. The answer is to use your PIP coverage so you will not have to pay for medical expenses out of your pocket and get the best possible healthcare treatment available for you and your family’s injuries caused by the accident.

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

For a personal evaluation and consultation, call North Dallas Chiropractic or Irving Rehab and Wellness and ask to schedule an appointment. In most cases, you can be seen the same day. The sooner you receive treatment following your accident, the better your body will respond to restorative care. You will be glad you did!

DOES TREATMENT HURT?

Absolutely not. The treatments are very gentle and quite relaxing. Most patients look forward to their appointments.

WHAT KIND OF TREATMENT WILL I RECEIVE?

At most health centers, chiropractic care and physical rehab therapy are the foundation of treatment; however,  ultrasound, interferential current stimulation, traction, and rehabilitation are also used. If your problem is lower back related, go to a centre that utilizes the DRS System, a proven effective, non-surgical low back pain treatment. The staff also includes a Medical Pain Management Specialist a, providing you with the most comprehensive treatment available. They also work with other health care professionals in the medical community and if we can't help you, a referral will be made.

HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO REPORT AN INJURY FOLLOWING MY ACCIDENT?

The sooner you seek treatment following your injury, the better. If you wait beyond 30 days following your accident and then report an injury to the insurance company, they are much less likely to pay for your care.

WHAT IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY WANTS ME TO SETTLE?

It's recommended that you do not settle your case before a thorough evaluation by our office. If you settle before your injury is fully diagnosed and treated, you will be responsible for any medical bills you incur in the future. Our office will write detailed reports to insurance companies to assure that your claim will be effectively documented during your treatment. It is important that you do not cash any checks that the insurance sends to your home.  In many cases, this will release them from any further liability in your care and you will be personally responsible for your medical bills.

SHOULD I SEE AN ATTORNEY BEFORE MY EVALUATION?

Patients have important legal as well as health care needs that need to be addressed. In most cases, it is important to be evaluated by a clinic first. That way the findings from your exam will give you the information you need in order to decide on which attorney is necessary. If you already have an attorney, the office will send detailed reports to your attorney as you are undergoing treatment to keep your legal counsel apprised of your progress. Upon completion of treatment a final narrative report is then forwarded to the patient's attorney documenting any permanent damage or functional loss. An attorney who specializes in injury accidents is a wise choice in these circumstances. They know the law and your rights and are better equipped to communicate with aggressive or intimidating insurance representatives to help you get the care and other benefits to which you are entitled. In these cases, the office can refer you to a reputable and qualified attorney.

CAN MY HEALTH BE COMPLETELY RESTORED?

Fortunately, health problems caused by automobile accidents can be relieved or eliminated through a proper program of restorative chiropractic care and physical rehab therapy. The goal is to restore your spine to its condition prior to your Motor Vehicle Accident. Many patients report that treatment has removed many of their aches and pains that they had before their injury, which their accident aggravated. Treatments can provide not only pain relief, but also long term correction. This approach minimizes the chance of spinal or nerve problems returning months or years later. Your body, especially your head and neck, have likely suffered stress and trauma as a result of the collision. Here are some of the positive benefits to be gained from our program of restorative chiropractic care and physical rehab therapy.

• Prevention of arthritis
• Relief from head and neck pain
• Stronger, more flexible muscles
• Increased nerve supply to all areas of your body
• Increased athletic ability
• Decreased chance of re-injury
• Increased overall health

CAN MEDICATIONS AND PAIN PILLS HELP ME GET BETTER?

Medications may mask the pain for a few hours, but they do not aid your body's ability to heal itself, and may hinder the healing process. Medications cannot correct the soft tissue damage that is caused by auto accidents. If you are only taking pills, irritated nerves will continue to cause pain, suffering, and the problems listed earlier. Therefore, the adverse effects of your injuries will continue to plague you until you seek treatment. In certain situations we will prescribe medication; however, pain medications alone will only mask the symptoms and not treat the problem.

CAN A MEDICAL DOCTOR DIAGNOSE MY INJURIES?

Yes, they can. However, diagnosing motor vehicle accident injuries are best left to a chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained to detect abnormal biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system that can lead to arthritis. Most agencies have a medical doctor on staff to insure that a more serious injury (such as a fracture) has not occurred, and to ensure that it is safe for you to engage in a program of physical rehab therapy that will follow. If necessary, medication may be prescribed. You should have the most comprehensive treatment available in the healthcare community in one location. In the majority of cases, a chiropractic and medical physician will both document and report your injury.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT MY INJURIES?

Essentially, it will cost you nothing! Like any other health care service, care is covered completely under the "medical benefits" section of your automobile insurance policy. All fees for this evaluation and treatment will be sent directly to your auto insurance company (or the person-at-fault's) for payment, alleviating any direct financial burden to you.

HOW CAN I DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF MY INJURIES?

To determine the extent of your injuries and prevent their painful effects have an in-depth evaluation and consultation with a chiropractor and accident and personal injury specialist. Preferably, it should be one that's specially trained in diagnosing and treating spinal problems as a result of an automobile accident and can explain how much damage your body has sustained, as well as recommend what treatment he or she feels would be necessary and for how long. A normal evaluation includes a complete examination including orthopedic and chiropractic testing, x-rays, computerized range of motion and muscle strength tests. If necessary, nerve conduction tests and diagnostic ultrasound tests are also performed to provide the most comprehensive diagnosis available. If necessary, other diagnostic tests such as MRI and CAT Scans are performed as needed.

HOW CAN I DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF MY INJURIES?

To determine the extent of your injuries and prevent their painful effects have an in-depth evaluation and consultation with a chiropractor and accident and personal injury specialist. Preferably, it should be one that's specially trained in diagnosing and treating spinal problems as a result of an automobile accident and can explain how much damage your body has sustained, as well as recommend what treatment he or she feels would be necessary and for how long. A normal evaluation includes a complete examination including orthopedic and chiropractic testing, x-rays, computerized range of motion and muscle strength tests. If necessary, nerve conduction tests and diagnostic ultrasound tests are also performed to provide the most comprehensive diagnosis available. If necessary, other diagnostic tests such as MRI and CAT Scans are performed as needed.

WHAT IF I DON'T HURT VERY MUCH OR MY CAR SUSTAINED ONLY MINOR DAMAGE?

There has been a great deal of research done over the last several years, which proves that injury, can and does occur in low impact collisions. The most common of these injuries is "whiplash". When low-speed crash tests were performed with sudden changes in vehicle speed of only 2.5 mph, 29% of occupants experienced symptoms of neck or back injury, while a sudden change in speed of 5 mph resulted in 38% of occupants being injured. Automobile bumpers are built to the government standard of being able to withstand a 5 mph crash without damage. These standards are not related to the safety of the occupant, but are to protect and limit the damage to the bumpers, keeping the cost of repair to a minimum. Many times, vehicles can sustain an impact at 8-9 mph before there is recognizable damage. This varies by car model as each manufacturer has a different method for building bumpers. Some cars are made more sturdy than the more newer vehicles. The point is that when the bumper (and other metal) doesn't crumple and absorb the force of the impact, more of that force is transferred directly to the occupant of the vehicle. Whiplash injuries are often caused by rear-end collisions, and frequently by collisions from other angles. A tremendous volume of research has been conducted to determine the amount and extent of these injuries. Because these injuries are not usually life threatening, the insurance industry, your spouse/family/friends, and even many doctors really do not understand the ordeal that you are suffering through. After your accident, you may have experienced severe or moderate pain, or no pain at all. Surprisingly, most auto injuries are hidden and seldom detected for months, or even years. Often, the initial pain subsides, only to return full-blown later. Soft tissue injuries (injuries to muscles, ligaments, and discs) caused by auto accidents can be very deceiving. Soft tissue injuries heal with scar tissue and don't always cause pain immediately, but the damage done to your spine can lead to the following problems:

• Recurring headaches
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Numbness, tingling, or pain in the arms or hands
• Chronic muscle tension and spasm
• Low back pain
• Spinal disc degeneration
• Painful, inflamed arthritis
• Sore, tight, inflexible muscles
• Decreased athletic ability
• Greater chance of re-injury
• Poor posture 

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 of the vehicle. Studies have shown that damage can occur to a driver/passenger at vehicle collision speeds of less than 5 miles per hour (4.87 miles per hour to be exact) and the subjects tested in this study were healthy young males!

WHAT IF I WAS ONLY "STIFF OR SORE" FOR A FEW DAYS, BUT NOW HAVE NO PAIN? OR, WHAT IF I HAD NO PAIN AT ALL IN THE FIRST PLACE?

A delay in the onset of pain is also extremely common, and is very well documented in the scientific literature. In addition, due to joint injuries, auto accidents can cause posttraumatic osteoarthritis. For those that have been in a traumatic accident, the arthritic process often develops much more quickly (at an earlier age) than in people who have not experienced auto accident trauma. Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) tends to cause pain on a daily basis and is progressive. Over time, it can ruin your posture (giving you a slumped or humped back appearance), limit your pain-free range of motion, and make it difficult to participate in many enjoyable activities. Osteoarthritis involves the discs and other tissues of your spine and leads to progressive symptoms including chronic stiffness, pain, inability to perform simple tasks comfortably, including walking, sitting, sleeping, and/or moving the joints in your arms and legs. Even simply turning your head to one side or the other can be extremely painful, or even impossible. When you injure yourself, your body will compensate for the injured area by trying to guard it. This puts pressure on other parts of your body to help stabilize your spine and keep you upright as much as possible. This pressure is the tightening of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments opposite the injured area, which pulls the joints of the spine out of alignment and puts painful pressure on the nerves in your back and neck. If not treated properly, this frequently causes a "domino effect" that leads to progressive musculoskeletal imbalance as well as the associated arthritic complications described above.