Will I Need Physical Therapy after a Car Crash?
Millions of people suffer from car crash–related injuries every year. Car accidents can be stressful, burdensome, and costly. Many victims will not notice symptoms right away, as the increased adrenaline in your body reduces pain. Once adrenaline levels return to normal, some injury symptoms may begin to show, but some may not appear until days or even weeks after the accident.
After any car accident, it’s essential to consult with a medical professional immediately so they can diagnose any injuries and develop a plan for your recovery. It may be best to seek legal advice for compensation to cover such medical costs.
Types of Car Crash Injuries
A car accident could cause serious injury to the body, even if the collision was a small fender bender. The good news is that most injuries go away by themselves. However, injuries not treated properly by a doctor can become chronic. Below are some of the most common car crash injuries and their symptoms.
Whiplash
Of all car accident injuries, whiplash is the most common. It mostly results from rear-end collisions. Whiplash is caused by a violent and sudden movement of your neck or head and causes soft tissue damage to that area. The driver may often not be aware they suffer from whiplash, but some symptoms to watch for are neck pain or stiffness and headaches.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
The human body, and the spine in particular, is not made to withstand massive impacts. Spinal cord paralysis is a common back injury following a car crash. The degree of paralysis depends on the areas affected and how severe the injuries are. Depending on the paralysis, physical therapy may be able to help you regain partial or full control of the injured area. You may suffer from spinal cord paralysis if you have extreme back pain, pressure in your neck, or numbness in your hands, fingers, or feet.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Car accidents are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs are caused by a blow or a piercing injury to the head. A TBI may be difficult to recognize, especially since symptoms are similar to other injuries like headaches, dizziness, and blurry vision. However, people with TBIs may also suffer from short-term memory loss and struggle to remember the details of how they sustained their injury.
When to See a Doctor after a Car Crash
Following a car accident, you should consult with your doctor immediately. Even if you’re not experiencing any pain or discomfort, it may be in your best interest to schedule an appointment. Not all symptoms appear right after an accident, and a doctor can diagnose any internal injuries you may have sustained. A doctor can also advise you on how to monitor your pain and what symptoms to watch for. Additionally, they’ll be able to develop a physical therapy plan with you or refer you to a physical therapist.
Who Pays for Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy can be a costly burden on top of other bills victims may have incurred since their accident. Your insurance company will investigate to pinpoint who is to blame for the accident. If the company determines you were liable, your insurance company will only pay up to a certain point. The exact amount is dependent on your policy.
However, if the other driver is at fault, then that person’s insurance company will be responsible for covering your physical therapy bills. In most cases, though, insurance companies have a medical expense limit. However, their insurance company may want to settle before offering anything close to the limit. It’s important not to accept any settlement without speaking to your auto accident attorney first. They may be able to negotiate with the claims adjuster to offer you more compensation.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Colorado
The attorneys at Mintz Law Firm dedicate themselves to fighting for car crash victims. Our team will work to win you the compensation you need to cover physical therapy costs. We view our clients as people, not numbers, and we genuinely care about your wellbeing. With over 150 years of combined experience, Mintz Law Firm’s attorneys know how to achieve the best results for our clients.
Call (303) 462-2999 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.