AUTO INJURIES
The Insurance Research Council has studied this. Nearly 1/3 of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA’s) seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic. This is an impressive number. The National Safety Council (NSC) has determined there to be more than 12 million MVA’s annually. Those involve more than 20 million vehicles.
The reason individuals like yourself choose chiropractic care after an MVA is simple. Chiropractic care is exceptional in the treatment of soft tissue injuries, especially of the spine. The most common injuries associated with MVA’s are sprains and strains of the spinal muscles and ligaments. It’s only natural that chiropractic be the treatment of choice.
Many studies have also found individuals injured in MVA’s prefer chiropractic care for the treatment of their injuries. One such study evaluated 190 whiplash injury victims and found those who received chiropractic care reported treatment satisfaction of 100%.
WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT
Schedule An Appointment
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident you will need to make an appointment. The examination is brief but thorough. Often, individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents experience minimal or no symptoms for the first few weeks and even months. It’s important to receive immediate and appropriate treatment for any injuries sustained. It is just as important to document the extent of the injuries if present.
You may fail to obtain a timely evaluation or appropriate treatment for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. That may negate your ability to receive monetary compensation for any future medical bills resulting from the accident. It may also negate your ability to receive pain and suffering settlements. Compensation for work loss can be negated as well.
We Will Determine…
When you come in, we will determine:
- The extent of the injury or injuries
- The number of estimated treatments required to treat your injuries
- If referral to another medical specialist is required
- If special tests are required (i.e. MRI, CT Scan, etc.)
- If you need to take “injury time off” from work
- Whether you need a note to present to your employer
COMMON INJURIES AND SYMPTOMS
Motor vehicle accidents can result in a number of very diverse and complex injuries and symptoms. This is due to the diversity of factors involved with each MVA. These include the vectors of the collision and the size of the vehicles involved. Preexisting health conditions of victims also matter, as do their age, size and strength.
The following list comprises many of the most commonly sustained injuries and symptoms following MVA’s:
- Whiplash
- Headaches
- Back Pain
- Head Injuries and Associated Symptoms
- Extremity Pain, Numbness, Tingling
- Factors Influencing Injury Tolerance
AUTO INJURY-RELATED STATISTICS
Minimum Accident Speed to Cause Injury
Studies involving live humans have demonstrated something surprising. A motor vehicle accident of as little as 5 mph can induce cervical (neck) injury. However, other studies have shown that cars can often withstand crashes of 10 mph or more without sustaining damage.
Time for Symptoms to Present
Symptoms arising from injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents were once thought to present immediately following the accident. However, research and clinical experience now demonstrate that a delay in symptom onset seems to be the norm. Also, delay of symptom onset does not eliminate the possibility of severe injury.
Number of Disabilities from Automobile Accidents
Most experts have found that 10 percent of all motor vehicle accident victims become disabled.
Symptom Resolution Statistics
Many studies have followed patients after a motor vehicle accident. They found a significant number of individuals symptomatic for many months and even years. In one such study, 75 percent of individuals remained symptomatic 6 months after the accident.
Another study was published in the European Spine Journal. It looked at the period between the first and second years following a motor vehicle accident. Over 20 percent actually had their symptoms worsen.
Number of Annual Motor Vehicle Accidents
According to the National Safety Council (NSA), there are more than 12 million motor vehicle accidents annually. Those include more than 20 million vehicles. This results in over 5 million nonfatal accidents annually. Approximately 2 million of those are disabling injuries. That includes approximately 1 million work-related auto-disabling injuries.
Injury Severity in Motor Vehicle Accidents
A 1990 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study found something notable. About 28 percent of occupants in motor vehicle accidents incur minor to moderate injuries. Another 6 percent incur severe to fatal injuries.
Likelihood of being Involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident
The US Department of Transportation has estimated the risk. The typical driver will have a near automobile accident one to two times per month. All drivers will be in a collision of some type on average every 6 years.
Annual Costs of Motor Vehicle Accidents
A report released back in 1993 looked at the cost. The total costs for motor vehicle accidents in the US were over $333 billion in 1988.
Who Pays for Injuries Sustained in Motor Vehicle Accidents?
According to the Insurance Research Council,
63 percent of injuries are paid for by the injured individuals’ own automobile insurance company
55 percent of injuries are paid by the auto insurance company of another vehicle
36 percent of injuries are paid for by health insurance
20 percent of injuries are paid for by government programs
19 percent of injuries are paid workers’ compensation insurance
Almost 60 percent of those injured were reported to have used 2 or more sources of payment.
Non-Surgical Option: DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Therapy
Auto accident injuries often involve disc injuries to the neck or lower back. DRX9000 spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment option available at TriMed Spine & Joint. Call 1 (855) 487-4633 to schedule an evaluation with Steven Cantor DC.
Car accidents commonly cause soft tissue injuries like whiplash, herniated or bulging discs, muscle strains, and joint injuries. Some symptoms, such as pain or stiffness, may not appear until hours or days after the accident.
Yes — many car accident injuries, particularly to the neck and spine, aren’t immediately painful. Adrenaline and inflammation develop over time. An evaluation soon after an accident helps identify injuries early, before they potentially worsen.
In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage often applies to accident-related chiropractic and medical care. Coverage details vary by policy. Our team can help verify your specific benefits during your visit.
Treatment plans vary based on the injury. They may include chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, or Class IV laser therapy. Spinal decompression such as DRX9000 is used for disc-related injuries. A full evaluation determines the right combination for your specific case.
It’s generally recommended to be evaluated as soon as possible after an auto accident, even without obvious symptoms. This protects your health and properly documents injuries related to the accident.
After a Collision: Two Things That Get Missed
Head injury is frequently overlooked after a crash. Symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, light sensitivity or feeling “off” are easy to attribute to stress. EyeBOX testing provides an objective measure of eye movement and the nerves controlling it. This can identify signs of brain injury that a standard examination may not pick up.
The psychological effects of a serious accident are equally real. Our post-traumatic counseling is delivered by a licensed clinical social worker. That side of recovery can be addressed alongside the physical injuries. Disc injury from the collision itself is covered under DRX9000 spinal decompression and herniated disc.