Car, Truck, Motorcycle, & Bicycle Collisions With Injuries
Our job is to fight for our clients, in addition to taking on insurance companies and sophisticated defense lawyers, we also get to help and guide our valued clients in getting their needs met to address their injuries. We understand what it feels like to be injured by no fault of your own and we guide our clients with compassion and personal attention. Call us at 360-213-0013.
Being the victim of an injury or automobile accident caused by others is painful and difficult. When you are hurt and overwhelmed by everything that goes along with an accident caused by someone else, figuring out the next steps can be overwhelming.
Once you have contacted your insurance company, and opened a claim, getting all available medical help is important. Because we don’t always feel all of our injuries, especially spinal injuries that some describe as “soft-tissue,” it is sometimes hard to know what we need. After first going to the emergency room, or going to an urgent care clinic, follow-up can be a confusing process. Because emergency room and urgent care doctors don’t know you and your history and they often are working under pressure and in a hurry, following up with your primary care physician is always a good idea. Fortunately, most insurance companies understand that health care is a holistic process and integrating different practitioners and modalities of care are more likely to end in better results for the injured patient.
PRIMARY CARE
While getting an appointment with your primary care physician can sometimes be challenging, it is important to integrate your doctor into your healing process. Your doctor can provide referrals for physical therapy, which is often covered by your health care insurance, and referrals for diagnostic testing if you are not recovering as quickly as expected. While many patients think their primary care doctor will only give them prescriptions and won’t help with post accident injuries, you never are required to take the medications your doctor might suggest. You should know that you can always discuss your concerns about medications with your doctor. Many people tell their physicians that they do not want to take medications that will make them drowsy at work or affect their ability to drive. These are very valid concerns, and your doctor should be able to recommend alternative treatment approaches, that do not involve mind-altering medications.
Additionally, if your primary care physician can recommend a good chiropractor, many automobile injury victims find much relief through chiropractic care. Be aware that certain diagnoses will contraindicate chiropractic care. So, if your doctor does not want you to seek chiropractic care, be sure to ask for a detailed explanation about why that would not benefit you. If your doctor does not simply recommend a chiropractor, ask your doctor for a referral. Some doctors do not “believe” in the value of chiropractic care. If your doctor is not willing to consider this option due to some general bias, consider getting a second opinion or changing your primary care physician.
When accident victims suffer from headaches, lightheadedness, balance problems, confusion, emotional volatility or other symptoms that are not body pain, it is very important to report these symptoms to a treating physician and seek help. Insisting on referrals from your primary care physician may help you diagnose possible traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other invisible injuries sooner than later. Sometimes care accident victims have hit their head during the crash and may not have initially reported this to the ER or urgent care doctors because of stress, shock, confusion, or emotional upset. Also, some trauma victims who have hit their head simply don’t remember hitting their head during the car crash or other traumatic event.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), sometimes called concussion, are a significant concern in car accidents. While exact percentages can vary, studies indicate that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of TBIs, along with unintentional falls and unintentional striking. Assaults can also result in TBIs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes and falls were responsible for approximately 75% of TBI-related hospitalizations. FN 1.
In simple terms, here’s why it’s crucial to report ongoing symptoms to your doctor after a head injury, even if initial tests like a CT scan seem normal: When someone suffers a head injury and goes to the ER, the first tests might not catch every injury. In fact, research shows that many people with mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – like concussions – leave the ER without a TBI diagnosis, even though they may have symptoms or brain abnormalities that aren’t visible on a CT scan. This is because the initial evaluations and tools, like CT scans, can miss mild or hidden injuries that still cause symptoms and can impact daily life. FN2
Additionally, many head scans are done in ERs every year to rule out severe injuries, and most diagnostic scans show no issues. This means that even if you don’t see anything on your first scan, ongoing symptoms could signal an injury that needs further care or monitoring. Newer tests and guidelines are being developed to identify who needs additional scans or treatments, but they aren’t always used yet.
For your health and safety, it’s essential to keep your doctor informed about any lingering symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or memory issues. Reporting these allows your doctor to track your recovery and decide if additional treatment is needed.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
As a general proposition, chiropractors are trained to handle injuries to the tissues that surround and support the spine. The spine is the conduit for all of the nerves in our bodies. Sometimes pain in extremities or areas other than our neck and back are directly attributable to injuries to the spinal column.
Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine focused primarily on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, especially those related to the spine. The central premise of chiropractic care is that proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure, especially the spine, allows the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Here’s a breakdown of the core principles and mechanisms involved:
As a general proposition, chiropractic science indicates that misalignments in the spine can result in pain and can interfere with the body’s nervous system. The spine houses and protects the spinal cord, which is part of the central nervous system. Misalignments or restrictions in the spine can place pressure on nerves, impacting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Chiropractors strive to correct and treat misalignments, which may be caused by the traumatic tearing and stretching of the surrounding tissues associated with accidents and falls, correcting the misalignments, and repositioning the spine to aid the body in the process of healing collagen based connective tissues and muscle tissues. This process also has the goal of allowing the nervous system to function more optimally, allowing the body to heal and maintain health more effectively.
The nervous system regulates and coordinates all bodily functions, sending and receiving signals to control organs, tissues, and cells. Chiropractic adjustments aim to remove nervous system interference, allowing the body to restore homeostasis (balance) and improve overall health.
The primary technique used in chiropractic care is spinal manipulation or adjustment. Chiropractors use hands-on manipulation or specialized instruments to apply controlled force to joints with restricted movement. Adjustments can help to restore joint mobility, reduce inflammation, and improve function. Chiropractors may also use therapeutic approaches including traction, massage, and focused exercise in a physical therapy regimen.
Chiropractic science also promotes a holistic view of the body. Beyond spinal health, chiropractic care often extends to other joints and musculoskeletal structures. Proper alignment of joints throughout the body is believed to reduce stress, inflammation, and tension, allowing muscles, tendons, and ligaments to function more effectively. The correction of joint misalignments can help improve posture, alleviate pain, and enhance the range of motion, which can be beneficial in treating various conditions like back pain, headaches, and sports injuries. Chiropractic philosophy emphasizes a holistic view of health, focusing on overall lifestyle, nutrition, and physical activity to maintain health and prevent disease. Many chiropractors provide advice on diet, exercise, ergonomics, and stress management as complementary treatments. This aligns with the belief that the body can heal itself when provided with the proper tools and environment.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy (PT) can be incredibly beneficial for someone injured in a car crash or who has suffered some other form of traumatic injury. PT focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, improving flexibility and strength, and preventing long-term damage. There are a number of ways that physical therapy may specifically help after a car accident:
Pain Management Without Medications: Physical therapists use a range of techniques, like manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities (such as heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation), to alleviate pain without relying on painkillers. This approach can help people avoid the risks associated with long-term medication use, such as dependence or adverse effects.
Restoring Range of Motion and Flexibility: Car accidents often result in injuries that restrict joint movement or muscle flexibility, particularly in areas like the neck (whiplash), back, shoulders, or knees. PT exercises and manual therapies gradually help to restore full range of motion and flexibility, allowing individuals to move more freely and comfortably.
Strengthening Muscles and Stabilizing Joints: Injuries from car accidents can lead to muscle weakness or imbalance, which can further impact stability and increase the risk of reinjury. Physical therapy incorporates targeted strengthening exercises that help rebuild muscle strength, support injured joints, and promote balanced movement.
Reducing Inflammation and Preventing Scar Tissue Formation: Therapists may use manual therapies, stretching, and modalities like ultrasound or heat to reduce inflammation and prevent the buildup of scar tissue, which can restrict movement. Techniques such as myofascial release and deep tissue massage can help break down adhesions or scar tissue, allowing muscles and tissues to move more freely.
Improving Posture and Body Mechanics: Injuries, especially to the back or neck, can lead to poor posture as the body compensates to avoid pain. PT addresses these compensatory movements and helps retrain the body to maintain proper posture. Therapists can also teach body mechanics, helping individuals learn how to move safely and efficiently, which reduces strain on injured areas.
Customized Recovery Plan: Every car accident and injury is different, so physical therapists develop personalized treatment plans based on the individual’s specific injuries, pain levels, and recovery goals. This ensures that the treatment is tailored to the person’s abilities, helping them progress at a safe and effective pace.
Preventing Long-Term Damage and Chronic Pain: Without appropriate intervention, some injuries can lead to chronic pain or long-term limitations. PT can reduce this risk by addressing both the symptoms and underlying issues early in the recovery process. For instance, untreated whiplash or back injuries can contribute to chronic neck pain, headaches, or even permanent nerve damage. PT helps prevent these issues by promoting healing and proper function.
Re-Educating Movement Patterns and Enhancing Coordination: After a significant injury, people may need to relearn basic movement patterns that were affected by the trauma. PT focuses on retraining these movements, ensuring safe and correct movement. PT often includes exercises that improve balance and coordination, which are crucial for regaining confidence in daily activities.
Supporting Mental Health and Emotional Recovery: Recovering from a car accident can be emotionally taxing, especially if the injuries are severe. PT provides a sense of progress, helping individuals regain confidence in their body’s abilities. Regular sessions and guidance from a physical therapist offer encouragement and motivation, aiding in emotional resilience and mental well-being.
Functional and Real-Life Activities: PT often incorporates functional training that mimics real-life activities, like reaching, lifting, or walking. This prepares people for their everyday routines and enables them to resume daily life safely and confidently.
OTHER THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS
Physicians and chiropractic doctors often recommend treatment options like massage and acupuncture. Ask your doctors if they think alternative means of controlling pain or addressing muscle spasms would be helpful in your case. Most car insurance providers will cover the cost of massage and acupuncture treatments when recommended by your physician or chiropractor. Even if your doctor or chiropractor does not actively recommend these options, you can ask for their opinion, and you may want to obtain an opinion from a naturopathic doctor or licensed acupuncturist for pain control.
At the Dalton Law Office, PLLC, we have helped many people obtain excellent results in recovering damages for their injuries. If you have been injured, you deserve compassion and personal attention to help you through this difficult experience and that is exactly what you can expect from us.
This means that not only will we fight for the only compensation available, money for you, but we will also help you get connected with the resources you need to maximize your ability to recover and regain your health and life.
FOOTNOTES
FN2 – https://www.acep.org/patient-care/clinical-policies/mild-traumatic-brain-injury2/