Many people who are involved in car accidents suffer from back, neck, and shoulder pain following the crash. Physicians can treat these injuries, but chiropractors are known for specifically treating soft tissue injuries located in these areas of the body. So, if you suffer these injuries, should you see a regular physician or a chiropractor after a car accident? Many car accident victims end up seeing both a physician and a chiropractor during their recovery, but it’s best to see a physician first. Here’s why:
Get A Professional Opinion
It may be obvious that you have suffered some sort of neck, back, or shoulder injury based on the symptoms that you are experiencing. But, it’s best not to diagnose your own injuries in case you’re wrong. Go to a physician as soon as possible after the accident so you can be examined by a medical professional.
Remember, chiropractors do not go through the same training that physicians do, so they will not be able to offer the same level of care. If you go to a chiropractor first, he may not be able to identify other injuries that you have suffered in the accident.
The Value of Your Personal Injury Claim
The at-fault party’s insurance company will need to see copies of your medical records in order to calculate the value of your claim. If the insurance adjuster sees that you solely went to a chiropractor after the accident, this could affect the value of your claim.
Many insurance adjusters favor treatment provided by physicians instead of chiropractors. If you only went to a chiropractor, the insurance adjuster may assume that the injury is not as severe as you are claiming. As a result, the insurance adjuster may lower the value of your claim simply because you chose a chiropractor instead of a physician.
To avoid this problem, it’s best to go to a chiropractor only if it is recommended by a doctor. Be sure to ask your doctor for recommendations so you can make sure that you go to a highly respected chiropractor in the area. Doing this will ensure that your visits to the chiropractor will not impact your ability to recover compensation.
If you have been injured in a car accident, seek medical attention first, then get in touch with a personal injury attorney. The personal injury attorneys at Reisch Law Firm will handle the negotiations with the insurance adjuster so you can focus solely on recovering. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
