Auto Injury Information
Did you know anyone involved in an auto accident in the state of Oregon, regardless of who was at fault, is entitled to a minimum of $15,000 of personal injury protection benefits?
Oregon requires at least $15,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) defines as reasonable and necessary costs of medical expenses for a period of one year after a collision. (http://www.dmv.org/or-oregon/automotive-law/personal-injury.php)
The inconvenient fender-bender, interstate collision, or even a severely traumatic car accident can cause life long injuries. It’s important to understand the steps towards protecting yourself in event of an auto accident.
1. Don’t admit fault: Your perception following an auto accident may be faulty and it is best to allow time to pass before detailing the events. Don’t admit fault to the police, other driver, or witnesses even if you are partially to blame for the accident.
2. Seek medical attention: Adrenaline and shock may mask your symptoms immediately after the collision; several days to weeks may pass before the injuries become apparent. Contact your chiropractic physician at Kelsall Chiropractic for immediate evaluation of your injuries. Proper healing of injuries now, prevents life long repair.
3. Take pictures: Not only is it smart to take pictures of the damage to your car but also of your bodily injuries. If you have bruises, swelling, cuts, or scrapes, a quick picture is priceless documentation when evidence is needed. (http://www.dmv.org/insurance/first-steps-following-a-personal-injury-auto-accident.php)
Common injuries from motor vehicle accidents include:
• Neck, midback or lower back muscle strain, or ligamentous sprain
• Whiplash (http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3131)
• Post traumatic headaches
• Concussion
• Nueritis or nerve pain
• Rotator cuff strain/sprain
• Hip strain/sprain
• Disc herniation
The primary goal at Kelsall Chiropractic following an auto accident is to reduce the inflammation of the injured areas, allowing for pain reduction, and quicker healing as part of our auto accident chiropractor services. Secondary focus of treatment is repair and rehabilitation, with the goal to return the patient to pre-injury status. This usually includes home care exercises, soft tissue massage and myofascial release or Graston technique with chiropractic manipulations. The treatment plans may vary depending on type and severity of injuries. The Chiropractic physicians often co-manage with physical therapists, medical doctors, or other specialists when appropriate.
