4 Things You NEED to Know Before You Have An Accident
April 22, 2010
Accidents happen and they can really be a pain, both physically and mentally. Here are some ways to prevent the sting before one happens to you!
1. Have Medical Payments on your auto policy. Adding the Medical Payments clause on your policy is very affordable and will cover your bills regardless of who is at fault.
2. Get checked out immediately! Even minor fender benders (speeds of 5 m.p.h. or less!) can cause injuries. The faster you get checked out by a chiropractor, the sooner you will be able to get back to your life! If insurance is covering your care, they look at how long it took you to seek out help as an indicator of how injured you are.
3. Have a journal to write any changes in your body and mental state. Mental changes like fogginess, memory challenges, and mood changes can all be signs of a head trauma. It’s important to document this as it is happening so you can have an accurate picture.
4. Develop a relationship with a mechanic/auto body shop that you trust so you can sleep easily and not worry. We have used Sturken Auto Body and Repair in the past and endorse their work. They have proven to be reliable, and easy to work with!
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6 Responses to “4 Things You NEED to Know Before You Have An Accident”
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Great tips, Dr. Jennifer! When I fell off my horse several years ago, the hospital ER “missed” the broken tail bone. I didn’t even know about it, but the pain told me something was amiss. My chiropractor showed me the x-ray of it, and helped me get my spine back in alignment, and the pain disappeared
I think your idea of journaling is a great one! Much better way of tracking changes than trying to remember!
Thanks Linda! Under times of stress it can be difficult to remember what to do, journaling every day lets you track changes that you may not relate to your accident. We have had our practice members complain of new symptoms weeks to months later and do not realize that they were related to a previous accident!
Great tips. Thanks for the idea of not only journaling after an accident but also noticing how much medical coverage is on the insurance policy.
There is always so much to think about after and accident and many are more concerned with their cars getting fixed- especially in lower impact accidents. What many people don’t realize is that the current research is being done on accidents that happen at less than 5 m.p.h.- what most of us wouldn’t even consider a “real accident”. Damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints DO occur at these low speeds.
I can personally attest to number 2! I was t-boned in Sep 07. I waited 2 weeks to see a chiropractor because i was having what i thought to be menstral cramps. Because I waited to be seen, the guys insurance denied paying for it because they felt i had gotten hurt after the accident and was trying to get them to pay! I still to this day live with daily lower back pain!
Wow, Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story. It is very common to see that type of behavior from insurance companies…anything to NOT pay! I am glad you got some care and your comment will encourage others to seek care quickly…even if you think you are fine. Thanks Jennifer!