Car Accident Injuries and Whiplash

A car accident is a scary ordeal and may leave you with more than just a damaged vehicle. Some injuries and pain symptoms from a collision may take days or even weeks to show up. When these symptoms do reveal themselves, it is important that you receive the proper evaluation and treatment. If left unchecked, these injuries could lead to long term, or even permanent damage. Our doctors and staff are ready and able to evaluate your injuries and help you understand all options for care and recovery.

FAQs About Car Accident Injuries and Whiplash

Our doctors are trained not only to detect injury after a car accident, but also to maximize your body’s natural healing potential. Don’t wait… Within the first 72 hours your body is already starting to lay down the scar tissue that is needed for joint and muscle repair. During this time, and for the next 4 to 6 weeks, your body is most susceptible to poor healing. Scar tissue can form incorrectly, leading to adhesions that, if left untreated, could decrease mobility and lead to arthritis.

Chiropractic manipulation along with proven physiotherapy equipment such as ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation, traction, and spinal decompression (among others) are utilized by your doctor at Northern Nevada Chiropractic. We pride ourselves on our modern, state-of-the-art equipment, facility, training, and experience.

Common Questions About Car Accident Injuries

How do I know I have whiplash?

Whiplash is pain and inflammation as a result of over-stretching of muscle, tendons and ligaments in and around your spine. Most often, whiplash is the result of forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement usually associated with a rear-end collision. The most common whiplash injury symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Worsening of pain with neck movement
• Loss of range of motion in the neck
• Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull
• Tenderness or pain in shoulder, upper back or arms
• Tingling or numbness in the arms
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Why Northern Nevada Chiropractic instead of just any other chiropractor?

When it comes to treating auto accident injuries, there are few chiropractic clinics that can compete with our professional experience, our customer care, or our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The doctors at NNC have years of experience and have attended post graduate education in the treatment of car accident injuries. Our chiropractors typically co-manage treatment plans with other medical care providers to give patients a balanced approach on the path to recovery.

Does car insurance pay for Chiropractic care?

Absolutely YES, chiropractic care is covered. Nevada Law requires that auto insurance liability and Medpay cover chiropractic care. It is unlawful to discriminate against a healthcare provider based upon their field or specialty.

NNC does not bill third party insurance – third party insurance is the insurance of the person who hit you. We only bill your auto insurance if you have Medpay coverage. If you do not have Medpay under your auto insurance, then you can pay self-pay by cash or by using your chiropractor benefits under your health insurance. If neither of these options seem viable, then we recommend hiring a personal injury attorney. The patient, our office, and the attorney will sign a Lien making sure you will receive top medical care during your time at NNC.

Do I need to go to the hospital first?

Unless you have life threatening injuries, or injuries that require emergency medical attention, most patients skip the ER visit. Our offices are equipped with state of the art X-ray and diagnostic tools to properly evaluate, diagnose, and treat your condition. Our doctors have been treating traumatic injuries for over 15 years.

Does Chiropractic care hurt?

The science and art of Chiropractic Care has been around for over 100 years. Numerous studies have demonstrated not only the incredible safety of chiropractic care but that chiropractic has one of the highest levels of patient satisfaction. Most patients report that their treatment is pleasant and enjoyable. If a patient is in a acute phase, we will take extra caution to provide a pleasant treatment experience.

Do I need to see an attorney first?

No, it is not necessary to see an attorney first. However, our office does not dispense legal advice and, if asked, will refer you to appropriate legal counsel. Many of our patients request a referral to legal counsel that has demonstrated positive experience in the past. Our office receives consistent positive comments for our timely, thorough, and detailed reports. Our record keeping is valued by the legal profession and insurance industry.

The other car/driver has no insurance. How will I pay for my care?

Fortunately, there is no reason for concern. Most Nevada drivers carry what is called “UM Coverage,” which stands for Uninsured Motorist. Insurance carriers generally do not penalize or increase your rates for utilizing UM coverage unless you were also at fault.

The insurance adjuster told me my damage was minor.

Do not be intimidated by insurance adjusters. Our experience has shown us that perceived visual damage to a vehicle does not always indicate or correlate to the severity of injury. We recommend anyone involved in trauma always be evaluated as soon as possible. If there is no injury detected, or doctors will release you immediately. If you were injured, you will receive excellent care.