Car Accident Injury Treatment in Pittsburgh, PA

CAR ACCIDENTS

What you should know if you’ve been involved in a car accident

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you have a number of questions to ask yourself and very little time to get answers. But the most important question to ask is whether you’ve been appropriately diagnosed and evaluated by a doctor.

Did you know that some auto accident injuries can take years to become symptomatic? And many doctors aren’t properly trained to detect soft tissue injuries, and even fewer are trained to detect spinal injuries correctly. As a result of insufficient evaluations, or a lack of evaluation at all, many car accident victims will settle their case with an insurance company before these injuries become symptomatic.

For more information on the most common injury sustained in an auto accident (even at speeds as low as 15 MPH), visit our "Whiplash" page.

Don't ignore symptoms that seem easy to "Explain away." This is where the problems begin – when people get into an auto accident, they focus on one thing first – their automobile – and oftentimes won't focus on the more important factor in an auto accident- their health.

When you get in an accident your first questions usually are:● “How am I going to fix/replace my car?”● “What will I drive while I’m waiting to get my car fixed/replaced?”● “Who is going to pay to fix/replace my car?”● “Are my insurance rates going to go up?”
And unfortunately, the most important question isn’t being asked until the end, if at all:
“Am I really OK or might I be more injured than I think?”

Often, these symptoms can be more subtle indications of a whiplash or soft tissue injury to the neck. But as the initial muscle soreness fades, and as your brain convinces you the first three symptoms are just due to stress, you'll forget to get checked out. Bodies are amazingly adaptable – they'll compensate for damage, making you feel OK in the short run, but that compensation will cause worse damage over time.

Auto Accident Injury Treatment in Pittsburgh, PA

Why can’t my regular doctor tell me everything I need to know?

Most doctors aren't trained to detect hidden injuries. They'll focus on the symptoms you are feeling right now and often won't do the tests necessary to detect injuries that aren't currently symptomatic. If you've been in an auto accident, you need a doctor who is trained in the biomechanics of the human body – someone who treats these kinds of injuries every day.

What are the questions you should be asking yourself?

  • Q: What if it was a very minor accident – my car didn’t even really sustain more than minor damage?

    A: There have actually been studies to show that the amount of damage to your car actually has little to do with the amount of damage your spine may receive. The angle of the accident, the speed you were going, and a multitude of other small details can change the amount of damage your body receives. Whiplash injuries have been observed in accidents that occurred at speeds as low as 15 MPH.

  • Q: Should I check with an attorney before I see a chiropractor?

    A: The most important thing following an accident is that you make sure you aren’t injured. Thus we recommend you visit a chiropractor first, because it will ensure your health first. Additionally it will give you the information you will need to decide if an attorney is necessary. We do also have a number of attorneys our office can recommend to you if you discover you need one.

    If you’ve been to an attorney already we won’t deny you the ability to get evaluated – often an attorney will recommend you get an evaluation right away so they can know the extent of your injuries.

    The real answer is that it doesn't matter which order you pick an attorney or chiropractor, just be sure you get evaluated and protect your health before you settle your case you will be in good hands.

  • Q: If I need treatment for this injury, do I have to pay for it myself?

    A: If the accident occurred in the state of Pennsylvania (no matter who was at fault for the accident), you need only to initiate a claim with your insurance company prior to coming in for your initial consultation. Our team will work with your insurance company to ensure treatment is paid for in full by your coverage. Because PA is a "no-fault" state, your insurance company will handle the details if the other driver's insurance company should be paying for your care.

    If your accident did not occur in PA, please give our office a call, and we will do the "legwork" to see who we need to bill. After your initial consultation, we should be able to give you an idea of any costs that may be associated with your care (which, odds are, will be none at all).

  • Q: The insurance company is pushing me to settle (usually in accidents occurring outside of PA) – what should I do?

    A: Do not sign or settle until your injuries have been fully evaluated. And if you feel you need an attorney, make sure you consult one before you settle as well. If you settle before your injury is resolved you will be on your own and responsible for paying for your own care.

For more information on whiplash injuries and how they can affect you years after an accident, visit our whiplash page. If you have any questions about how our office can help you following your auto accident, don't hesitate to contact us. You can also view a checklist of items to have on hand in the event of an accident and how to handle things after an accident or download a copy of our "How We Help: After A Car Accident" Brochure, complete with post-accident checklist.

If you have been in a motor vehicle or any other kind of accident, don't assume that you escaped injury if you are not currently in pain. Contact us today!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have been in a car accident, you may be feeling some pain and stiffness in your neck and back. Fortunately, chiropractic care can relieve those symptoms and speed up your recovery. Don't wait too long to start your treatment; the sooner you begin, the better your chances of recovering fully.

If you're looking for a chiropractor after an auto accident, you should consider specialized and effective care at Cutitta Chiropractic in Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville, PA. Our specialists have the knowledge and experience to help our patients fully recover from an auto accident and prevent pain from reoccurring by using various natural and non-invasive techniques. We will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose your auto accident injury and recommend an effective treatment plan. Our goal is to help you resume your normal life as soon as possible. Let’s look at a few common questions that we run into regarding auto accidents.

  • What Is an Auto Accident Injury?

    When a person gets involved in a collision or traffic accident, they may sustain injuries. These injuries may be minor or severe, depending on the extent of the collision and the body part affected. Injuries are usually classified into three main categories: soft tissue injuries, bone fractures, and internal injuries.

    Auto accident injuries can vary in severity and are treated based on the type and severity of the injury. After a car accident, the most important thing to remember is to seek medical attention right away.

  • What Are the Types of Auto Accident Injury?

    An injury following an auto accident is not uncommon. The most common injuries associated with car accidents include:● Sprains: The muscles and ligaments can be stretched and torn by a sudden movement or impact.● Tendinitis: Tendons are fibrous cords that connect muscle to bone. They can be damaged from strain, overuse, and repetitive motion.● Strains: Muscle fibers or tendons can be stretched or torn.● Contusions: These are bruises caused when blood vessels that lie just beneath the skin break. The blood seeps into the surrounding tissue if a blood vessel is cut and forms a bruise.● Lacerations: A laceration is a deep cut that usually requires sutures or stitches to close it.

  • How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

    If you're experiencing neck pain, back pain, or shoulder pain after a car crash, these can all be caused by tense and sore muscles. Chiropractic adjustments are an effective way to stretch the muscle, help release tension, and help reduce inflammation while encouraging blood flow. This can also help speed up the body's natural recovery process.

    An auto accident injury might have taken your spine out of alignment, causing shoulder, back, and neck pain. Manual and spinal adjustments can help realign your spine and get rid of pain, especially that caused by whiplash.

    If you've injured an extremity such as your wrist, leg, or ankle during an accident, it's important to strengthen the muscle again using strengthening exercises. These can help prevent re-injury as well as help your muscles regain strength, mobility, and flexibility after being injured.

  • What Are the Most Common Auto Accident Injuries?

    The most common injuries in car accidents include whiplash, cervical herniated discs, fractures, broken bones, back pain, and others, depending on the severity of the accident. Your chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination to assess the injury before recommending the appropriate treatment. It is crucial to receive prompt chiropractic care after being involved in a car accident to speed up the recovery process and minimize any long-term effects.

  • How Does Whiplash Happen in an Auto Accident?

    Whiplash is a neck injury that many people often do not realize they have suffered. It happens when the neck is rapidly and forcefully bent in one direction and then another. In a car accident, whiplash can be particularly dangerous because the force of the impact causes the head and neck to suddenly jerk forward and backward. If you feel pain in your neck after an auto accident, you may have whiplash.

  • What Can I Expect From My First Chiropractic Appointment?

    After a car accident, most people cannot think straight and feel overwhelmed. You may also be in pain and unsure of what to expect. Fortunately, at Cutitta Chiropractic, we will conduct a thorough examination and explain the results to you in terms that you can understand. We want to make sure that you are well informed about the treatment process, so you can make an informed decision before proceeding with any recommended therapy.

Visit Us for Auto Accident Injury Treatment

Get in touch with Cutitta Chiropractic in Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville, PA, for personalized care after an auto accident. Call our Pittsburgh, PA offices at (412) 325-4100.