Do Car Accident Settlements Pay for Chiropractic Treatment in Oregon?
In 2022, Oregon reported 22,664 people injured in motor vehicle accidents. [1]
Car accidents may cause neck, back, and muscle injuries, often necessitating the effective care and treatment of chiropractors. Chiropractic treatment can aid your recovery from these injuries by providing targeted therapies that promote healing and alleviate pain.
Let’s explore whether car accident settlements pay for chiropractic treatment in Oregon.
Do Car Accident Settlements Cover Your Chiropractor Costs?
Yes, in Oregon, car accident settlements can cover chiropractor costs as part of your medical expenses resulting from the accident. If you were injured in a car accident and had to seek chiropractic treatment, those costs may be included in your claim for damages, along with other medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. However, whether these costs will be covered depends on various factors:
For your chiropractor costs to be covered, they must be deemed "medically necessary." This means that the treatment should be directly related to the car accident injuries. A properly documented treatment plan from your chiropractor will help demonstrate this necessity.
Details matter when it comes to claiming chiropractic care costs. The chiropractor will need to send your lawyer:
- Initial evaluations
- Treatment plans
- Progress notes
- Invoices and receipts
- Medical reports linking the chiropractic treatment to the accident
These documents serve as evidence that the treatment was necessary and help substantiate your claims.
It's essential to familiarize yourself with the insurance policy in question. Some policies may have limits on what types of treatment are covered or require that certain criteria be met before coverage is available. Understanding these details will help you plan your approach accordingly.
Process of Seeking Compensation for Your Chiropractic Expenses
If you’ve incurred chiropractic expenses due to a car accident, follow these steps to seek compensation:
As soon as possible after the accident, notify your insurance company. Provide them with all necessary information, including the extent of your injuries and details about your chiropractic treatment.
Navigating the claims process for a car accident can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies. Consider consulting a personal injury attorney who specializes in car accidents. An attorney can guide you through the process to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, including chiropractic costs.
Collect all relevant documentation, including medical records, treatment plans, and invoices. gathering and organizing these information help you strengthen your claim.
Maximizing Your Settlement
To ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover your chiropractic costs, consider the following tips:
Attend all scheduled chiropractic appointments and follow the treatment plan outlined by your chiropractor. Regular visits demonstrate your commitment to recovery and the necessity of ongoing treatment.
While it may be easy to stress about finances after an accident, focus on your recovery. Your health should be a priority, and addressing your physical injuries is key to securing a fair settlement.
Maintain open communication with your chiropractor regarding your treatment progress and any changes in your condition. This information is vital when documenting the necessity of your care for insurance purposes.
Consider maintaining a journal detailing your recovery journey, including how treatment affects your daily life and any challenges you encounter. This journal can provide valuable insights during negotiations and strengthen your case.
Factors to Consider While Claiming Chiropractic Treatment Expenses Included in Your Car Accident Settlement
Several factors can determine whether your chiropractic medical treatment costs are included in your car accident settlement in Oregon. Here are the key factors to consider:
State Laws and Regulations
Oregon has its own personal injury laws and regulations that can affect accident claims. Understanding these laws, including tort reform and compensation guidelines, is essential.
Oregon requires drivers to have a minimum of $15,000 in PIP coverage. It pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs regardless of who is at fault in an accident. PIP benefits are available for up to two years after the accident.
Oregon has minimum liability insurance requirements that include bodily injury and property damage. Drivers must carry at least $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 in property damage. [2]
While not mandatory, Oregon law requires that if you purchase auto insurance, you must be offered uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. It allows you to protect you in case you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or has insufficient coverage to pay for the damages. [3]
Chiropractor’s Credentials
The qualifications and credentials of the chiropractor can also play a role in how the insurance company views the treatment. A licensed and reputable chiropractor with experience treating auto accident injuries is more likely to lend credibility to your claim.
Sources:
[1] OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – POLICY, DATA AND ANALYSIS DIVISION. (n.d.). OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. Retrieved August 11, 2024, from https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crashes_City.pdf
[2] Oregon Department of Transportation : Insurance Requirements : Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services : State of Oregon. (n.d.-c). Insurance Requirements : Oregon Department of Transportation. https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/driverid/insurance.aspx
[3] ORS 742.502 – Uninsured motorist coverage. (n.d.-c). https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_742.502#
