The damage inflicted by a car accident can last for a long time. That is why it is crucial to see a doctor immediately after the accident so that they can create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your injuries. Physical therapy may be a necessary part of your healing process. Neck, spine, and back injuries are common, and healing may require years of physical therapy.
If you have been injured by a negligent party in a car accident and are wondering who pays for your physical therapy, personal injury attorneys in Newport Beach can guide you. The at-fault party is supposed to reimburse the victim for their negligent actions. The process of proving who the liable party is is never easy. Discuss your case with an attorney today.
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Do you need physical therapy for your injuries?
It is important to get immediate medical care after your car accident. Your doctor assesses your health and creates a tailor-made treatment plan for you. Some injuries may cause problems like limited range of motion, headaches, stiffness, and unusual difficulties with daily life activities. Many doctors add physical therapy to accidental injury treatment plans for a faster recovery. The sooner you start physical therapy, the sooner you can be pain-free.
Holding the at-fault party responsible for physical therapy costs
If you are required to go through physical therapy or other treatment procedures after a car accident, you must be adequately reimbursed for the medical bills by the at-fault party. You can recover your losses through a car accident claim. Unfortunately, getting the money in your hands is not as easy as handing a bill to the at-fault party.
The liable party may refuse to pay or devalue your claim to pay you less than you deserve. They may try to stall the claim by demanding unnecessary evidence. For example, they might demand a copy of the medical X-rays of your broken shoulders when you have already provided them with the same.
Like this one, there are various dirty tactics that the liable party’s insurance company may use. Therefore, you will need a car accident attorney to manage your case and ensure that you get fair compensation. Your lawyer will manage all the legal proceedings and paperwork while you can focus on your health and recovery.
If physical therapy is recommended for you, your attorney will first determine your therapy costs by consulting with a medical expert. Once you receive the estimates, you and your attorney can begin negotiating with the defendant party. If the defendant party and you cannot reach an agreement, your attorney might recommend taking the case to court.
Other possible sources of coverage
In case the at-fault party is unable or refuses to pay, there are other possible sources of coverage for your physical therapy costs. These include your personal health insurance and auto insurance coverage. In some states, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance may cover your physical therapy costs regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
Moreover, if the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, you may rely on your Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. If you have these coverages in your auto insurance policy, they can cover your physical therapy costs.
Lastly, a legal settlement or a lawsuit verdict may provide compensation for your physical therapy costs. If your claim is strong and you have good legal representation, you may be able to secure a settlement or win a lawsuit to cover your medical bills. In such cases, the at-fault party or their insurance company would provide compensation.