Auto Accidents

AUTO ACCIDENTS

‍Have you or someone you know been involved in a motor vehicle collision? One of the most common injuries from a car crash is the damaging effect of whiplash. Whiplash occurs when a sudden, jarring movement of the head is sustained backward, forward or even to the side, even at low speeds. Whiplash destabilizes the spine and causes severe pain as well as these other indicators. It's important that you seek care as soon as reasonably possible after a collision at any speed. Let us be your auto accident specialists here in Cedar City.

• Blurred vision
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Shoulder pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Arm pain
• Neck stiffness
• Low back pain
• Knee pain

PIP INSURANCE

‍Utah is a “no-fault” auto insurance state.  This no-fault designation means that regardless of who was at-fault following an accident, some of the medical expenses for the insurance policyholder will be covered.  No-fault states usually operate with a type of insurance extension known as PIP or Personal Injury Protection.  

No-fault insurance was created to save money for both the insurance companies and those whom they insure.  This would help alleviate the court system and prevent too many lawsuits with minor injuries from gumming up the system.  Under this insurance program, your own car insurance company will pay for your medical bills, as well as some other benefits up to $3,000.  Generally speaking, the no-fault insurance narrows your ability to sue.  According to DMV.org, the only circumstances that will allow you to sue is if death or serious injury occurred or the damages reach or exceed a set threshold. The threshold in Utah is $3,000, meaning if the damages from your car accident exceed $3,000, then you have grounds to file a lawsuit.  The $3,000 amount is a minimum amount set by the state of Utah.  

You can choose to have more PIP insurance if you select a policy that has more coverage.  Each no-fault insurance state designates a different insurance minimum.  Some states have minimums of $10,000.   PIP can cover a variety of damages following an accident.  The state of Utah designates certain services like chiropractic, medical, surgery, X-ray, dental, rehabilitation (including prosthetic devices), ambulance, hospital, nursing, funeral, burial, cremation, and others can be covered by PIP.   PIP insurance is not always as straightforward as it is cracked up to be.  

Whenever this happens, be sure to consult with someone who is knowledgeable about the subject like an insurance representative, personal injury attorney, or even your physician.  Sometimes they can answer specific questions that you might have about this type of coverage and how it works in treatment after a car accident.  Regardless of fault It is always best to initiate treatment with someone who you can trust to look out for your best interests.

‍NOT AT FAULT

‍Utah is a “no-fault” auto insurance state.  This no-fault designation means that regardless of who was at-fault following an accident, the first $3,000 of the medical expenses for the insurance policyholder will be covered by your insurance.  No-fault states usually operate with a type of insurance extension known as PIP or Personal Injury Protection. You cannot be penalized for using no-fault insurance.  ​Questions concerning PIP should be directed toward those who know about car insurance, especially after an accident.  For example, following a car accident, there is a flood of questions about PIP, medical bills, and lost wages.  A personal injury attorney can resolve many of the questions that you might be having following a car accident.  

‍AT FAULT

‍In most circumstances you will only have your own PIP, to manage the healthcare. You should not feel guilty using PIP after all you have bought and paid for this protection for years. This Insurance you will most likely need following an accident in or around your vehicle.  It is important you initiate care early to minimize the complications and expenses of healing. Having your rehab/healthcare managed by a chiropractic physician is a very wise choice. At St. George Health and Wellness we take pride in the quality of care we offer to protect our patients wellness and pocketbooks.

PASSENGER OR PEDESTRIAN

‍You too are covered by PIP!! In fact in many circumstances you could be dully covered or have the ability to stack PIP coverage to get you the care you need. Never delay treatment if you are involved in an accident. Simple accidents which should have a short uncomplicated healing schedule become prolonged, complicated, and expensive when gaps in treatment following an accident occur. If you or someone you care for has been in an accident, seek treatment, (the day of).

​At St. George Health and Wellness, Our Physicians have the solutions. With our team of physicians,  massage therapists, and our network of integrative health and legal specialists we can focus on your overall health and wellness that will allow you to run FASTER, jump HIGHER, recover QUICKER, and will ultimately achieve your greatest health and wellness goals.  Let us by your road back to health!