Car and Auto Accident Injuries Chiropractic Care

Auto accident injuries should never be ignored, even when symptoms feel mild. Pain, stiffness, headaches, and nerve symptoms often develop days after a collision. Gentle Chiropractic provides focused auto injury care for patients in Port St. Lucie, FL, and surrounding areas helping identify injuries early while properly documenting treatment for insurance purposes. Call today to schedule an evaluation and protect your health and benefits.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

Your safety always comes first after a car accident. Move to a safe location if possible and contact emergency services when needed. Even if injuries are not immediately obvious, it is important to take the right steps early to protect both your health and your insurance coverage.

Post-Accident Steps To Take

Following an accident, timely action can prevent long-term complications and coverage issues.

  • Seek medical attention promptly: Some injuries take time to appear. Early evaluation is important even if you feel fine.
  • Notify your insurance company: Report the accident as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
  • Keep all records: Save medical documents, repair estimates, and insurance correspondence.
  • Use basic home care for discomfort: Rest, ice, gentle movement, and hydration may help manage soreness but should not replace professional care.

Florida PIP Insurance Explained

Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, meaning your own insurance pays certain injury-related expenses regardless of who caused the accident. This system operates under Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law, which directly affects chiropractic coverage after auto accidents.

Mandatory PIP Coverage in Florida

Florida law requires drivers to carry PIP insurance with at least $10,000 in coverage. PIP benefits may help pay for:

Medical expenses, including chiropractic treatment

Lost wages, typically up to 60 percent

Household services, up to policy limits

PIP applies regardless of fault, and claims are filed with your own insurer first.

Chiropractic Care Under PIP Coverage

Licensed chiropractors are recognized PIP providers under Florida law. Chiropractic treatment related to auto accident injuries is covered when:

Care is medically necessary.

Findings and treatment plans are properly documented.

Records support the diagnosis and progress of care

This allows patients to receive conservative, noninvasive care early in the recovery process.

The 14-Day Rule You Must Follow

Florida law requires injured individuals to seek medical care within 14 days of the accident to qualify for PIP benefits. Missing this deadline can result in denial of coverage.

Your first visit may be to a chiropractor, physician, urgent care, or emergency room.

A referral is not required to see a chiropractor first.

EMC vs. Non-EMC Coverage Limits

PIP benefits depend on whether an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC) is diagnosed.

With EMC: A qualified provider may allow access to the full $10,000 in PIP benefits.

Without EMC: Medical benefits may be limited to $2,500.

While chiropractors cannot determine EMC status, our office has MD staff available to evaluate injuries and assist with EMC determinations when appropriate, allowing patients to move forward with care more efficiently. Once the condition has been evaluated, chiropractic treatment may begin as part of a coordinated care approach.

What PIP Does Not Cover

PIP insurance does not cover:

  • Pain and suffering or non-medical damages
  • Treatment from providers not recognized under PIP, such as massage therapists or acupuncturists

Additional claims may require separate insurance or legal action, we work closely with local legal firms to help patients access the care they need when additional claims or legal action are required.

Auto Injury Care You Can Trust

Prompt chiropractic care after a car accident helps identify injuries, support recovery, and protect your insurance benefits. Gentle Chiropractic proudly serves patients in Port St. Lucie, FL, providing clear guidance, thorough documentation, and patient-focused care. Call today to schedule your auto accident evaluation.