As you get behind the wheel to drive your car to work, the idea of ending up in an accident is probably far from your mind. Unfortunately, even the most cautious drivers find themselves suffering auto accident injuries due to the negligence or recklessness of other people on the road. As you cope with your physical recovery, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the costly medical bills, lost wages, and other unanticipated expenses stemming from the collision. California allows car accident victims to seek compensation to help cover these costs, but many people are unsure what expenses an auto accident settlement can cover. Below is a brief overview of the auto accident claims process in Southern California and what types of costs your settlement may cover.
California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Principle
Like many states, California observes the principle of pure comparative negligence when it comes to determining who covers the costs of an auto accident. Essentially, insurance adjusters will examine the specifics of the incident to determine the degree to which each party was responsible for causing the accident. Even if you were partially to blame for the collision, you could still recover partial compensation for any injuries you suffered. For instance, if you’re found to be 20 percent at fault for the accident, you can only collect 80 percent of the total settlement.
Types of Costs Typically Covered By an Auto Insurance Claim
Most auto accident victims start by filing a claim with their insurance company. Most car insurance plans provide coverage for physical damage to the vehicle and your medical costs. Depending on your auto insurance plan, you may be able to have the costs associated with your injury at least partially paid for, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, and more. In some cases, especially when the other party is underinsured or uninsured, you may file a lawsuit to obtain financial compensation from the at-fault party’s assets. It’s a good idea to enlist the guidance of a trusted Riverside County auto accident attorney to assess your best options for maximizing your settlement.
What About Chiropractic Care?
Many auto accident victims find that traditional medicine does not always provide the support they need during the recovery process. Several chiropractors in California focus on vehicle accident injuries, and such treatments can be an effective component of your comprehensive medical recovery plan. However, it’s common to wonder whether your auto accident settlement can cover such treatments. While the extent to which an auto accident claim can cover chiropractic care varies, most car accident victims are able to recover at least some compensation for these costs.
Tips For Maximizing Coverage for Chiropractic Care
As with any auto accident injury, the sooner you seek medical attention, the stronger your auto accident claim tends to be. If you are hoping to obtain compensation to help cover the costs of chiropractic care, here are a few strategies that can increase your chances of securing your desired outcome.
Seek Chiropractic Treatment Right Away
Building an effective auto accident claim relies on your ability to show that you took your injuries and your recovery seriously. Even if your injuries do not present with immediately debilitating symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor and your chiropractor as soon as possible. The documentation you receive will highlight the nature and extent of your injuries.
Coordinate Chiropractic Treatment With Your Doctor
Even though many people find chiropractic care effective, this type of treatment is still regarded in several circles as discretionary, non-medical care. However, by asking your medical doctor to issue you a referral to a chiropractor, you can show that these treatments were an essential component of your comprehensive approach to your healing and recovery.
Use Chiropractic Care to Support Your Overall Path to Recovery
A successful auto accident claim includes several important documents that illustrate the severity of your injuries and the ways in which they negatively impacted your daily life. Ask your chiropractor to document your injuries, condition, and chiropractic treatment plan, and include these documents with your other medical records. You should also consider maintaining a written record detailing your physical pain and limitations, showing how your ongoing care and treatment are supporting your physical recovery.
How an Experienced Temecula Auto Accident Attorney Can Help
The path to recovery after suffering an auto accident injury in Temecula or Murrieta can be stressful, overwhelming, and isolating. However, it’s essential to recognize that you do not have to go through this difficult period alone. Enlisting the guidance of a dedicated auto accident attorney is the best way to ensure you prepare a successful claim and negotiate a fair and favorable settlement. Let your lawyer step in to handle the communications with the insurance adjusters (who often try to undermine your claim) while you focus on what matters most—your physical recovery.
If you need help filing an auto accident claim in Temecula or Murrieta, call Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation, today at (951) 489-3320 to speak with a dedicated attorney.