What Happens to Your Body in a Rear-End Collision?

You wake up, and it\’s just another day.

You get in your car and drive off to work. You merge into traffic and hit the gas. You\’re on your way, right?

But what if that journey turned out to be so much more than a typical morning? What if you got into an accident that put you in the ER? What if you didn\’t know what was going on? Would you know how to protect yourself from further injury or get help for someone else? Would you know to call an auto injury doctor? If so, which one?

Car accidents are more common than you might think. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in America—and they can be really scary when they happen. But what happens to your body in a rear-end collision? What happens when it happens? And how can we make sure we don\’t find ourselves in this situation again?

Luckily for you (and everyone else who might be reading this), we\’ve done some research into all of these questions! So read on for some helpful tips on what happens when someone runs into the back of your car…

So What Happens to Your Body in a Rear-End Collision?

A rear-end collision is one of the most common types of car accidents. It occurs when a vehicle strikes another from behind. A rear-end collision can be particularly dangerous because it often results in high-speed impacts.

When you\’re involved in a rear-end collision, your body experiences a large amount of force and pressure. The impact may cause you to slam into your seatbelt, steering wheel, or dashboard. This type of impact can cause neck and back pain, as well as headaches and dizziness.

The first thing that happens is your head snaps forward as the seatbelt pulls you back into your seat. This creates a sudden change in velocity, which causes an increase in force on your spinal column.

As you try to regain control of your car, you may hit the brakes or turn sharply to avoid another vehicle. This movement increases pressure on your body as it fights against the seatbelt, which can cause more damage than simply being rear-ended alone.

In extreme cases, internal organs like your liver and kidneys may shift due to the pressure exerted on them during a rear-end collision.

What Happens During a Rear-End Collision?

The seatbelt is your best protection during a crash. It keeps you from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard if you\’re not wearing it or from bouncing around inside the car if you do wear it. Seat belts also limit how far your body moves forward in a collision, which reduces injury risk. Most people involved in rear-end collisions will be wearing their seatbelts at the time of impact.

During a rear-end collision, your body moves forward because of inertia — the tendency for moving objects to continue moving at the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an outside force. When the vehicle behind you stops suddenly, its momentum continues forward into your car and pushes it backward. The more quickly your vehicle is traveling at the time of impact, the more quickly your body will move forward into its seatbelt restraint system.

This creates a significant impact force on your head and neck, which can result in whiplash injuries if there\’s no other protection for these areas (such as head restraints).

In the most difficult situations, it creates a crushing force that can injure internal organs such as the spleen or liver and cause muscle tears throughout the body, as well as spinal cord compression and nerve damage resulting in paralysis or numbness of the limbs.

The 2 Most Common Injuries of a Rear-End Collision:

1. Whiplash

Whiplash occurs after a sudden stop or impact. It is also known as cervicalgia or musculoskeletal dysfunction and can be extremely painful. The neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons are affected and can cause symptoms like headaches, neck stiffness, and pain in the shoulders, chest, or arms.

2. Concussions

When you get hit from behind by another vehicle, your head may hit the back of your seat or windshield, causing trauma to your brain and spinal cord. This type of injury can cause bleeding around the brain, which is called a subdural hematoma, swelling of the brain tissue called cerebral edema, bruising around the brain (diffuse axonal injury), tearing of blood vessels in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage), and damage to nerve cells (neurons) within the brain itself.

 

Related content: How long after an accident should you claim an injury?

Related article: HOW CHIROPRACTIC CAN HELP WITH A DISLOCATED RIB?

How Long After an Accident Should You Claim an Injury?

What\’s your typical morning like? A little coffee, maybe some breakfast, and then you\’re off to work. Maybe you\’ve got a meeting in the afternoon, or perhaps it\’s time for a nap. Whatever your routine maybe, we can all agree that one thing is constant: car accidents are common.

In fact, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 36,096 deaths due to motor vehicle crashes in 2019 alone. This means that everyday dozens of people are injured or killed on American roads—and many more are injured but not killed.

When you\’re injured in an auto accident, it can be hard to know what to do next. Even if you feel fine immediately after the crash, there\’s no telling how long it will take for your injuries to manifest themselves fully. And even if they do manifest immediately, there\’s still a lot of confusion around how long after an accident should you claim an injury? Should you see a specialist, like an auto injury doctor?

If you\’ve been in an accident recently and are wondering when you should claim an injury, we\’ve got some tips that can help you make the most informed decision possible. Read on to educate yourself!

The Amount of Time You Have to File a Claim for Injuries

A car accident can be a traumatic experience. In addition to the physical injuries you suffer, you may also suffer psychological trauma. It\’s important to report your accident as soon as possible — but how long after an auto accident can you claim injuries?

The answer depends on what state you live in. Some states require that you report your injuries within one year of the accident, while others give drivers up to 10 years or even more time.

If your insurance company asks you to initiate the claim process within 24 hours, it\’s best not to do so without consulting with an attorney first. The insurance company may say something like, \”we\’ll pay for your medical bills if you sign this waiver stating that you didn\’t suffer any injuries,\” — but this isn\’t true! You do have rights in this situation, and it\’s best not to waive them until you\’ve spoken with legal counsel, who can advise you properly on what steps to take next.

But be reminded that it is recommended that you report all injuries within 24-hours of the accident, even if they don\’t seem serious at first. This will ensure that they are documented and considered by your insurance company when they determine their compensation amount for your claim settlement.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim or Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for car accident claims in Florida is four years from the date of the accident. This means that if you have been injured in a car accident, you must file your claim within four years. If you are not sure about your rights and obligations, consult with an experienced lawyer who can answer your questions and help you protect yourself.

How Does the Statute of Limitations Work?

The statute of limitations is a law that sets out how long you have to file a lawsuit after an accident or incident. It also sets out how long someone has to report an injury or wrongful death before they lose their right to sue. This rule exists because after enough time passes, it becomes more difficult to gather evidence and witnesses, which makes it harder to win a case. The clock starts running at the time of the incident or injury, not when symptoms appear or become noticeable.

Related content: What happens to your body in a rear-end collision? 

What Kind of Doctor Should I See After a Car Accident?

After a vehicle accident, life can be quite stressful. There\’s also the matter of dealing with medical difficulties, in addition to dealing with insurance companies and paying for car damage. After a car accident, many people are in a lot of pain and don\’t know who to call for medical treatment and professional counsel. You can see a personal injury doctor who knows your circumstances at Harmony Clinic in Deltona, Florida.

You can see your primary care doctor, who will most likely send you to a specialist. Depending on the type of injury you have, there are several specialists that can help you out. One of the most common specialist types after a car accident is neck and spine specialists.

Why You Should See a Personal Injury Doctor

Treatment

After an auto accident, it\’s critical to see a personal injury doctor as quickly as possible. These doctors\’ job is to assist individuals right after an accident, so you\’re in good hands. Aside from that, seeking treatment sooner prevents injuries from worsening, which in turn keeps medical expenditures down.

Experience

A car injury doctor who specializes in personal injury have treated many patients involved in car accidents before. They have specialties that are useful for dealing with specific injuries common to car accidents (e.g whiplash, herniated disc) Because of this, you can be certain that you will get the best care available.

Documentation

Every detail of an accident and treatment must be recorded in order to create a case with your lawyer. Our accident damage doctor will keep track of all of your injuries as well as any treatments you are receiving or will receive. We can even recommend you to an attorney if you need one at RightPath Pain & Spine Centers.

Billing

A personal injury doctor can directly bill the insurance company so that you do not have to pay out of pocket for treatment. You are entitled to your insurance pay out, as Florida is a non-fault state. You may owe a co-pay, we can help you find out. At our center, we accept many different insurance companies for billing. If you are coming in for treatment right after an auto accident, you can see the doctor without a referral from your primary care doctor beforehand. There are multiple payment options, and you can call us to set up a financial consultation at any time.

How long after an accident should you claim on insurance?

What to Do Right After an Accident

Call an Ambulance If Necessary

It might be difficult to assess whether or not injuries are severe after a collision. Police officers dispatched to the site can assist in determining if an ambulance is required to transport someone to the hospital. It is never a good idea to attempt to drive yourself to the emergency department. If an ambulance is not available, it is critical that you be driven by someone else.

See a Doctor

Many people believe they are alright after an accident since their injuries aren\’t serious enough to require them to go to the emergency room right away. Even if you think you\’re fine, it\’s always a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out the possibility that adrenaline is hiding your symptoms. After an accident, it\’s critical to see a doctor and get checked out. Then you\’ll be able to figure out exactly what\’s wrong and whether or not you require more therapy.

You can visit your primary care physician, who will almost certainly refer you to a specialist. There are numerous professionals who can assist you depending on the type of injury you have. Neck and spine experts are one of the most popular specialist types after an automobile accident. This is due to the fact that accidents frequently result in neck and spine injuries.

Neck and Spine Doctors

The majority of car accidents have a high probability of resulting in a neck or spine condition. We have the greatest neck and spine specialists here at RightPath Pain & Spine Centers to treat injuries that are causing you a lot of pain or preventing you from returning to life and work.

Neck Specialists

Injury to the neck, from the top of the shoulders to the bottom of the head, is treated by a neck pain expert. Neck injuries can cause discomfort ranging from mild to severe, and they can also limit your range of motion. Head injuries can be treated by neck experts to some extent.

Spine Specialists

Spine specialists are similar to neck specialists. However, because they deal with the whole spine rather than just a short section past the shoulders, they work with a much larger area of the body. This can include dealing with back pain. For the most part, injuries they deal with after a car accident involve issues with individual vertebrae or small sections of vertebrae in the spine.

Types of Neck and Spine Injuries

Although there are injuries that may affect the neck more than the rest of the spine, it is important to remember that they are both part of the same system. The neck is just the first seven vertebrae of the spine, which is a much smaller region. The rest of the spine includes the upper and lower back. All three of these regions can have their own unique injuries, and certain treatments will affect them.

Whiplash

Lots of crashes happen at fast speeds, so even with a seatbelt, the body still moves unnaturally at impact. Because of the very sudden and jarring movement, many muscles can become strained. With whiplash, there are no broken bones, but there can be a lot of tearing in the ligaments and tissues that cause a lot of pain.

Symptoms to look out for include neck pain and stiffness, limited motion in the neck, and even headaches. The pain can last from weeks to months to even years if not treated properly. It can also spread to other places, such as the arms, if not dealt with for too long.

Vertebral Fractures

Vertebrae can fracture in an accident, causing bone fragments to scatter. These fractures may be small, but they can cause a lot of problems when the tiny fragments pinch the nerves in distinct places. If not treated quickly, fractures can cause decreased blood flow to the spinal cord when the pieces of bone press on it. In general, these injuries can severely affect a person’s movement and quality of life if left untreated.

Herniated Disc

The spine has many vertebrae, and even one that is out of place can cause a lot of issues. Some people are fortunate enough to have merely one pop out of position or shift without suffering any significant pain. However, for the majority of people, the displaced disc pinching nerves in the surrounding area causes excruciating agony. Although this most commonly occurs in the lower spine, it can also produce pain in the neck.

What We Can Do

At Harmony Clinic we have a variety of safe and up-to-date treatments available for anyone who has just been in a car accident. No matter what neck or spinal injury you have, we will find the treatment plan that works for you.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

This therapy uses plasma differently to help the body regenerate more quickly than it otherwise could. The proteins in platelets allow for healing to happen, so we create a high concentration of them to apply to the injury site. Since they are ideal for regenerating tissues, people who have had tearing injuries from whiplash due to a car accident can recover faster and better.

Stem Cell Therapy

Our bodies contain a variety of cells, such as nerve cells and blood cells. Stem cells have the ability to divide and transform into any sort of cell in our bodies. As a result, they can be used to repair any portion of the body. These cells, for example, can mend ligaments in severe neck injuries. Depending on the severity of your injuries and whether or not you require surgery, your doctor may advise you to do so..

It\’s worth noting that, while the body contains these cells, they don\’t repair the injured site on their own. As a result, treatment is utilized to activate the cells by removing them from the body\’s bone marrow or fatty tissue. They can then be injected into the damage, where they will grow and develop on their own to help the body heal. Treatment can be completed on the same day, with no extra preparation or aftercare required.

 

The Road to Better Recovery

It is important to find a personal injury doctor immediately after an accident. Not only will they be able to help you make a claim, but they will also be able to give you treatment options and provide you with excellent documentation along the way. The most common injuries happen in the neck and spine, so it’s likely you’ll need to find the best neck and spine specialists available after an accident.

If you have recently been in a car accident and are experiencing pain, contact Harmony Clinic to get the help you need. We are dedicated to the wellbeing of all of our patients and have a wide variety of treatments and payment plans available. Contact us today! We are excited to assist you along the road to recovery and a life without pain.

 

 

 

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim on Insurance in Florida?

 

You\’re enjoying a nice, casual drive through Florida. You\’ve got your favorite songs playing, and you\’re looking forward to the day ahead. And then… disaster strikes! Auto Accident Injuries happen that fast!

Maybe someone rear-ends you. Maybe you\’re caught in a pile-up after a hurricane or other natural disaster. Or maybe there\’s just a moment of inattention and you hit another car.
Whatever the cause, when you\’re involved in a car accident in Florida, your first question is likely to be: \”How long do I have to file an insurance claim?\”

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about filing an insurance claim after a car accident in Florida, including what the law has to say about it and how long you\’ll have to wait for compensation. By the end of this guide, you\’ll be able to set off on your own path toward getting back on your feet after being involved in a car accident.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance carrier for personal injury or property damage is 4 years from the date of the accident.

You can\’t predict when disaster will strike. One minute you\’re brushing your teeth and thinking about your day, and the next minute, through no fault of your own, you\’ve been rear-ended. Now you\’re dealing with a totaled car and it\’s not even lunchtime yet.
If this scenario sounds all too familiar to you, you might be wondering if there is any way to get justice for the financial costs of your accident—the physical damage to your car, the medical bills from your injuries, or your lost wages (if you had to take time off work during your recovery period).

The good news is that the State of Florida offers protection for victims of car accidents who need compensation in order to get back on their feet. In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance carrier for personal injury or property damage is four years from the date of the accident.
This unrivaled window of opportunity gives you plenty of time to bring forward a claim and handle any negotiations or legal proceedings that arise. That said, it\’s best not to wait until the last minute—even if you have up to four years from the date of your accident, it\’s wise to start working on your case as soon as possible after an accident.

Why Do I Need an Attorney for My Car Accident Claim?

What if you\’re not so lucky when it comes to deadlines? What if you miss a deadline that has real consequences for your financial security or future health? That\’s exactly what can happen if you don\’t file a claim for compensation after an auto accident within four years.

In Florida, everyone who is injured in an auto accident must file their claim for compensation within four years from the date of the accident—no matter what. Failure to do so will result in your case being dismissed by the judge. But this is just one of many reasons why it\’s important not to delay when it comes to filing a claim after an auto accident.

Next, you should visit an auto accident doctor or medical specialist, you only have 14 days to see one or your insurance will not cover! For more information read this: VISIT YOUR INJURY CHIROPRACTOR AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT

What kind of doctor should you see after a car accident? 

Are Chiropractors Doctors? 5 Myths About Chiropractic Physicians | Harmony Clinic

\"Why

What is chiropractic?

Many people believe the term doctor refers only to a person who holds a medical doctor (M.D.) degree. This would require medical school, as well as completion of an internship, a residency, and a state license. Because chiropractors do not have an M.D. degree, they are not ‘medical doctors’. However they are doctors of chiropractic medicine – health professionals who care about helping people and dedicated to treating their patients with non-invasive, personalized care. Both are Medical and Chiropractic doctors are considered physicians. Although both MDs and DCs are wellness professionals, Chiropractors pursue chiropractic education through a specialised doctoral program which is different from traditional medical school.

At Harmony Clinic, our aim is to help patients distinguish between the truth and common misconceptions that frequently plague chiropractic care. Unfortunately, if a myth is prevalent, it can be accepted as fact, even if it’s lacking proof. Here is a glimpse at some of the top myths our doctors have encountered and the truth behind each of them.

MYTH #1: CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIANS RECEIVE LESS EDUCATION THAN OTHER “REAL” DOCTORS…

A common myth is that chiropractors don’t receive a substantial amount of training in their chiropractic education. Chiropractors generally gain an undergraduate degree in a pre-med major with classes in sciences, such as kinesiology, biology, chemistry, psychology, and physics. They then attend a chiropractic graduate program. Normally, these involve 4 years of education using a total of 4,485 educational hours course credits while medical students get around 4,248 hours. In reality, they generally finish about 8 years of higher education before they obtain a chiropractic degree are a state licensed chiropractor . Both medical physicians and Chiropractors have to successfully complete National Board Exams before obtaining a license. Continuing education is subsequently required to keep a high level of proficiency and to remain current on the latest research and methods from peer reviewed studies for both Doctorate degrees. Myth Busted!

MYTH #2: CHIROPRACTORS ONLY TREAT NECK AND BACK PAIN

Chiropractors are known for treating back pain, however, the origin of chiropractic care is a lot deeper than that. These practitioners treat various issues and conditions involving the: muscles, spine, tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage and nervous system. Chiropractic treatment is used to heal, resolve or manage various health conditions such as:

  • Acute and chronic pain

  • Lower back pain

  • Acute low back pain

  • Soft tissue conditions

  • Fatigue

  • Persistent gastrointestinal infections

  • Autoimmune disorders

  • Diabetes

  • Headaches

  • Pregnancy-related pain

MYTH #3: CHIROPRACTIC CARE IS ONLY FOR ADULTS

Some parents fear that chiropractic care is unsafe or unnecessary for children. However, chiropractic care can be quite valuable for both children and babies.

Childhood is your stage in life in which you develop, learn, research, and play, resulting in a great deal of stress on the musculoskeletal system. There is a quite a bit under a chiropractor\’s scope. Chiropractic care can help children stay healthy and prevent many disorders that present throughout youth, such as:

  • Colic

  • Ear Infections

  • Common Colds

  • Bowel Problems

  • Development Pains

  • Athletic Injuries

  • Focus

MYTH #4: CHIROPRACTIC SPINAL ADJUSTMENTS ARE DANGEROUS

Among the most common sources of contention regarding chiropractic treatment is safety. Chiropractic adjustments otherwise known as spinal manipulation are safe when done by a Doctor of Chiropractic, but may be harmful if performed by a different healthcare professional that is trained in the area of expertise. Chiropractic adjustments are in reality one of the safest and most effective ways to treat back and neck pain. The result of trauma or a rare complication following chiropractic therapy is significantly less than 0.01% according to medical studies. This contrasts with a higher risk of invasive processes involving medications, injections, and surgeries. Spinal manipulative therapy is just one tool in the tool box for chiropractors that benefit their patients. Although chiropractic manipulation is great, other chiropractic methods include tools besides spinal adjustments like acupuncture, soft tissue work and massage to reduce pain among others. Usually the treatment that gets the patient out of discomfort the fastest is preferred.

MYTH #5: YOU WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE

The preventative approach in health care has gained large support in the health care community as it has been shown to be cost and health-effective in the long term. Regular chiropractic check-ups are safe, convenient, rapid, and natural and can prevent health issues later on. Multiple treatments to get out of pain is normal at first, with regular follow-ups. The invaluable service of chiropractors are shown every day in patients reducing chronic pain from their unique treatment plan.

A dentist will most likely recommend regular check-ups to aid their patients stop cavities and gum disease. Just like a dentist, a chiropractor will promote preventative services to help patients avoid disease, pain, and disease.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE IN DELTONA, FL | HARMONY CLINIC

Set an appointment with us now at our chiropractic office off Saxon Blvd in Deltona, FL. Experience the best chiropractors in Deltona!

To learn more, enter your email below. Whether you are trying to find immediate and safe pain relief or are just looking to find a chiropractor to get regular care, we can help. Our experts at Harmony Clinic medical & Chiropractic can help you achieve maximum health benefits targeted towards your specific needs. Maintain a healthy, joyful, and pain-free lifestyle today.


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