Whiplash Injury - Things To Think About

5 Things That Could Take BIG Money 

Out Of Your Settlement

1. Contributory Negligence.

Wear Your Seat belt! Here’s why… Because it will generally reduce the risk of injury. Not wearing your seat belt makes you more likely to hit the dashboard or steering wheel increasing the overall risk of injury. This would be considered “Contributory Negligence” and will likely reduce any settlement by around 25%! That could mean thousands of dollars never making it to your pocket.

 

2. Not having injuries documented.

Any settlement you may deserve is dependent on documentation. Your lack of medical “evidence” with result in a lack of “settlement.” 

3. Failing to good records.

Because the law allows you to be compensated for lost wages and other “related expenses,” make sure you keep track of this stuff. Any prescription medication, over the counter remedies, mileage, and anything else that might apply should be logged. Not doing so will make it extremely difficult to recover these expenses. 

4. Know your professional.

Although most attorneys and doctors do have your best interest at heart… some are just after the money. Know who you are dealing with. Get references / referrals, read reviews on them. You are evaluating them just as much as they are evaluating your case. 

5. How much of your settlement do YOU keep?

Does your “Professional” charge an up-front fee? Do they take a percentage of your settlement? If so, how much? Generally, an attorney will take your case only if they think they will win and not charge you up-front. Your doctor should do the same. ASK!

Any questions, call and ask Dr. Crokin directly. (503) 431-2388

Portland Whiplash Treatment Center
12395 SW 68th Ave
Portland, OR 97223

Whiplash For The Holidays

On the road for Holiday shopping, sitting at a red light and it happened. That unmistakable sound of smashing metal. I felt sick to my stomach. Two thoughts immediately filled my head. "I hope everyone is OK." and "I'm glad that wasn't us."

Another "Whiplash for the Holidays."

This scenario happens every few minutes around the country. If your involved in a accident, here's a short list of what to do:

1) Don't Admit Fault

Do not admit fault for the accident. Every attorney and insurance adjuster I've talked to all say the same thing. "DON'T DO IT!"  Even if you think you could be even partially blamed, do not admit ANY wrongdoing. Focus on exchanging the proper info and getting any immediate medical attention. Let your insurance company do the rest. That's what you pay them for. 

2) Seek Medical Attention

Get checked as soon as possible. You might feel fine now or think your injuries aren't very serious. The longer you go before evaluation / care will nearly always cause 2 things to happen: Increase the risk of chronic pain and increase the total healing time. Days or weeks go by building up more and more scar tissue which only takes longer to get rid of. 

Fox Chiropractic has the equipment to properly document and prove your injuries. No documentation, no injury, no settlement.

3) Take Pictures

Use your cell phone to get pictures or call someone to bring a camera to take pictures of the scene. Any trouble getting a settlement from the insurance company will be quickly silenced and your attorney will make very good use of them as valuable evidence for your case. Cuts, bruises, and scrapes heal quickly, so getting photos immediately is a smart move. 

4) Take Notes

Take good notes regarding your medical treatment. This information may be necessary for you to get full reimbursement from the insurance company.

How many days did you miss from work or school, how many miles did you travel for medical care, keep receipts for medications you were prescribed or any assistive devices such as braces, supports or crutches that were needed.

5) Get the Police Report

Obtain a copy of the police report to verify that all facts regarding the accident are correct. Errors or omissions in the police report could delay any potential settlement.

6) Talk With a Lawyer

Even though you are not "out to get" anyone, having an attorney is always a good idea.  If you are asked to sign any documents you don't understand, we can recommend an attorney in your area. Having representation is the best way to make sure your rights are protected, especially if the accident is serious and you may be at least partially at fault.

The Portland Whiplash Treatment Center helps people involved in accidents every day. If you have any questions, just call and we'll be happy to help direct you.

Serving Portland Oregon.

Fox Chiropractic

12395 SW 68th Ave - Portland OR - 97223

(503)431-2388

Whiplash Neck Pain

The weather is here again and the weatherman says snow in PDX is likely. That means the probability of accidents will go up. Front enders, side impacts, rear enders... They all mean the same thing. High risk of injury.

Understand that pain from an auto accident might be immediate, or it might come on after a few days. Either way, you need to be seen by someone who is experienced in documenting and treating the complicated condition of whiplash.

Our bodies are extremely complicated. You might not know that your brain is supplied with constant stimulation by how your joints are affected by gravity. When you get into a car accident, the joints of your body get slammed around and frequently, they simply get stuck.

Well guess what? Those very joints do not work the same in gravity and... it changes the very way your brain works! That's why some people experience dizziness, numbness or tingles, stomach upset and a whole host of other symptoms.

So, its really important to be evaluated by a specialist. And I don't mean a medical doctor. Sure, maybe it's a good idea to go to the ER for those "just in case" scenarios. But after that, Fox Chiropractic Clinic is a very good option.

Our providers have a combined experience of nearly 60 years! You can bet we have successfully treated a lot of conditions just like yours. Maybe you need good old fashion hands on chiropractic care. Maybe you need a more gentle method of correcting those stuck joints and maybe your would benefit from massage or acupuncture. One thing is certain, you need a good check of your nervous system.

Whatever your specific treatments needs may be, we can probably provide it. Check out our web site and call us to schedule your first visit. We are here to help you!

Dr. Richard H. Crokin

Chiropractic Physician

Fox Chiropractic

Portland's Whiplash Treatment Center

(503) 431-2388

Whiplash Injuries, Portland Oregon

All too often, people involved in an auto accident say, "Ahh, I'm OK. It'll go away." Or maybe their insurance company will convince them to settle before being checked by a professional trained in whiplash injuries. Another big one is the insurance company saying because there was no significant damage to the car, there could not be any significant injury. These are BIG mistakes!

First off, many times pain does not even develop for 2, maybe 3 weeks or more. All the while, scar tissue is forming, nerve irritation is worsening and motion slowly decreases. ANY TIME a person is involved in a car accident, it is extremely important to at least be evaluated by a whiplash specialist. Hidden injuries are sneaky and can be missed leaving the victim set up for problems down the road.

Next, is the insurance company. Make no mistake! Maybe you have been with them for years and assume they have your best interest at heart. Think again! Insurance companies will go to great lengths to keep their money. They often call within the first few days to offer a settlement that is WAY below that which is deserved. Without documentation of the injury, there is really no case to argue.

Finally, there is the ever popular "No Damage = No Injury." This is absolutely positively FALSE! Car bumpers are made to absorb impact force and minimize external damage. Where do you think that energy goes? It goes straight down the car frame rails and  up through the bottom of the seats.  In a rear end accident, the force drives the body up and back, loading the seat like a sling shot to throw the body forward. Watch this video and see exactly what happens in a low speed rear end accident.

American Integrated Chiropractic has over 50 yrs combined experience helping people recover from auto accident injuries. We have many different treatment techniques to best suit your particular needs. If you have been in an accident, contact our office to schedule your FREE evaluation. It is that important.

Fox Chiropractic Clinic

12395 SW 68th Ave - 97223

503.431.2388

American Integrated Chiropractic