AUTO INJURY RELIEF IN Redmond WA

Auto accidents can be overwhelming. We live in the Pacific Northwest - snow, rain, rough conditions can put us all at risk for a collision and many aren’t sure what to do after a collision happens. Most only think about restoring property (the car), but we also need to restore health. I frequently hear that people don’t always think they need care because they weren’t “hospitalized”. What they don’t realize is that the body can “tune out” the pain initially, almost like shock. Once that effect wears off, people don’t make the connection that their pain is from the collision. In addition to that, a lot of people don’t get care because they didn’t think they could, or were unaware that auto insurance will cover their care. To learn more contact our Redmond WA chiropractic clinic today.

At Redmond Spine Center, we specialize in treating all types of injuries that result from car collisions and have a dedicated team to support you and your legal team along the way. The process is overwhelming for most but our goal is to put your health first, and simplify the entire process. Whether it's understanding your insurance, helping you get the appropriate medical care, or connecting you with legal support if you need. We're here to guide you every step of the way. Our owner and head chiropractor Dr. Cody Sandzimier has been a leading auto accident chiropractor for over a decade and put together a few tips in approaching auto accidents therapy in Redmond - before and after collisions.

Two huge tips to make things easier BEFORE a collision

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Tip #1 - Check Your Insurance For PIP Coverage: Most WA Insurance Have It

One of the most important steps after a car accident is to ensure you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on your insurance policy. PIP is designed specifically to cover medical and personal expenses related to a collision, regardless of who is at fault. State minimums are $10,000 and in some cases, can go up to as high as $100,000. These policies cover you , or anyone in your vehicle at the time of the collision. PIP amounts are per incident, so it is incredibly helpful in ensuring you get the appropriate care you need. I strongly urge you to review your insurance policy and make sure this coverage is in place. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your recovery.

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Tip #2 - Get a Dash Cam: It Will Save Headaches After An Auto Accident

If you don’t have a dash cam - get one. They are cheap to buy and will save you a ton of headache later by eliminating “your word vs theirs”. It’s always so disheartening seeing my patients in a position where their case turns into a he-said-she-said match, when something as simple as a dash cam can remove any doubt. Get a dash cam. It will make your life so much easier.

Common mistakes I see AFTER an accident

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Mistake 1: Not Getting Care At All After A Collision - You Need An Injury Screening & Treatment

A common mistake people make after a car accident is not seeking medical care, especially if they feel only low level immediate pain or believe the collision was minor. People might think it’s a low-impact collision and just minor soreness or discomfort and don’t go to a chiropractor directly after a collision. Then, the injury creeps up and it becomes a problem down the line once the body's natural “painkillers” wear off. Accidents are very violent, even low-speed collisions. If the force of the collision was strong enough to bend metal, it could certainly shift joints, sprain something, and injury your body. I often see patients who didn't seek treatment and are now dealing with chronic issues that could have been prevented with simple care right after a collision. If you're in a car accident, don’t wait to seek care. See a doctor. Find a professional who specializes in auto injuries and get an exam.

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Mistake 2: They Don’t See The Right Doctors Or Specialists - Redmond Has Great Care. Use It!

There’s a lot of impact to the body in a collision. A lot happens at once. Your head moves, your neck and shoulders shift, you have whiplash, sprains & strains, and often times there are underlying conditions that need to be addressed from multiple providers. I’m a chiropractor I see a lot of people with injuries from collisions, but I can’t address everything, so we work with and refer to multiple doctors and facilities that can provide a total health care plan including:

• Massage Therapy: To address soft tissue injuries.
• Physical Therapy and Advanced Medical Care: For more severe injuries, such as injections or other interventions.
• Specialists: Such as physiatrists or physical therapists for targeted rehabilitation.
• Advanced Imaging Centers: For things like CT scans or MRI’s if a deeper look into the extent of the injuries is needed.

It’s crucial you have a doctor who can "quarterback" your case. I can coordinate your care, ensuring that you receive the right treatments, whether that means ordering an MRI, referring you to a specialist, or recommending physical therapy. Without orchestrating the right level of care, with the right communication with your legal team, your health and case could be in jeopardy.

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Mistake 3: Not Getting Legal Help - For Auto Cases, You Need Representation

Another critical aspect of post-accident care is legal support. Navigating the complexities of insurance claims and ensuring that all your medical bills, property damage, and your pain and suffering are covered, can be challenging. It’s a complex web of insurance: what’s covered, who’s at fault (if anyone), healthcare specialists, dates, documents, and protocols. There’s a lot of great lawyers out there who can be a huge advocate for your health. Their job is to protect you. Having a competent attorney on your side can make all the difference. They help you through the process. They’re here to help you. A good lawyer will work to restore you to your pre-injury status, ensuring that you are fully compensated and that your healthcare is thoroughly taken care of. Just like how you expect your car to be put back together after an accident, so should your body and health.

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Our Process For Treating Auto Accidents in Redmond WA

If you've been in a collision, even if it was months ago, I strongly encourage you to seek professional help. You can come see me for a consultation—it's simple, straightforward, and could prevent more significant problems down the road. That's what I’m here for, to help you navigate these situations that you didn’t ask to be put in.

If you have any questions, whether you’re ready to book an appointment or just need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you in any way I can.

By Dr. Cody Sandzimier