KNOW THIS!
Before Getting Behind the Wheel.

Even the best drivers are subject to automobile accidents. Therefore, everyone should know what steps to take immediately following an accident to protect the life, limb, property and legal rights of those involved. Doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time may save a life, and it will often avoid legal problems. Here are the steps to take if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle or pedestrian.

What should I do if in an auto accident?

• Stop Your Car. Do not leave the scene of the accident.
  Assist the Injured. Direct someone to call 911, cover the victim with blankets, apply pressure if there is bleeding, and keeping victim still. Perform first aid only if you are qualified.
  
• Call the Police. This may be beneficial to you if a liability claim is made.
  Identify the Driver. Gather pertinent information such as: driver's license, insurance card and registration. Always have a pencil and pad of paper. Write down names, addresses, registration numbers, insurance companies, and the policy numbers of all people and vehicles involved.
  
• Witnesses. Obtain all necessary information from witnesses and ask them if they are willing to write down a statement of what happened.
  
• Take Notes on all significant circumstances concerning the accident. If you or someone else has a camera at the scene, take pictures.
  
• Comments. Keep all comments to yourself until a later date when the official fault of the accident has been determined.
  
• Arrests. If arrested it is important that you contact your lawyer before making a statement, because anything you say may be used as an admission and may result in liability.
  
• Reports. It is essential that you send a report of your accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Failure to notify your company within a timely manner may constitute grounds for the insurance company to avoid any coverage for your accident at all.
  
• See a Doctor qualified to treat auto accident injuries and musculo-skeletal issues as soon as possible. Some people leave the emergency room without real answers about how to treat their condition. Others think that they are unaffected by the accident only to discover serious problems, days, weeks, or months later. Seek treatment immediately.

  What kinds of injuries are typical with automobile accidents?
  Any number of structural or soft-tissue problems could ensue. Back pain, neck pain, headaches, and pain in the extremities (arms, legs, hands, and feet) are the most common. Most people are familiar with the term whiplash. Whiplash is a non-medical term used to describe the injury that results when an abnormal force is applied to the neck, such as in a serious fall or auto accident. This injury is a result of the neck being forced into a movement that is beyond its normal range of motion. The ligaments, tendons, and muscles are affected, which may result in neck pain, back pain, and/ or headaches.
  
  Why is treatment offered at Optimum Health often more appropriate for auto accident injuries than any other form of therapy?
  Our chiropractic, medical, and physical therapy staff has over 40 years of combined experience in treating musculoskeletal injuries associated with automobile accidents. Our integrative staff are trained in many aspects of physical medicine and will ensure that both the structural and the soft tissue components of the injury are addressed with appropriate therapy.

  How does Optimum Health treat auto accident injuries?
  First, we will properly diagnose your condition using orthopedic exams and X-Rays. When further diagnostic tests are necessary we will prescribe, MRI’s, CT Scans, Ultrasound Studies, etc.

  After a proper evaluation, a comprehensive treatment plan is customized based upon the patient’s specific needs. Our medical staff may offer homeopathic and/ or allopathic options for relieving pain and calming inflammation in the affected area. Patients with muscular sprains or strains can benefit from our bio-pharmaceutical injection options that are minimally invasive and have little to no side effects. Our doctors never use cortisone or cortico-steroids.
  
  Our chiropractors and physical therapy staff will execute a treatment plan including a number of modalities such as: therapeutic exercises, spinal manipulations, moist heat and ice, electrical –stem therapy and more.

  Additionally, we offer nutritional support options such as Myomedica Natural Muscle Relaxation Formula with Vitamin B6 . Myomedica topical pain relieving cream is also available.
  
  What if my injuries require a specialist?
  In addition, should your injury require the skilled attention of a medical specialist, you're still in good hands. We have a wide range of medical specialists with whom we work closely. We will make the appropriate referral for you and co-manage your case directly with general surgeons, orthopedic spine and orthopedic extremity doctors, pain management specialists, neurologists, plastic surgeons, and even psychologists.

  Who pays my health bills in the event of an accident?
  Your major medical health insurance plan may pick up a portion of your health care costs depending upon your policy or plan type. It is very important to ensure that you have benefits for chiropractic and physical therapy prior to having an accident. Your medical payments benefits from your automobile policy are accepted at Optimum Health and in some cases attorney liens are accepted as well.

• Personal Injury
If another motorist is at fault in an accident, you may sue him or her for personal injuries. Personal injury settlements are generally measured by your medical expenses and lost wages caused by the accident and an amount which may be determined by the jury for pain and suffering under specialized circumstances other types of damages may be recoverable.

• Claims Made by You
If you make a claim for property damage or personal injuries arising out of the accident, be sure before you settle that any offer made to you is fair and reasonable. Your attorney is best equipped to advise you as to your rights and the fairness of the settlement offer. Your liability insurance policy may also include provisions for payments to you and your passengers for medical expenses, which will apply regardless of fault.

Can I retain an attorney and pay for my healthcare costs once my legal case settles?
If you wish to retain an attorney, Optimum Health will most often accept Attorney Liens on a case by case basis. Attorney Liens may also be accepted in conjunction with Health Insurance and Medical Payments benefits for payment. Many times, this is an option for those needing to reduce or eliminate their out-of-pocket expense until your case is settled. If you do not know an attorney. Optimum Health can provide you with a list of attorneys in your area that will work on a lien basis with Optimum Health or other healthcare professionals.

What is MedPay?
Med Pay is a relatively inexpensive form of coverage that may be added to your current automobile policy to cover medical expenses in the event of an auto accident. Med Pay provides coverage regardless of fault. Typically coverage ranges from $1,000 to $50,000 per passenger.

Why is it important to have Med Pay coverage regardless of other medical coverage?
Med Pay could cover the balance of insurance high-deductibles and/or co-pays, reducing your out-of-pocket expense for your medical care after an automobile accident.

• Your health insurance policy may not cover, or have limited coverage for, medical care related to an automobile accident.
  
• You will have the ability to choose your health care provider (assuming they accept Med Pay). Optimum Health gladly accepts Med Pay
  If you must sue the at-fault party, your health insurance policy could have a provision that allows your health insurance company to take a portion of your settlement as a reimbursement for medical expenses they have paid.
  
• Your passengers may not have health insurance and would be covered by your Med Pay.
  
• Should you need long term care or assisted living, which can be very costly, substantial Med Pay coverage can defer some of those costs.
  
  Don’t wait, call your auto insurance representative today to see if your policy has Med Pay. If you do not have it, get it!

What is third party insurance?
Third party insurance is when the “at fault” party promises to pay for your medical expenses. Optimum Health does not accept 3rd party insurance.

• Claims Made Against You
Refer all persons making claims against you to your insurance company. Make no payments or promises to any claimant.

• Property Damage
Claims for vehicle damage are covered by your own collision or comprehensive policy, if you have one. If another motorist is at fault in an accident, you may sue him or her for property damage to your car regardless of whether you can sue him or her for your bodily injury.

Call us today if you've been involved in an automobile accident or other injury and let us help you get the attention, care and outcome you desire.

Visit our WEBSITE for additional information, to set up an appointment, and to download and submit new patient forms.

Source: State Bar of Georgia