Should I Go to the Chiropractor After a Car Accident In Louisiana?

When dealing with painful injuries after a car accident, it’s natural to question whether chiropractic care could be the right choice, especially when insurance claims or potential legal action are involved. Many car accident victims are left wondering: Should I go to a chiropractor after a car accident in Louisiana? With compensation for your damages on the line, it’s important to understand the role chiropractic care can play in your legal claim.

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For more than three decades, Murphy Law Firm has represented injured clients across Louisiana. Peyton Murphy personally meets all new clients, bringing over 30 years of experience to every case. With four record jury verdicts, including an $18.9 million win, the firm is in court every day fighting for justice.

Understanding Chiropractic Care

There were 37,388 injury crashes in Louisiana in 2024, including 753 accident-related fatalities. Though that’s a decrease from 2022, when there were 42,400 injury crashes, injured Louisianans are looking for alternative therapies to complement their medical treatment.

Chiropractic care focuses on musculoskeletal disorders related to the spine. Chiropractors often use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

After a car accident, some injuries can often benefit from chiropractic care, but it’s important to note that chiropractic care is generally considered complementary, and not a replacement for medical care.

Accident victims should always seek evaluation from a medical doctor, urgent care provider, or emergency room first to rule out serious conditions like fractures, internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or nerve damage. Medical providers can order imaging, prescribe medication when necessary, and monitor symptoms that might not be immediately visible.

Once serious injuries are ruled out, chiropractic treatment can then address musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. Receiving both medical and chiropractic care not only supports a safer, more complete recovery, but it also creates thorough medical documentation that’s especially important if you decide to pursue a legal claim to recover your damages.

Common Injuries Treated by Chiropractors After Car Accidents

While car accidents can cause a range of injuries, some lead to long-term pain and complications if left untreated. Chiropractors focus on addressing these types of injuries by working on spinal alignment, joint function, and soft tissue health. Some of the most common injuries treated by a chiropractor include:

• Whiplash
• Back pain
• Soft tissue injuries
• Headaches
• Shoulder injuries
• Hip and pelvic misalignments
• Joint pain
• Nerve compression or tingling

In addition to the physical benefits, chiropractic care provides detailed documentation of your injuries and treatment. These records, including progress notes, therapy plans, and imaging reports, can serve as important evidence in a personal injury or insurance claim.

Benefits of Visiting a Chiropractor After a Car Accident

Visiting a chiropractor after a car accident offers extra documentation that becomes very important if you plan to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action. That’s because it provides evidence of your injuries and the extent of the treatment you need to recover. There are several additional benefits to seeing a chiropractor after a car accident, and they include:

1. Chiropractors can identify subtle injuries that might not be immediately apparent to your medical provider but could worsen over time.
2. Chiropractic care avoids surgery and medications to focus on natural healing methods.
3. Techniques like spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercise recommendations can alleviate pain.
4. Restoring proper alignment and mobility can speed up rehabilitation.

By seeking chiropractic care promptly and keeping thorough, detailed records of your treatments and progress, you not only give your body the strongest chance to heal but you also create a strong, verifiable record that can support your case.

How a Lawyer Can Utilize Your Chiropractic Care to Strengthen Your Case

A trusted car accident lawyer can use the detailed records from your chiropractic visits to clearly show the extent of your injuries and how they’ve affected your daily life. This can include treatment notes, imaging results, progress updates, and therapy plans.

These records help demonstrate that your injuries are real, ongoing, and directly caused by the accident. In addition, regular visits show that you’re following medical advice and taking your recovery seriously, which adds credibility to your claim.

Documentation of treatment costs, follow-up care, and therapy sessions can also be used to calculate damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.

FAQs

Are There Alternative Therapies Chiropractors Might Recommend After a Car Accident?

Yes, there are alternative therapies that chiropractors might recommend after a car accident. These include massage therapy, stretching exercises, heat or cold therapy, ultrasound treatment, or posture training. These treatments aim to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and support healing. A comprehensive approach addresses multiple areas of discomfort and maintains long-term musculoskeletal health after a car accident.

Do Chiropractors Coordinate With Other Healthcare Providers After a Car Accident?

Yes, chiropractors coordinate with other healthcare providers after a car accident, and often work alongside primary care physicians, physical therapists, or other professionals to ensure comprehensive care. Collaboration allows for a more complete understanding of your injuries, helps prevent complications, and ensures treatments are safe and effective. Coordinated care also strengthens your medical documentation.

How Long Does Chiropractic Treatment Take After a Car Accident?

The duration of chiropractic treatment after a car accident depends on the type of injury and how severe it is. Minor soft tissue injuries might require only a few sessions, while more serious issues could require weeks or months of treatment. Chiropractors often create a personalized care plan, and consistency when following the prescribed plan is key to achieving results.

Do Insurance Companies Recognize Chiropractic Care as Legitimate Medical Evidence?

Yes, most insurance companies recognize chiropractic care as legitimate medical evidence in car accident injury cases. Detailed records of treatment, therapy plans, and progress notes can be used to verify your injuries and justify your claim. Proper documentation ensures your claim is credible and supports compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and related damages.

Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident

When you work with us, you gain advocates who are committed to protecting your interests every step of the way. From negotiating with insurance adjusters to pursuing full compensation in court, we fight to ensure you have the resources you need to recover from your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

About The Author

Peyton Murphy

Peyton Murphy, is the founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, specializing in personal injury law. Peyton obtained his law degree from the prestigious Tulane School of Law in 1991 and has been licensed to practice law in Louisiana since 1993. With over 28 years of experience, Peyton is dedicated to representing injured victims and actively contributing to his community. Education: Obtained his law degree from Tulane School of Law in 1991. Professional Associations: Member of the Louisiana State Bar and active in the Baton Rouge Bar Association and the Louisiana Association for Justice. Experience: Founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, with extensive experience in personal injury law and licensed in multiple federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

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