If you've been in a car accident, one of the first questions you may have is, "How am I going to pay for treatment?"
The good news is that in Oregon, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is designed to help cover medical expenses after a motor vehicle accident — including chiropractic care.
Here's what you need to know:
What Is PIP Insurance?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of no-fault insurance that is included with every Oregon auto insurance policy. This means that regardless of who caused the accident, your PIP benefits can help pay for medical treatment related to your injuries.
PIP is intended to help you begin treatment right away so you don't have to delay care while insurance companies determine fault.
Does PIP Cover Chiropractic Care?
Yes. In most cases, Oregon PIP covers medically necessary chiropractic treatment following a car accident. This may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Soft tissue therapies
- Evaluation and re-evaluation appointments
- Other treatments recommended as part of your recovery plan
At Modern Chiropractic, we regularly work with patients who are using their PIP benefits after an accident.
How Much Does PIP Cover?
In Oregon, auto insurance policies generally include at least $15,000 in PIP medical benefits per person (coverage may vary based on policy). These benefits can often be used for:
- Chiropractic care
- Medical doctor visits
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy (when prescribed or medically necessary)
- Diagnostic imaging
- Other accident-related medical expenses
If your injuries require additional treatment beyond your PIP benefits, we'll help you understand your options and work with you throughout the process.
When Should You See a Chiropractor After an Accident?
Even if you feel okay immediately after a collision, it's still important to be evaluated.
Many common injuries, such as whiplash, muscle strains, and joint sprains, may not become painful until hours or even days later. Early evaluation can help identify injuries before they become more serious and can also create important documentation for your recovery.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Headaches
- Low back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Limited range of motion
- Tingling or numbness
- Dizziness
If you notice any of these symptoms after an accident, don't ignore them.
We're Here to Help
If you're coming to us after a car accident, we'll begin with a comprehensive evaluation to understand your injuries and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
If you've recently been in an accident, our team is happy to answer questions about your PIP benefits, explain how the process works, and help you get started with care.
Think you may have an injury after an accident? Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and begin your recovery.