Guidelines

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Florida, understanding your rights and the guidelines for chiropractic care is essential to ensure proper treatment and a smooth recovery. At Encore Chiropractic and Wellness, we are committed to helping you navigate the process while providing high-quality chiropractic care tailored to your specific needs.

In Florida, chiropractic care plays a vital role in the treatment and recovery of auto accident injuries, especially when it comes to soft tissue injuries, whiplash, neck and back pain, and spinal pain. However, there are specific legal and medical guidelines that both patients and healthcare providers must follow in order to ensure comprehensive care and protect your legal rights.

1. No-Fault Insurance (PIP) and Chiropractic Care

   Florida operates under a "No-Fault" insurance system, meaning that your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will cover medical expenses related to an auto accident, regardless of who is at fault. This is crucial because it allows you to seek chiropractic care without worrying about who caused the accident.

   • PIP Coverage for Chiropractic Treatment: Under Florida law, PIP insurance covers 80% of medical expenses related to auto accident injuries, including chiropractic care. However, there are important time constraints to keep in mind.

2. Time Limits for Seeking Chiropractic Care

   Florida law mandates that you must seek medical treatment (from any provider, ex. ER, urgent care, pain management, orthopedic, chiropractic) within 14 days of the auto accident in order for your PIP insurance to cover the costs. If you delay seeking care beyond this window, you risk losing your PIP coverage, even if you are experiencing pain or injuries later.

   • Chiropractic Care Within 14 Days: It is essential to visit a healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor, within 14 days of the accident. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term damage, managing pain, and accelerating recovery.

3. Chiropractic Care and Medical Necessity

   For your chiropractic treatment to be covered by PIP, it must be deemed medically necessary. After a thorough evaluation of your condition, your chiropractor will create a treatment plan that addresses the specific injuries sustained in the auto accident, such as spinal restriction, soft tissue damage to ligaments, tendons or discs, and nerve involvement.

   • Medical Records and Documentation: Proper documentation and medical records will be essential for insurance claims and proving the necessity of your chiropractic care. Our team ensures that all necessary reports and evaluations are completed in compliance with Florida law.

4. Referral or Primary Care Physician (PCP) Not Required

   Unlike other forms of healthcare, Florida’s no-fault system allows you to seek chiropractic care without needing a referral from your primary care physician (PCP). You can directly visit a chiropractor after an auto accident, as long as treatment begins within the 14-day period.

5. Chiropractic Care for Soft Tissue Injuries and Whiplash

   Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash, are common in auto accidents and can often be treated effectively with chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments can help mobilize the spine, reduce inflammation, and relieve muscle tension, helping patients recover more quickly. Decompression therapy helps to relieve pressure off of injuries sustaiend to spinal discs. Shockwave, graston, and other myofascial techniques are utilized to address soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains. 

   • Whiplash Injuries: Florida chiropractors are experienced in treating the neck and back injuries caused by whiplash. Spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, decompression, and rehabilitation exercises are often incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan.

6. Treatment for Long-Term Injuries and Chronic Pain

   While the initial stages of treatment focus on healing, pain management, and restoring mobility, chiropractic care can also play an important role in preventing chronic pain and long-term complications. Early chiropractic intervention reduces the likelihood of future problems related to untreated auto accident injuries, such as pain associated with disc lesion, sprains/tears to connective tissue (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL, labral tissue, ligaments), headaches/migraines, and others. 

7. Florida Statute of Limitations for Filing Injury Claims

   In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after an auto accident is four years from the date of the accident. If you are seeking compensation for damages, including pain and suffering, it is important to follow all guidelines for treatment and to work with an experienced attorney to protect your rights.

Chiropractic care is an excellent choice for auto accident patients due to its ability to treat the underlying causes of pain, restore spinal mobility, and promote the body’s natural healing processes. Common injuries treated with chiropractic care include:

• Whiplash and Neck Pain
• Back Pain and Spinal Restriction
• Disc Bulges, Herniations, Protrusions, Extrusions
• Central and Foraminal Stenosis 
• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., sprains, strains)
• Headaches (including migraines)
• Muscle Tension and Joint Stiffness

Chiropractors use a combination of spinal adjustments, manual therapy, decompression, strengthening, and rehabilitative exercises to help you recover fully from your injuries. With a holistic approach to healing, chiropractic care addresses both immediate and long-term health concerns, allowing you to get back to a pain-free lifestyle.