How Long Does Physical Therapy Last After a Car Accident?

Physical therapy is often a crucial part of recovery for various types of injuries sustained in a car accident. Here are some common injuries that may require physical therapy:

• Whiplash: This injury occurs due to the rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, typical in rear-end collisions. Physical therapy for whiplash may include exercises to strengthen the neck, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
• Back injuries: Back strains, sprains, and herniated discs are common in car accidents. Physical therapy can help restore back function, strengthen back muscles, and alleviate pain.
• Soft tissue injuries: Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can benefit from physical therapy. Therapy aims to reduce swelling, increase flexibility, and strengthen the injured area.
• Fractures: Depending on the location and severity of a fracture, physical therapy can be useful in the recovery process. Therapy often focuses on regaining strength, mobility, and function in the affected area.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): In cases of mild TBI or concussions, physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms such as dizziness, balance problems, and headaches.
• Spinal cord injuries: If the spinal cord is injured, physical therapy plays a vital role in rehabilitation. The therapy focuses on enhancing muscle function, improving mobility, and teaching adaptive techniques for daily activities.
• Post-surgical rehabilitation: If surgery is required to address injuries from a car accident, physical therapy is often needed post-surgery to aid in recovery and restore function.

How long does physical therapy take?

The duration of physical therapy after a car accident varies greatly depending on several factors. The severity of injuries, particularly common ones like neck and back pain, plays a significant role. Your overall health, age, and the body’s response to therapy also influence the timeline.

Physical therapy is highly personalized based on your specific situation. You may see improvements within a few weeks, but complete recovery can take months or even longer.

A physical therapy session typically ranges from 30 to 60 minutes, but this can vary. Each session is designed to target specific areas affected by your car accident. This may include alleviating neck pain or improving back mobility.

Therapists use a mix of exercises, manual therapy, and sometimes modalities such as heat or cold therapy. The focus is on reducing pain, improving function, and facilitating recovery.

What is the impact of neck and back pain on therapy duration?

Neck and back pain are common complaints following a car accident and can significantly influence the duration of physical therapy. These types of injuries can range from mild strains to more severe conditions such as herniated discs. 

The complexity and severity of the injury directly impact how long therapy will be needed. Consistent therapy sessions and adherence to prescribed home exercises can effectively reduce recovery time.

Physical therapy often plays a crucial role in car accident settlements. The duration and extent of therapy needed can significantly impact the settlement amount, as ongoing medical expenses are a key factor in determining compensation. It's essential to document all therapy sessions and progress reports as they provide evidence of the injury’s impact your life.

Do I have to pay for physical therapy after a car accident?

If you were involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for physical therapy out of your own pocket. You’re typically eligible for compensation through a personal injury claim. This allows you to recover damages from the other driver’s insurance company.

However, the process can be highly complex. Insurance companies are known for using tactics to reduce their payout. That includes downplaying the extent of your injuries. In many cases, they’ll offer a quick lowball settlement to close the case out. If you accept it, then you won’t be able to pursue additional damages.

That’s why it’s best to let an experienced car accident lawyer handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies. They can investigate your crash, present evidence that supports your claim, and negotiate for compensation that covers all of your damages.

What if the other driver is uninsured?

If the other driver is uninsured, you won’t be able to pursue damages from a 3rd party insurance company. However, you’re not out of options.

Many states require all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which pays for your damages if you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured driver. It also applies to hit-and-run crashes where the other driver is never identified. UM is also optional in many states, but it’s highly recommended.

If you don’t have UM, you could use your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy if you live in a no-fault state. This allows you to recover damages, regardless of who is at fault. Otherwise, you can use your health insurance policy to cover a portion of the cost of physical therapy.

Medicare Part B covers outpatient physical therapy, including after a car accident. However, the coverage is subject to certain limitations and might require a co-payment. The number of sessions covered depends on the medical necessity and the specific plan details.

If you need physical therapy, consider consulting with a Medicare provider to understand their coverage limits and any out-of-pocket costs.

What if I was partially at fault for my car accident?

If you were partially at fault, you can still recover some damages. However, it will likely be reduced by the percentage of fault you contributed. Most at-fault states use the comparative negligence rule, which allocates fault between two or more drivers involved in a crash.

Pure comparative negligence allows you to recover damages, even if you’re 99% at fault. However, your compensation would be reduced by 99% in that case. Some states use the modified comparative negligence (50% or 51%) rule. You can recover damages if you’re less than 50% or 51% at fault, but your compensation would still be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Pursuing a successful car accident claim often requires the help of an experienced attorney. Sure, you could pursue a claim on your own, but insurance companies often take advantage of injured motorists. A Law.com Premier Attorney will advise on your rights and actions you should take throughout the course of your claim.

Plus, they’ll launch a thorough investigation into your car accident and gather strong evidence to build your case. An attorney will also not accept a lowball settlement from insurance companies. They’ll fight to ensure that you receive every dollar owed to you.

Don’t worry about the cost of hiring an attorney. Premier Car Accident Lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis and don’t charge any upfront fees for their services. In fact, you don’t pay unless they successfully recover damages on your behalf. To get started, contact a Premier Lawyer near you and set up your free consultation.