Who Pays for Physical Therapy After a Car Accident?

Being involved and injured in a car accident can be a life-changing event. The traumatic shock alone from the accident can lead to physical as well as emotional trauma. Ideally, the person involved in the accident should let his/her insurance company handles all aspects of claiming and recuperating any due compensation. This will include money for your physical injuries as well as damage to your vehicle. In addition to expenses for your medical, you will need to get compensation for pain, suffering and lost wages.

If you have to go through alternative therapies such as chiropractic and physical therapy, you will also want to be compensated for those expenses. Ideally, you will not have to spend a penny out of pocket for medical expenses.

Who Is Responsible for Your Physical Therapy Expenses in a Car Accident?

If you have got injuries in a car accident, there is a good chance you may have to consult a physical therapist to enhance your recovery. Your insurance company will help you pinpoint the party responsible for paying for the therapy. Simply put, if the car accident is deemed as your fault, your insurance company may pay for the physiotherapy up to a certain amount. This limit will be determined by the exact insurance policy you have. 

If the other driver is at fault, then their insurance company will cover your physiotherapy expenses. Oftentimes, there is an expense limit in place, such as up to $30,000. If your therapy expenses exceed this limit, this doesn’t mean the insurance company or at-fault party is not going to cover more. In addition to medical expenses, the other person’s insurance company will likely offer you some type of low-ball settlement. You should talk to an auto accident lawyer before accepting the settlement.

The lawyer can help you evaluate if the settlement is reasonable. He may speak with the company and get you a reasonable settlement that can be two to three times as much as the initial settlement offer. 

If you are not at fault and the other party does not have car insurance, your insurance company still may provide medical coverage to a certain extent. Beyond that amount, you can sue the at-fault party to cover your additional expenses.

How Do I Recover Physical Therapy Expenses From an Accident?

The best way to claim your physical therapy expenses is through the at-fault party’s insurance. His company may try to offer you a settlement amount. Have a car accident lawyer speak with the insurance companies and make sure you get as much money as possible to pay for the injury, lost wages, and physical therapy expenses.

How to Prove Your Expense?

No matter who is at fault, you will have to prove your physical therapy as well as other medical expenses in order to claim coverage for them.

Many times, your physiotherapist will bill the insurance company directly. If this is not the case, you will need to provide the doctor notes detailing if you need therapy following a car accident and receipts that outline the services rendered.