I Was in a Car Accident—What Now?

A car accident disrupts your life in an instant. While the immediate focus often goes to the car—getting it towed, talking to adjusters, and arranging a rental—there is another priority that is frequently overlooked: you.

If you have been involved in an accident in Oregon, it is important to know that you are in the driver’s seat of your own recovery. You do not have to wait for instructions from your insurance company, and you certainly don't have to navigate the recovery process alone.

Seeking Care: Who Can Treat You?

If you are injured, you have the right to seek care from any primary healthcare provider of your choice, including an MD, a DO, or a DC (Doctor of Chiropractic). As a musculoskeletal specialist, a chiropractor is uniquely qualified to not only assess and diagnose your injuries but also perform the hands-on treatment necessary to help you recover. You do not need a referral to seek the care you need to feel like yourself again.

The Facts About Oregon PIP Coverage

Oregon law requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on all auto policies. Here are the facts your insurance company might not volunteer:

• The "At-Fault" Factor: Your PIP coverage applies whether you were at fault or not.

• Who is Covered: Coverage extends to you, your passengers, and even applies if you were in someone else’s vehicle or involved in a hit-and-run accident.

• Duration and Limits: In Oregon, PIP typically covers medical expenses for up to two years from the date of the accident, with a minimum benefit limit of $15,000.

• Flexibility: You have the ability to utilize these benefits to work with the providers you trust. Your insurance company’s goal is often to mitigate their own losses and close claims quickly; your goal should be to return to your pre-injury status

Take Control of Your Recovery

The most important takeaway is this: You are the one in charge. Do not let the stress of vehicle repairs overshadow your physical health. When you are injured, the body needs time and proper treatment to heal correctly. If you try to "tough it out," you may find that minor aches become chronic issues that affect your long-term mobility and quality of life. It’s easy to assume that 'just a little stiffness' will go away on its own. However, clinical data indicates that for many, untreated whiplash can lead to chronic pain and long-term mobility issues that last for months or even years. And, studies have shown that permanent medical impairment after a crash is a very real risk, especially when injuries are not addressed immediately. By seeking care early, you are not just treating pain; you are proactively preventing the progression toward long-term dysfunction.

How We Help

At JT Health Services, we handle the administrative burden so you can focus on healing. We specialize in documenting your injuries, managing the necessary paperwork, and billing the PIP coverage directly.

You have been through enough disruption already. Our office is here to help you get back to the life you lived before the accident. If you’ve been injured, don't wait for your insurance company to tell you what to do—take the first step toward your recovery today.