The following is the English version of an article written by Dr. Esther Cheng of our Bellevue Back and Neck Pain Centers clinic for the Seattle Chinese Times:
The original article can be found here:
http://www.seattlechinesetimes.com/2009-09-02-04-33-29/e/16-e/5735-back-and-neck-pain-centers-column
How many of you know about Whiplash?
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you probably know that you need to call your insurance company. Maybe you got advice from your family, friends or colleagues to go find an attorney. But not many people will tell you that you need to get physcial and spinal examination by a Doctor of Chiropractic immediately.
According to statistical studies, whiplash is the most common injury associated with motor vehicle accidents. It occurs in up to 83% of those involved in collisions and is a common cause of chronic disability. Whiplash can also lead to physical, mental and functional disorders such as early degenerative joint disease, migraines, headaches, loss of memory, decrease immune system function, hormonal disorders, sleep disorders and depression. Therefore, it is very important to get an appropriate assessment and treatment in the early stages of injury from a motor vehicle accident. The Quebec Task Force (QTF) on Whiplash Associated Disorders defines whiplash as "bony or soft tissue injuries" resulting "from rear-end or side impact, predominately in motor vehicle accidents and other mishaps."
Whiplash injuries can be challenging to treat for a wide variety of reasons. Complex interactions of the psychosocial, legal and physical factore make effective treatment highly variable. However, there are many therapeutic options available to help whiplash related injuries. According to a study from the Spine Journal shows that the highest proportion of early (asymptomatic status) recovery was found in chiropractic manipulation (27.3%) followed by acupuncture (9.4%) and medication (5%). (Spine Journal published July 15, 2003; 28 (14): 1490-1520)
If you have any questions about whiplash or if you have been injured in an auto accident and would like a free consultation please contact us at any of our four convenient Seattle locations.
Seattle - Chinatown Office
608 8th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98104
Tel: (206) 233-0818
Fax: (206) 292-9340
Skyway - Renton Office
12419 Renton Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98178
Tel: (206) 772-0088
Fax: (206) 772-5420
Bellevue Office
14862 SE Lake Hills Blvd.
Bellevue, WA 98007
Tel: (425) 649-9335
Fax: (425) 649-0256
Renton-Kent Office
500 SW 39th St, Suite 150
Renton, WA 98057
Tel: (425) 264-2590
Fax: (425) 264-2591
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Common Mistakes After An Auto Accident
After an auto accident many people forget to take the right steps in order to protect themselves. Lets face it, your senses are on overdrive, adrenaline is pumping and you may even be hurt, so it's easy to forget what to do. Here are some common mistakes that occur after an accident that can cost you in the long run.
#1. Forgetting to report the accident.
Regardless of who was at fault or the amount of damage that occurred, all accidents should be reported. If you call the police and the officer fails to show up, report the accident to the police department within 24 hours. This is common when there is a low impact, low damage collision, but severe injury and costly damage can occur in accidents at less than 10mph. Always get a police report of the accident.
#2. Forgetting to get the other driver's information.
Always get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance information and license plate. If the other driver refuses to give you this information or is attempting to leave the scene of the accident, write down their license plate information and a description of their vehicle. Never leave the scene of an accident without exchanging information.
#3. Failing to document the scene of the accident.
Take pictures of the scene of the accident and any damage that occurs even if it's just a cell phone picture. If there are witnesses present, write down their contact information. If you are injured take pictures and document all injuries.
#4. Giving signed statements or talking with the other party's insurance company.
Any information, signed or given over the phone, can be used against you. Before talking with anyone it is in your best interest to at least consult with an attorney. Many personal injury attorneys will give you a free consultation which will help you to determine the best way to proceed.
#5. Failing to get you or your car checked out by a specialist.
Just because we can't see the damage doesn't mean that it is not there. Cars are designed absorb and transfer energy, which means that the damage to your car is not always visible. Make sure to get your vehicle checked out by a certified auto collision specialist.
The same goes for your body. Just because you are not in pain, does not mean you were not injured. After an accident your body releases a rush of adrenaline and endorphins which act like natural pain killers. These endorphins can remain in the blood stream from a few hours to a few days. Many people who are injured in an accident will not experience symptoms until a few days to a few weeks after the accident. Just like your car, there may not be visible damage but injury can occur internally. It is always important to be seen by an auto accident specialist.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at any of our four locations.
Seattle - Chinatown Office
608 8th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98104
Tel: (206) 233-0818
Fax: (206) 292-9340
Skyway - Renton Office
12419 Renton Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98178
Tel: (206) 772-0088
Fax: (206) 772-5420
Bellevue Office
14862 SE Lake Hills Blvd.
Bellevue, WA 98007
Tel: (425) 649-9335
Fax: (425) 649-0256
Renton-Kent Office
500 SW 39th St, Suite 150
Renton, WA 98057
Tel: (425) 264-2590
Fax: (425) 264-2591
#1. Forgetting to report the accident.
Regardless of who was at fault or the amount of damage that occurred, all accidents should be reported. If you call the police and the officer fails to show up, report the accident to the police department within 24 hours. This is common when there is a low impact, low damage collision, but severe injury and costly damage can occur in accidents at less than 10mph. Always get a police report of the accident.
#2. Forgetting to get the other driver's information.
Always get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance information and license plate. If the other driver refuses to give you this information or is attempting to leave the scene of the accident, write down their license plate information and a description of their vehicle. Never leave the scene of an accident without exchanging information.
#3. Failing to document the scene of the accident.
Take pictures of the scene of the accident and any damage that occurs even if it's just a cell phone picture. If there are witnesses present, write down their contact information. If you are injured take pictures and document all injuries.
#4. Giving signed statements or talking with the other party's insurance company.
Any information, signed or given over the phone, can be used against you. Before talking with anyone it is in your best interest to at least consult with an attorney. Many personal injury attorneys will give you a free consultation which will help you to determine the best way to proceed.
#5. Failing to get you or your car checked out by a specialist.
Just because we can't see the damage doesn't mean that it is not there. Cars are designed absorb and transfer energy, which means that the damage to your car is not always visible. Make sure to get your vehicle checked out by a certified auto collision specialist.
The same goes for your body. Just because you are not in pain, does not mean you were not injured. After an accident your body releases a rush of adrenaline and endorphins which act like natural pain killers. These endorphins can remain in the blood stream from a few hours to a few days. Many people who are injured in an accident will not experience symptoms until a few days to a few weeks after the accident. Just like your car, there may not be visible damage but injury can occur internally. It is always important to be seen by an auto accident specialist.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at any of our four locations.
Seattle - Chinatown Office
608 8th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98104
Tel: (206) 233-0818
Fax: (206) 292-9340
Skyway - Renton Office
12419 Renton Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98178
Tel: (206) 772-0088
Fax: (206) 772-5420
Bellevue Office
14862 SE Lake Hills Blvd.
Bellevue, WA 98007
Tel: (425) 649-9335
Fax: (425) 649-0256
Renton-Kent Office
500 SW 39th St, Suite 150
Renton, WA 98057
Tel: (425) 264-2590
Fax: (425) 264-2591
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Did you know?
Auto Accident facts and statistics.
- There are over 6 million auto accidents each year.
- There are over 3 million injuries related to auto accidents each year.
- Over 2 million of the injuries that occur due to an auto accident are permanent.
- 40% of auto accident fatalities are due to alcohol.
- 30% of auto accident fatalities are due to excessive speed
- Only 68% of adult drivers use a seat belt, despite it being highly successful at prevention of injury and death.
- In 5 years 1 in 4 drivers will be involved in an accident.
- Americans between the ages of 1-37 years old are more likely to die from an auto accident than from any other cause.
- Good News: The number of fatalities in general has steadily declined since the 70's. Also the number of fatalities in children under 7 years old has dropped due to better education on safety and child safety seats.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Car Damage vs. Injury
It has been a wide held belief that the amount of damage that occurs in a motor vehicle collision (MVC) directly correlates to the severity of injury that can be sustained by an occupant of the vehicle. In other words, if the crash was a low speed crash that didn't result in much visible damage to the car, the occupant could not suffer much injury, or if the damage to the car was significant, then significant injury could occur.
Unfortunately this belief gains wide acceptance from many professionals including medical professionals but more importantly insurance company claim adjuster and it is a claim that has very little basis in fact.
First of all, vehicle standards have determined how much impact a vehicle should be able to sustain and absorb by the use of bumpers. Many people mistakenly think that the bumper is used to limit the amount of force that occurs in an MVC and therefore protects the passengers. This is not the case. According to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards the purpose of the bumper is to be a special designed shock absorber that are designed to reduce the amount of property damage to the vehicle in the case of a MVC. Studies have shown that bumpers do not appreciably reduce the incident of injuries in MVC.
In 2005 Dr. Arther C. Croft conducted and published a study called "Correlating Crash Severity with Injury Risk, Injury Severity, and Long-term Symptoms in Low Velocity Motor Vehicle Collisions" which showed that there was very limited correlation between crash severity and injury claims.
If you were involved in an auto accident, it's important to get an examination performed regardless of the amount of damage that occurred with the vehicle. It's also recommended to consult with an attorney that handles personal injury claims to protect your rights.
Unfortunately this belief gains wide acceptance from many professionals including medical professionals but more importantly insurance company claim adjuster and it is a claim that has very little basis in fact.
First of all, vehicle standards have determined how much impact a vehicle should be able to sustain and absorb by the use of bumpers. Many people mistakenly think that the bumper is used to limit the amount of force that occurs in an MVC and therefore protects the passengers. This is not the case. According to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards the purpose of the bumper is to be a special designed shock absorber that are designed to reduce the amount of property damage to the vehicle in the case of a MVC. Studies have shown that bumpers do not appreciably reduce the incident of injuries in MVC.
In 2005 Dr. Arther C. Croft conducted and published a study called "Correlating Crash Severity with Injury Risk, Injury Severity, and Long-term Symptoms in Low Velocity Motor Vehicle Collisions" which showed that there was very limited correlation between crash severity and injury claims.
If you were involved in an auto accident, it's important to get an examination performed regardless of the amount of damage that occurred with the vehicle. It's also recommended to consult with an attorney that handles personal injury claims to protect your rights.
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