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Can Holistic Treatment Be Included in a Car Crash Claim?

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
acupunctureHolistic medicine is an alternative to traditional medical treatments or medications. Some people seek this form of treatment after an accident, either as a supplement to traditional treatment or a more effective alternative. Either way, you may be wondering whether you can recover the cost of these treatments in your accident claim. If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation for all your damages. Our Sacramento auto accident attorneys can discuss this during a free legal consultation. If we validate your claim, we do not charge you anything while we work on your case. There are no fees until we recover compensation for you. Below, we discuss holistic medicine and how choosing this form of treatment can affect your claim.

What Type of Holistic Medicine May Treat Car Crash Injuries?

Also known as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), holistic medicine encompasses a wide range of treatments. Some of the most common alternative treatments for car accident injuries include:
  • Chiropractic care
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Cupping
Alternative medicines like herbal supplements may also help injury victims reduce their pain. For example, turmeric supplements are believed to help reduce inflammation. There are also some activities that may help an accident victim during his or her recovery process. Yoga, tai chi or qigong can help strengthen weak muscles, for example. All these treatments and supplements cost money though.

Can I File a Claim to Cover the Costs of Holistic Medicine?

Any damages you suffer due to someone else’s negligence should be compensated during a crash claim. This may include holistic medical treatments or medicine you receive. However, accident victims typically only recover compensation for treatment from licensed medical professionals. That is why you should discuss this issue with an experienced attorney. There are two ways you may be able to pursue compensation for holistic/alternative treatment. You can either file a first or third-party insurance claim for your damages. California is an at-fault state. That means accident victims must file a third-party claim with the liability insurance of the driver who caused the collision. You may only file a first-party insurance claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, this does not kick in unless the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover your damages or has no insurance. Unfortunately, the insurance company is likely to push back on your claim for holistic medical treatment.

How Can I Prove My Holistic Medicine Expenses Are Legitimate?

Proving any medical expenses are legitimate can be difficult, especially on your own. However, there are some steps you can take to help strengthen your case. The insurance company does not have the right to dictate the type of treatment you receive. Especially if your doctor is recommending something like acupuncture as a supplemental treatment. You can also legitimize the need for the treatment by keeping an injury journal. In this journal you can document your pain level throughout treatment. This may help establish a timeline proving things like acupuncture and chiropractic care are helping you. Notes from your treating doctors can also help. If he or she sees the holistic route is beneficial, it may be more difficult for the insurance company to argue against the doctors who are seeing your progress.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Holistic Treatments?

It is important to note that you should not forego traditional medicine for holistic medicine. It may be a good idea to do both. This can help strengthen the validity of your claim. This shows you are dedicated to your treatment, making it harder for the insurance company to deny compensation. For many people holistic treatments may work better than things like surgery. Even if the holistic medicine does not work, this may benefit you. You may realize you have exhausted all your non-surgical options. This might ease your mind about getting the surgery you need, even if you previously hesitated.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Choosing Holistic Medicine?

The main drawback of choosing holistic medicine over traditional medicine is the reaction from the insurance company. They will try and argue you are not taking the appropriate steps to better your condition. They will argue you are filing the claim to make money. If your case makes it to court, it may be harder to convince a jury of your injuries if you forego traditional medicine.

Call a Knowledgeable Attorney Today

If you are unsure about what you can include in your claim for compensation, call our knowledgeable attorneys today. You have the right to seek compensation for all your damages, this includes medical expenses for the treatment that helps you feel better. We offer a free consultation to discuss your claim. There are also no upfront fees if you choose to work with us.

Call 916-777-7777 to learn more.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.