A motor vehicle accident can be traumatic and is always unexpected. The injuries sustained can sometimes be delayed; you may feel fine the next day but sometimes within 7-10 days you may start experiencing muscle pain and stiffness. This is not uncommon. There are specific types of injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents, and consulting a trained physiotherapist immediately can prevent these treatable ailments from becoming lifelong disabilities.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to report the accident to your insurance company (within 10 days or as soon as possible) to allow the insurance company to start a claim for you and provide coverage of physiotherapy treatment.
What to do if you are involved in a car accident?
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and have sustained any injury you must:
- 1. Report your accident and any injuries to your insurance company.
- 2. Next, you should see a primary health practitioner (Physiotherapist or Family Physician) for an initial assessment and initial treatment.
Physiotherapy treatment is dependent on your initial diagnosis, and may be accessed through either Diagnostic & Treatment Protocols or Section B Protocols.
a) Diagnostic & Treatment Protocol
If you are diagnosed with Whiplash or another soft tissue injury such as sprain or strain, your treatments can be claimed under the Diagnostic & Treatment Protocols.
You will need to complete a Notice of Loss & Proof of Claim form (AB-1) and return it to your insurance company within 10 days or as soon as possible from the date of your accident. If you have Whiplash injury (WAD II), you will be given up to 21 treatments by your insurance company. These treatments must be completed within 90 days following the date of your accident. If you are not fully recovered upon completing the 21 visits, medically necessary extension will be possible upon approval by your insurance company under the Section B protocol. (Please see below for explanation)
“Bring in your information and our knowledgable staff can help you complete your insurance claim forms”
b) Section B Protocols
If you are diagnosed with any other injuries other than a soft tissue injury, such as bone fracture or disc herniation with nerve impingement, or if you choose not to access the accident benefits described as the “Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols” your treatments will be claimed under Section B.
You will need to complete a Notice of Loss & Proof of Claim form (AB-1) and return it to your insurance company within 30 days from the date of your accident.
If you have any extended health benefits coverage, you will be required to exhaust them prior to accessing coverage under Section B.
Based on your WAD classification, you have access to a pre-approved number of treatment sessions that are billed directly to the insurance company. On your first visit, upon a thorough physiotherapy assessment your physiotherapist will determine your WAD classification ( WAD I, WAD II, WAD III or WAD IV) and/or severity of other soft tissue sprain/strain (1st degree, 2nd degree or 3rd degree) and the number of treatment will be granted accordingly.
Common Whiplash Symptoms
The following are some of the common Whiplash Symptoms:
- Pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Numbness and tingling
- Decreased neck and upper back flexibility
- Difficulty looking up and reaching for home/work activities
Patient Responsibilities
Having an early assessment and treatment will make it possible for a faster and better recovery. Also, earlier intervention enables your insurance claim to be processed promptly and easily. It is strongly recommended to have your Physiotherapy initial assessment within 10 days of your motor vehicle accident or as soon as possible. You are responsible to attend the regular appointments as recommended by your Physiotherapist.
Program Components
- 1. Education & Advice: Level of activity, sleeping and resting positions, home program, referral to physician (if indicated), etc.
- 2. Early Mobilisation: Simple ROM, stretching and strengthening exercises.
- 3. Manual Therapy: Manual stretching, soft tissue and joint mobilisations, manipulations, etc.
- 4. Modalities: Ultrasound, ice/heat, electrical agents( TENS, IFC, EMS), laser, etc.
- 5. Medical acupuncture and intermuscular stimulation (IMS)
- 6. Exercise program and /or activities training as needed
Payment for Physiotherapy Treatment
• Direct billing to your automobile insurance company
For more information on Motor Vehicle Accident injury claims please give us a call at 403-272-9628