Getting hurt in a car accident is scary enough. Then you find out you need months of physical therapy, and suddenly you’re wondering who’s going to pay for all this treatment.
The truth is, most people settle for far less than they deserve when negotiating a settlement. They don’t realize that car accident physical therapy settlement costs can add up to thousands of dollars, and insurance companies know this. They’re counting on you to accept their first offer without understanding the full scope of your recovery needs.
The Insurance Company’s Playbook
Insurance adjusters have one job: pay out as little as possible. They know most people want to settle quickly and move on with their lives. They’ll throw out a number that seems reasonable at first glance – maybe enough to cover what you’ve already spent on doctor visits and initial treatment. But here’s the thing: they’re not thinking about the physical therapy you’ll need for the next six months. When it comes to your car accident physical therapy settlement, they’re betting you won’t realize how much treatment you actually need.
Most people make the mistake of focusing on what they can see right now. Your back hurts, you’ve been to the doctor, and you have some outstanding bills. The insurance company offers to pay those bills plus a little extra for your trouble. Sounds fair, right?
But once you sign that paperwork and cash that check, you’re done. Finished. Even if you discover later that you need way more treatment than anyone expected. The insurance folks are betting you don’t know this. And honestly, why would you? Most people have never been through this before. This is exactly why many people end up calling an Alaska personal injury lawyer after they realize they’ve been shortchanged – but by then it’s often too late.
What Makes a Strong Physical Therapy Settlement
Keeping detailed records of all costs, including travel expenses to appointments, and any equipment you need to purchase. Having your doctor clearly explain how the accident caused your injuries and why physical therapy is necessary for your recovery.
The Real Cost of Settling Too Early
So you’re three months into physical therapy, thinking you’re almost done. Then your therapist starts noticing something weird with how your shoulder moves. Turns out there’s damage that didn’t show up in those first X-rays.
This happens more than you’d think. Sometimes the body compensates for injuries in ways that mask other problems. Your shoulder feels okay because your back muscles are working overtime to make up for it. But after weeks of therapy, those compensation patterns break down, and suddenly you’re dealing with issues nobody saw coming.
Now you need a different kind of specialist. Maybe an orthopedic surgeon wants to take a look. Perhaps you need an MRI that costs $2,000. The bills start piling up again, except this time there’s no insurance settlement coming to help pay for it.
If you’ve already settled your case, you’re stuck paying for this additional care out of your own pocket. This is why many accident victims end up in financial trouble months after they thought their case was closed.
When to Consider Legal Help
Maybe you’re thinking you can handle this yourself. Sometimes that works, but consider this: an Alaska personal injury lawyer who deals with these cases regularly knows exactly what questions to ask and what documentation to demand. They understand the tactics insurance companies use and can spot when an offer is too low. More importantly, they can help you understand the full scope of your damages before you agree to anything.
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