Bridging the medical-legal gap

FAQs

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Can Dr. Quintero explain my injuries in court if necessary?

Yes. When needed, Dr. Quintero can testify as an expert witness and explain your accident injuries, treatment, diagnostic findings, and medical documentation in a professional and understandable way.

How long does recovery usually take after a car accident injury?

Recovery depends on the injury, your health, diagnostic findings, and treatment consistency. Some patients improve in weeks, while disc injuries, whiplash, nerve symptoms, or severe soft tissue damage may take longer.

What are my Medical Benefits under PIP Law?

The personal injury protection (PIP) law Florida Statute (§627.736(1)), requires every insurance company writing PIP policies to pay the following benefit after an auto accident:

80% of all reasonable expenses for necessary medical, surgical, X-ray, dental and rehabilitation service including prosthetic devices and necessary ambulance, hospital and nursing services. Such benefits shall include necessary remedial treatment and services recognized and permitted under the law of this state for an injured person who relies upon spiritual means through prayer alone for healing, in accordance with his religious beliefs.

Why go to a Chiropractor?

As a matter of fact most doctors are not trained in the detection of these hidden injuries. If you have been in an auto accident you need a doctor who is trained in the biomechanics of the human body, someone who treats these injuries every day. In addition xrays can be taken to find out if there has been any structural damage. In our office we evaluate auto accident victims and make any appropriate referrals to other health care providers if needed.

Our primary responsibility is giving you the care if you need it and submitting the required medical reports to the insurance company and your attorney so your rights are protected.

If you have been in an auto accident recently there are important decisions you have to make and if I were you I would make the decisions very carefully.

What does it mean when a chiropractor serves as an expert witness?

An expert witness explains injuries, treatment, test findings, and long-term effects in clear medical terms. This can help the court understand how a car accident affected the patient’s body.

When are EMG or NCV tests recommended after an accident?

EMG and NCV tests may be recommended when symptoms suggest nerve damage, such as numbness, tingling, weakness, radiating pain, or suspected nerve compression after a motor vehicle accident.

What is Chiropractic Treatment?

The doctor of chiropractic is a specialist in spinal musculoskeletal disorders. He or she is expertly trained to diagnose and treat the many musculoskeletal injuries that may occur in an accident or in your daily life. Upon injury the individual often alters the normal position or flexibility of the spinal vertebrae. Chiropractic treatment is designed to restore normal alignment and thus minimize pain and suffering. Gentle manipulative therapy or “adjustment” is often effective in rapidly returning the injured person to a productive status. The doctor of chiropractic can also provide guidance with advice designed to reduce work-related injuries, proper lifting procedures and therapeutic stretching exercises.

What makes Dr. Quintero’s reports helpful for attorneys?

Her reports clearly describe accident injuries, clinical findings, treatment plans, diagnostic recommendations, and patient progress. This gives attorneys strong medical information to better understand and present the injury case.

Why is medical documentation important after a car accident?

Medical documentation connects your symptoms, exam findings, treatment, and recovery to the accident. Clear records help your doctors, attorney, and insurance company understand the seriousness of your injuries.

How does AAIC help protect both my recovery and my legal case?

AAIC combines accident-focused chiropractic care, detailed medical documentation, diagnostic referrals, attorney coordination, and expert witness support when needed to help protect your physical recovery and injury claim.

What injuries can be hidden after a low-speed collision?

Even low-speed crashes can cause whiplash, sprains, muscle damage, joint irritation, disc injuries, headaches, and nerve symptoms. A proper exam helps identify injuries that may not be obvious immediately.

Can Dr. Quintero communicate directly with my personal injury attorney?

Yes. With patient authorization, Dr. Quintero can coordinate with your personal injury attorney by providing medical records, treatment updates, diagnostic findings, and documentation related to your accident injuries.

What should I bring to my first appointment after a crash?

Bring your photo ID, auto insurance information, accident report if available, attorney information if applicable, prior medical records, imaging results, and a list of symptoms since the crash.

What are Independent Medical Examinations (IME)?

Whenever the physical or mental condition of the insured is “material” to any claim for benefits the insurance company can require the patient to submit to an Independent Medical Examinations (IME).

Unlike cases involving liability insurance, PIP insurance companies select physicians of their choice. It is important to note that the right of the insurance company to obtain such exams is an integral part of the No-Fault Law. Accordingly, the patient/insured’s refusal to submit to a PIP independent medical exam (even when such refusal is on the advise of counsel) may constitute a material breach of the insurance contract. This will release the insurance company from further liability for payment.

How does the Deductible work?

Insurance companies have been permitted to offer an array of optional deductibles. In 1982 the Florida Legislature reduced the optional deductibles amounts to $250.00, $500.00, $1000.00 and $2000.00.

Under Florida Statute §627.739.(1) an individual may elect a deductible on PIP coverage to apply to the individual alone or to the individual (and dependent, relatives residing in the same household). This deductible does not apply to any other person covered under the policy (i.e., passenger who is not a dependent, relative, pedestrian or bicyclist). The amount payable by the insurance company when the PIP policy carries a deductible is computed by multiplying the total medical expenses by 80% and thereafter subtracting the deductible.

How soon should I see a car accident chiropractor after a crash in Florida?

You should be evaluated as soon as possible, even if symptoms feel minor. In Florida, early care helps detect hidden injuries, begin proper treatment, and document your condition within the important post-accident timeframe.

Do I need a referral to visit Airport Accident & Injury Center?

No referral is usually needed. Car accident patients can contact Airport Accident & Injury Center directly to schedule an evaluation, begin treatment, and document injuries after a South Florida crash.

What You Should Know If You Have Been Involved In An Auto Accident?

Some auto accident injuries are hidden and are seldom detected for months or even years. As a result things can occur when an injury is not taken care of properly or the accident victims settle their case with the insurance companies before getting evaluated by a doctor trained in soft tissue injuries. This could be a big mistake. Why? Because you lose the right to have your insurance company pay for treatment if you need it. A good rule of thumb is to be informed of your rights and then make a decision. It is our position that if you were indeed injured you should get the care you need to get back to the way you felt and functioned just before the accident.

It is not the responsibility of the insurance company to pay for anything more than that. They are not responsible for preexisting injuries only the injuries sustained from the accident. Even if you are just sore you should get checked out immediately because you may experience pain, numbness, headaches, muscle stiffness, fatigue, and other problems including arthritis many months down the road. Remember nothing is more important than your health especially when you start to lose it.

When would expert witness testimony be needed in my case?

Expert testimony may be needed when injuries, treatment, diagnosis, or accident-related damages are disputed. In those cases, Dr. Quintero can help explain the medical evidence behind your injury claim.

What are my rights?

  1. Florida is no fault state, no matter who gets the ticket you are entitled to receive treatment.
  2. If the accident is not your fault, insurance companies cannot raise your insurance premium even if you have been treated for injuries.
  3. If you don’t have a legal status in the US you are still entitled to receive a minimum of $10,000.00 for treatment of medical benefits.
  4. Many people don’t know that you have up to 14 days from the date of the accident to pursue medical and chiropractic care. However it is best that you seek care as soon as possible.
    Under the State of Florida Law you are entitled to receive a minimum of $10,000.00 for medical & chiropractic care.

What happens during my first accident injury consultation?

Your first visit includes a detailed accident history, symptom review, orthopedic and neurological testing, range-of-motion evaluation, injury documentation, and treatment or diagnostic recommendations when medically necessary.

How does Medical Payment Coverage work?

Medical Payment Coverage is separate and distinct from PIP benefits whereas the PIP benefits will pay only 80% of the incurred medical expenses. Medical Payment Coverage will pay the remaining 20% of the incurred medical expenses. Should the PIP coverage be exhausted the full $10,000.00 being paid, the medical payment coverage will begin paying 100% of the incurred medical expenses until such coverage is exhausted. Medical pay is optional.  It is like gap insurance for your car.

Can untreated whiplash lead to long-term problems?

Untreated whiplash may lead to chronic neck pain, headaches, stiffness, muscle spasms, reduced mobility, and nerve irritation. Early treatment can help reduce inflammation and support better healing.

How can detailed chiropractic records support my injury claim?

Detailed records document pain levels, examination findings, treatment progress, referrals, and diagnostic needs. In a car accident injury case, this helps show how the crash affected your body and recovery.

Can I receive treatment if I already have an attorney?

Yes. AAIC works with patients who already have personal injury attorneys. With your permission, the office can provide treatment updates, medical records, reports, and documentation needed for your case.