Question 1

How often should I attend physical therapy after an accident?

Accepted Answer

The recommended frequency of physical therapy after an accident depends on the severity of your injuries, but most treatment plans begin with two to three sessions per week during the initial acute phase. This frequency allows your physical therapist to provide consistent hands-on treatment, monitor your progress closely, and adjust your rehabilitation program as your condition evolves. As you improve, the frequency typically decreases to one to two sessions per week during the intermediate phase, and eventually to once per week or biweekly during the maintenance and discharge phase. Your physical therapist will continuously assess your range of motion, strength, pain levels, and functional abilities to determine the optimal treatment frequency. Consistent attendance is critically important for two reasons. Medically, regular sessions produce better outcomes — muscles and joints respond best to consistent, progressive rehabilitation rather than sporadic treatment. Legally, insurance companies closely scrutinize your physical therapy attendance records. Gaps in treatment or missed appointments give adjusters ammunition to argue that your injuries are not serious enough to warrant compensation. Maintaining a consistent treatment schedule demonstrates the ongoing severity of your condition and your commitment to recovery, both of which strengthen your personal injury claim.

Question 2

How long does physical therapy last after an accident?

Accepted Answer

The duration of physical therapy after an accident varies significantly based on the type and severity of your injuries, your overall health, and how consistently you follow your treatment plan. For mild to moderate soft tissue injuries like muscle strains and minor whiplash, physical therapy typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks. Moderate injuries including herniated discs, ligament sprains, and more severe whiplash usually require 8 to 16 weeks of treatment. Severe injuries such as fractures, surgical repairs, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries may require 4 to 12 months or longer of intensive rehabilitation. If surgery is required, physical therapy often begins before the procedure (prehabilitation) and continues for several months afterward to restore strength, flexibility, and function. Your physical therapist will establish measurable goals at the beginning of treatment and track your progress toward those goals throughout the program. Discharge from physical therapy occurs when you have achieved maximum medical improvement — the point at which further treatment is unlikely to produce additional recovery. This determination is important for your legal case because it establishes the permanent impact of your injuries, which directly affects the value of your pain and suffering damages.

Question 3

What does 'treatment on lien' mean?

Accepted Answer

Treatment on lien is a financial arrangement commonly used in personal injury cases where a medical provider agrees to treat you now and defer payment until your case settles. Instead of billing you directly or your health insurance, the provider places a medical lien on your personal injury claim, which means their fees will be paid out of your eventual settlement or verdict. This arrangement is particularly valuable for accident victims because it removes the financial barrier to receiving necessary medical care — you pay nothing out of pocket and incur no debt during treatment. The provider assumes the risk that your case will resolve successfully. Treatment on lien is available through many specialists in our network, including chiropractors, orthopedic surgeons, pain management doctors, physical therapists, and diagnostic imaging centers. Your attorney coordinates with these providers to ensure that all liens are properly documented and accounted for when your case settles.

Question 4

Can I see my own doctor for accident injuries?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you absolutely have the right to see your own doctor for accident-related injuries, and we encourage you to seek care from any provider you trust. However, there are important advantages to also consulting with specialists who focus specifically on accident and injury cases. These providers are experienced in thoroughly documenting injuries in a way that supports your legal claim — they understand what insurance companies and courts look for when evaluating medical evidence. They use specific diagnostic language, order appropriate imaging studies, and create detailed treatment plans that clearly connect your injuries to the accident. General practitioners, while excellent for routine care, may not document injuries with the same level of legal specificity. Many of our clients see both their regular doctor and an accident injury specialist to ensure comprehensive care and strong case documentation. Our network providers also frequently offer treatment on lien, eliminating out-of-pocket costs during your recovery.

Question 5

What if I don't have health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Lack of health insurance should never prevent you from receiving medical treatment after an accident. Many of the medical providers in our network offer treatment on lien, which means they provide care now and collect payment from your personal injury settlement later — you pay nothing out of pocket during treatment. This arrangement is specifically designed for accident victims and is widely used in personal injury cases across New York and New Jersey. Beyond lien-based treatment, there are additional options available to uninsured accident victims. If your accident involved a motor vehicle in New York, your own auto insurance policy includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or no-fault benefits that cover up to $50,000 in medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. Emergency rooms are also required to treat you regardless of insurance status. Our team can help you navigate these options and connect you with providers who will ensure you receive the care you need without financial stress.

Question 6

How soon should I see a doctor after an accident?

Accepted Answer

Medical professionals and personal injury attorneys alike recommend seeing a doctor within 72 hours of any accident, even if you feel perfectly fine. There are two critical reasons for this. First, from a health perspective, many serious injuries — including concussions, internal bleeding, herniated discs, and soft tissue damage — may not produce noticeable symptoms for hours or days after the initial trauma. The body's adrenaline and stress response can mask pain signals, creating a false sense of wellbeing. Early medical evaluation can detect these hidden injuries before they worsen into more serious conditions. Second, from a legal perspective, insurance companies routinely use gaps in medical treatment to argue that your injuries are not serious or were not caused by the accident. A medical record created within 72 hours establishes a clear, documented link between the accident and your injuries. Delaying treatment gives insurance adjusters ammunition to reduce or deny your claim entirely.

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