Location: Florida
Hey everyone, I could really use some advice because I’m getting mixed signals.
I was recently rear-ended in a car accident (other driver at fault), and I’m currently going through their insurance. I ended up with whiplash and some back/neck pain. So far, they offered me around $2,000 for pain and suffering and mentioned up to about $15k for medical (but said that was just an initial number and could go higher after treatment).
I went to a chiropractor/accident injury clinic, and they had me sign paperwork. After I signed, they told me they work with an attorney. That caught me off guard because I told them I wasn’t using one and was going through insurance directly.
The chiropractor (chiro doctor) told me that:
- A lot of patients get attorneys because bills can go over $15k
- Treatment can go up to $20k+
- Attorneys can negotiate bills down and get a bigger settlement
The attorney they work with has now called me and said:
- They can get me more money than the insurance offer
- They’ll negotiate the medical bills down (like cutting them in half)
- They take a percentage (I believe around 33–35%)
Right now:
- My pain is around a 3–4/10 (back and neck from whiplash)
- I already started chiropractic treatment (they mentioned a 3-phase plan over a few months)
- They want me to get an MRI soon
- Insurance told me their initial numbers are NOT final and could increase after treatment
My concerns:
- I don’t want all the settlement money eaten up by medical bills + attorney fees
- I also don’t want to leave money on the table if a lawyer actually makes a big difference
- The lawyer seems kind of pushy (called me again today asking if I’m ready to proceed—I told him I’d call tomorrow)
So my questions:
- Is it worth getting a lawyer in a situation like this?
- Can I realistically negotiate this myself and come out better?
- Are chiropractor clinics + attorneys working together a red flag?
- Should I continue chiropractic care or switch to physical therapy?
Any advice or similar experiences would help a lot. I’m trying to make the smartest decision financially and medically.
Thanks in advance.