If you've been hurt in a car accident, we can usually see you within [24–48 hours], with no out-of-pocket cost up front in most cases. We handle the paperwork, coordinate with your insurance or attorney, and arrange imaging or specialist referrals when you need them.
With 25+ years of practice and more than 1,000 medical-legal case reviews, Dr. Plate understands both the treatment and the documentation auto injury cases require.
Injuries such as whiplash, neck and back sprains, and headaches often don't cause pain right away. Symptoms can appear hours or days later. A prompt exam documents your injuries and starts care before problems become long-lasting.
Get emergency care first if you have severe pain, numbness, head injury, or trouble breathing. Call 911 or go to the ER.
Get a crash report and the other driver's insurance information.
Notify your own insurance company of the accident.
Schedule an exam as soon as possible, even if you feel fine.
Keep your records: photos, receipts, missed-work dates, and how your injuries affect daily life.
Follow your treatment plan. Gaps in care can slow your recovery and may affect your claim.
Texas is an "at-fault" state: the driver who caused the accident is responsible for injury costs. Because the other driver's insurer usually pays only when the case settles, care is often paid through other coverage first. Our team checks each option for you.
| Coverage | Whose Policy | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Yours | Pays medical bills and lost wages no matter who was at fault. Texas policies include at least $2,500 unless you declined it in writing. |
| Medical Payments (MedPay) | Yours | Optional coverage for medical bills regardless of fault. |
| Bodily Injury Liability | The at-fault driver's | Pays your injury costs, usually as part of a settlement at the end of your case. |
| Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) | Yours | Covers your costs when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. |
| Health Insurance | Yours | Can be used for care; your plan may seek repayment from a settlement. |
| Letter of Protection | Through your attorney | Your attorney agrees we are paid from the settlement, so you pay nothing up front. |
Using your own PIP or MedPay coverage for a not-at-fault accident generally should not raise your premium. Ask your insurance agent if you are unsure.
You do not need an attorney to receive care here. If you have one, or decide to hire one, we work directly with their office so you can focus on getting better.
We do not give legal advice or refer patients to specific law firms. Questions about your claim, fault, or settlement should go to your attorney or insurance company.
Some injuries need more than chiropractic care. When your exam shows the need, we coordinate referrals to trusted local providers who work with auto injury cases, often on a letter of protection. We send your records ahead, and their reports come back to us so your care stays in one plan.
Common referrals include:
You are always free to choose your own providers.
Will I have to pay anything out of pocket?
In most cases, no. Care is usually covered through PIP, MedPay, health insurance, or a letter of protection. We review your options before treatment begins.
Will I have to pay anything out of pocket?
In most cases, no. Care is usually covered through PIP, MedPay, health insurance, or a letter of protection. We review your options before treatment begins.
The accident wasn't my fault. Do I still use my own insurance?
Often, yes. Your PIP and MedPay pay right away, while the at-fault driver's insurance usually pays at the end of the case.
I feel fine. Should I still get checked?
Yes. Many accident injuries take hours or days to appear, and an early exam documents your condition.
How long will treatment last?
It depends on your injuries. We re-examine you regularly and adjust your plan as you improve.
Can you see me if I was a passenger, pedestrian, or on a motorcycle?
Yes. Coverage options may differ, and we'll help sort them out.
Is there a deadline?
Texas has time limits for injury claims. Talk to your attorney or insurer about the deadlines that apply to you.
Hurt in an accident? Call today.
Call (972) 332-8550 or Request an Appointment. Bring your crash report or claim number, your auto and health insurance cards, a photo ID, and your attorney's contact information if you have one.