After a car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is how to pay for care. At Barkley Massage & Chiropractic in Bellingham, there are two main ways to cover chiropractic treatment after a crash: your own PIP insurance, or a third-party lien that lets you start care now and pay from your settlement later.
Option 1: PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
PIP is part of your own auto insurance policy and pays medical bills after an accident. In Washington, auto insurers must offer PIP, and it’s included in your policy unless you turned it down in writing. The minimum medical benefit is $10,000, and many policies carry more.
- PIP pays regardless of who caused the accident.
- It typically covers you, members of your household and passengers in your car.
- Chiropractic care for accident injuries is covered.
- Massage therapy can be covered with a referral from your provider.
- You don’t need a lawyer to use PIP.
How PIP billing works at our office
- Call your auto insurance company to open a claim and get your claim number.
- Bring the claim number and your adjuster’s name and phone number to your first visit.
- We verify your coverage and bill your auto insurance directly.
- We send the records and documentation your insurer needs to keep your claim moving.
Option 2: Third-Party Liens (MVA Liens)
If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance is usually responsible for your injuries. Those claims often take months to settle. If you have an attorney handling that claim, a lien lets you get the care you need now instead of waiting.
How a lien works
- You hire an attorney to handle your claim against the at-fault driver. An attorney is required for a lien.
- You and your attorney sign a lien agreement with our office for your chiropractic care.
- We treat you and keep careful records of your injuries and progress.
- We wait to be paid until your case settles. Our bill is then paid from the settlement.
- We coordinate directly with your attorney’s office and provide the records they need.
When a lien makes sense
- You don’t have PIP, or you declined it
- Your PIP benefits have run out before you’ve finished treatment
- The other driver was at fault and you have an attorney pursuing a claim against their insurance
Our lien agreement explains all of the terms, including what happens if your case doesn’t result in a settlement. We’ll go over it with you before you start care.
PIP vs. Lien at a Glance
| PIP | Third-Party Lien | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | Your own auto insurance | Your settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance |
| When we’re paid | As you’re treated | When your case settles |
| Who caused the accident | Doesn’t matter | Usually another driver |
| Attorney needed? | No | Yes, required |
| Covers | Chiropractic and massage (with referral) | Chiropractic care |
Not Sure Which Option Fits?
Call us at (360) 656-5131. We’ll help you figure out what coverage you have and the best way to get started. You can also read our checklist for what to do after a car accident.
Insurance FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get care?
Not for PIP. You can start care using your PIP benefits without an attorney. To use a third-party lien, you do need an attorney handling your claim, and we’ll coordinate with their office.
Can I use PIP and a lien together?
Yes. Many patients use PIP first, and if their PIP benefits run out and they have an attorney handling their claim, we can switch chiropractic care to a lien so treatment doesn’t have to stop.
Does a lien cover massage?
Our lien option is for chiropractic care. Massage can be billed to PIP with a referral. Call us and we’ll explain your options.
Will PIP raise my insurance rates?
That depends on your insurer and the details of the accident. Ask your insurance agent.
This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Check your policy, or talk with your insurer or attorney, for details about your situation.
Related: Car Accident Injury Treatment · Whiplash · Injury Massage
Schedule a Visit in Bellingham
Barkley Massage & Chiropractic is at 3114 Newmarket Street in Barkley Village. Book online or call or text (360) 656-5131.