You've been in a car accident. Your neck is stiff, your back aches, and the first thing on your mind isn't only the pain. It's the bills. Who pays for the doctor? What if the crash wasn't your fault? Do you need permission from anyone before you get care?
Here is the good news for Delaware drivers: you have a safety net called Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, and you can start using it right away. This guide explains what Delaware PIP covers, how it works with auto accident injury care, and how to get seen quickly in New Castle County.
What Is Delaware PIP Insurance?
PIP is a type of no-fault auto coverage. It pays for your own medical expenses and certain other costs after a crash, regardless of who caused the accident. Delaware law requires it on every registered vehicle, so if you drive in Delaware, you almost certainly have it.
In Delaware, the minimum required PIP coverage is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident, and it includes $5,000 for funeral expenses. Many drivers choose higher limits, so check your own policy declarations page to see yours.
What Medical Bills Does PIP Cover After a Car Accident?
PIP is designed to cover reasonable and necessary expenses that result from your crash injuries. Depending on your policy, that can include:
- Doctor and urgent care visits
- Hospital care and ambulance transportation
- X-rays and diagnostic imaging
- Chiropractic care, including auto accident chiropractic treatment
- Physical therapy treatment and rehabilitation
- Dental, surgical and prescription costs related to the crash
- Lost wages if you can't work because of your injuries
- Other covered expenses described in your policy
Coverage rules and limits vary by policy, so confirm the details with your insurance company. Our office can review your coverage with you and explain your options before treatment begins.
Do I Need a Referral to Use PIP? Never.
No. A referral is never needed. You don't need permission from your primary care doctor, the ER, or your insurance company to be evaluated by a chiropractor after an accident, and that's especially true when you're using PIP in Delaware. You can call our office and book an initial visit directly.
Many patients make us their first stop after a crash. If you're searching for a car accident doctor near me or a car accident chiropractor near me, you can schedule with Dr. Shelly McPhatter without going anywhere else first. Wondering how that compares with other options? Read our guide to chiropractor vs. urgent care vs. ER after an accident.
If you have severe symptoms such as loss of consciousness, chest pain, or weakness or numbness in your limbs, go to the emergency room right away.
How Long Does PIP Last in Delaware?
PIP isn't open-ended. In general, Delaware PIP benefits apply to expenses incurred within two years of the accident, up to your coverage limits. Insurers also require claims and bills to be submitted on time.
That's one more reason not to wait. Starting care early helps your recovery and keeps your paperwork on track. For more on timelines, see our article on how long after a car accident you can claim an injury. Because deadlines depend on your policy and situation, confirm them with your insurer or a licensed Delaware attorney.
What If My Medical Bills Exceed My PIP Limits?
Serious injuries can add up quickly, and minimum PIP limits can run out. If your damages go beyond your PIP coverage, you may have other options, such as a claim against an at-fault driver's insurance or your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Which options apply depends on the facts of your case.
This is where detailed medical documentation matters. Clear records of your injuries, exam findings and treatment help connect your symptoms to the crash. Read our guide on how to document your injuries and treatment after a crash, and speak with a Delaware personal injury attorney about your specific situation. If you don't have one, our office can provide an attorney from our network when needed.
Which Injuries Should I Get Checked, Even If I Feel Okay?
Adrenaline can hide pain for hours or days. It's common to feel fine at the scene and wake up sore two days later. Injuries we commonly see after crashes include:
- Back pain after an accident, including strains, disc injuries and sciatica
- Whiplash and neck pain. See how to know if you have a whiplash injury.
- Headaches and dizziness
- Shoulder and joint pain
- Muscle spasms and stiffness
If you're unsure whether you need to be seen, read why you can feel fine after a car accident and still be injured.
Using PIP for Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy
For neck and back complaints, chiropractic care and physical therapy are two of the most common forms of car accident care. Your plan may include one or both, depending on your exam.
- Chiropractic care focuses on restoring spinal movement and easing pain. Explore the top five chiropractic techniques for auto accident injuries and why chiropractic care is a great first step.
- Physical therapy builds strength and flexibility and supports long-term healing. See which car accident injuries require physical therapy and how physical therapy aids healing after a car accident.
Not sure which is right for you? Compare chiropractic vs. physical therapy after a crash, or see our full chiropractic and physical therapy services.
Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Crash in Delaware
- Get to safety and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Report the accident to the police and notify your insurance company.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the scene and any visible injuries.
- Get evaluated within the first few days, even if your symptoms seem mild.
- Keep records of every visit, bill and day of work you miss.
- Ask about your PIP coverage and keep a copy of your policy handy.
For the full checklist, see what to do if you were injured in a car accident. You can also review the Delaware Department of Insurance for state guidance on auto insurance and consumer rights.
Your Accident and Injury Center in New Castle County, DE
New Castle Personal Injury Doctor is a local accident and injury center in New Castle County, DE, and our clinic is at 2600 Glasgow Ave, Ste. 200 in Newark. If you're looking for a car injury clinic near me, here is what you can expect:
- No referral, ever. We'd love to be your first visit.
- Appointments within 24 to 48 hours in most cases
- Direct billing coordination with auto insurance and attorneys
- Detailed injury documentation from day one
- Treatment plans built around your recovery, not a fixed number of visits
- Se habla Español
We serve patients from Wilmington, Newark, Bear, Middletown, New Castle, Newport, Elsmere, Claymont, Hockessin and Pike Creek. Learn more about our personal injury care and Dr. Shelly McPhatter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Delaware PIP cover chiropractic care after a car accident?
PIP is designed to cover reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your crash, and chiropractic care is a common part of auto accident injury care. Coverage details depend on your policy, and our team can help you understand your options.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor after a car accident in Delaware?
Never. No referral is ever needed for an initial visit to a chiropractor, including after an auto accident and when using PIP. You can schedule directly with us.
Does PIP pay if the accident wasn't my fault?
PIP is no-fault coverage. It applies regardless of who caused the crash.
Does PIP cover lost wages?
PIP can help with lost earnings if you can't work because of crash injuries, according to your policy terms. Keep records of missed work and talk to your insurer about how to submit them.
What if I don't have an attorney?
That's perfectly fine. You don't need an attorney to be treated here. If you later hire one, we coordinate records directly with their office, and if you need one, we can connect you with an attorney from our network.
How soon should I see a car accident doctor?
As soon as you reasonably can, ideally within the first few days. Waiting can slow your recovery and create gaps in your records. If you have severe symptoms, go to the ER immediately.
What if my medical bills are higher than my PIP limit?
You may have other options depending on your situation, including claims involving the at-fault driver's coverage. A licensed Delaware attorney can advise you on your specific case.
Get Your Car Accident Care Started Today
You shouldn't have to choose between getting care and worrying about the bill. Dr. Shelly McPhatter and the team at New Castle Personal Injury Doctor make it simple. No referral needed, fast appointments, and billing coordination with your insurance.
This article is for general information only and isn't medical, legal or insurance advice. Coverage varies by policy. Confirm your benefits with your insurer, and speak with a licensed Delaware attorney about your specific situation. If you have severe symptoms after an accident, seek emergency care. Medically reviewed by Dr. Shelly McPhatter, New Castle Personal Injury Doctor.