When you’ve been hurt in a car accident, the right doctor makes all the difference. Not every physician is trained or experienced in handling auto-related injuries. Many primary care providers rarely work with accident cases, which can leave important details overlooked. At Dr. Baker’s Accident clinic in St. Petersburg, personal injury care is his primary focus. Dr. Baker and the team work extensively with car crash patients, offering the expertise needed to diagnose hidden injuries and support your personal injury case.
Treatment is only part of the process, documentation is just as important. Your attorney must be able to clearly show that your injuries were caused by the accident. If a doctor doesn’t understand the specific requirements for personal injury cases, it can hurt your claim. Dr. Baker ensures that every injury is properly evaluated and documented.
Doctor Baker focus's his practice on car accident injuries
Access to care such as Medical, Orthopedic, pain management and Chiropractic
Doctor baker has over 25 years experience treating Car Accident injuries.
Doctor Baker's location is centrally located in St. Petersburg
Same Day appointments in most personal injury cases in most areas.
Doctor Baker knows how to document your auto injury so your attorney can get you the settlement you deserve.
We can bill auto insurance, Florida PIP or personal injury protection, med pay or medical payments and accept attorney liens.
We offer free consults with an attorney if you currently are not represented.
Soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries after a car accident. These injuries affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and they often occur from the sudden force or impact of a collision.
Typical examples include sprains, which involve stretched or torn ligaments; strains, which affect muscles or tendons; and contusions, or deep bruising. Whiplash is one of the most recognized soft tissue injuries, usually impacting the neck and upper back.
Symptoms may range from pain and swelling to stiffness, bruising, and reduced mobility. In many cases, these signs may not appear until several hours or days after the crash. Although soft tissue injuries don’t always show up on X-rays, they can still lead to serious discomfort and long-term complications if left untreated.
Dr. Baker in St. Petersburg provides prompt evaluation and targeted care to help make sure these hidden injuries are properly identified and treated.
Whiplash is one of the most common neck injuries following a rear-end collision. The rapid back-and-forth motion of the head places sudden strain on the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often leading to pain and instability.
Symptoms don’t always appear immediately. Many patients begin to notice issues hours or even days after the accident. Common signs include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty moving the neck through its full range of motion.
An evaluation by Dr. Baker in St. Petersburg is important . Early care supports better recovery, and thorough medical documentation helps protect your accident claim by clearly linking your symptoms to the accident.
Headaches are a frequent complaint after a car accident and can signal a range of underlying injuries, including whiplash, concussion, or, in more severe cases, a traumatic brain injury. These headaches may begin right after the collision or appear gradually over the next several hours or days.
Post-accident headaches should never be overlooked. They may be your body’s warning sign that something more serious is happening and requires seeing a physician immediately. Dr. Baker provides thorough assessments to identify the cause of your symptoms and ensure you receive the appropriate care as quickly as possible.
Back pain after a car accident is a frequent complaint and can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. It may be caused by muscle strain, herniated discs, spinal misalignment, or other soft tissue injuries.
Even low-speed collisions can result in significant back injuries that don’t always show symptoms right away. Early evaluation and doctors’ treatment is very important for your recovery.
Numbness after a car accident should never be overlooked as it may indicate nerve or a spinal injury and should never be ignored. It often affects arms, hands, legs or feet and may include tingling or weakness.
These symptoms could stem from conditions like herniated disc pressing on a nerve or whiplash-induced nerve irritation. You need to see a doctor quickly to identify its source and begin treatment.
Tingling or “pins and needles” symptoms after an auto accident can indicate nerve irritation or damage from whiplash, herniated disc or spinal misalignment.
This sensation may occur in the arms, hands, legs, or feet and can be a more serious underlying issue. Getting a doctor’s exam is important to prevent further complications and to find the root of the issue.
Shoulder pain after a car accident can be caused from injuries such as whiplash, rotator cuff damage, dislocations or referred pain from neck or back. It can range from mild soreness to sharp, persistent pain that limits movement.
Even if the pain seems minor, it’s important to get a doctors evaluation right away to prevent long-term damage
Soreness, strains, and sprains are some of the most common soft tissue injuries after a car accident, even in low-speed collisions. These can occur when muscles, tendons, or ligaments are overstretched or torn due to the sudden force of impact.
Symptoms can include pain, swelling, stiffness, bruising, and reduced mobility, and they may not appear until hours or even days after the accident. While they may seem minor at first, if left untreated, they can lead to chronic pain or long-term complications. Early diagnosis, and proper treatment are essential.
Neck pain is one of the most frequent complaints after a car accident and is often linked to whiplash. However, it can also stem from muscle strain, herniated discs, or even nerve involvement. Some patients feel discomfort immediately, while others develop symptoms gradually in the days following the collision.
Common signs of a neck injury include:
Stiffness
Limited range of motion
Headaches
Pain radiating into the shoulders or arms
Untreated neck injuries can progress and lead to long-term complications. Dr. Baker in St. Petersburg provides evaluations and targeted treatment to help prevent symptoms from getting worse and to support a safe, effective recovery.
Knee and leg injuries are common after a car accident, especially in front-end collisions where the lower body may strike the dashboard, door, or center console.
These injuries can range from bruises and cuts to more serious conditions like fractures, dislocations, ligament tears (such as ACL or MCL tears), and damage to the meniscus or cartilage in the knee.
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, instability, or difficulty walking. Even if the pain seems minor at first, untreated leg or knee injuries can lead to long-term mobility issues.
Airbags are designed to save lives during a car accident, but they can also cause injuries when they deploy with force. Common airbag-related injuries include abrasions or burns to the face, chest, arms, and hands due to the rapid inflation and chemical residue.
People may also experience broken noses, facial fractures, eye, or hearing damage from the noise of deployment.
In some cases, the impact of the airbag can cause neck or chest injuries, particularly in smaller individuals or those sitting too close to the steering wheel.
In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is the first insurance coverage billed after a car wreck. While PIP laws differ from state to state, Florida’s no-fault system ensures that reasonable and necessary medical expenses are covered up to your policy’s limit. Once those benefits are exhausted, most patients continue their care under an attorney’s lien so treatment can proceed without interruption.
At the beginning of your recovery, you may not need an attorney if PIP is paying for your medical care. PIP will cover your treatment with Doctor Baker in St. Petersburg until your benefits run out. When that happens, it’s often helpful to consult an attorney about continuing treatment under a lien for any remaining medical needs.
Florida’s PIP system is designed to take the pressure off patients. Doctor Baker’s office handles all billing and paperwork directly with the insurance company, ensuring you receive care without worrying about upfront costs. PIP also covers your passengers up to the same benefit limit. If anyone riding with you was hurt, make sure they come in for an evaluation with you. Doctor Baker’s team will gladly make room to see them as quickly as possible.
An Attorneys lien is one of the most common ways patients receive treatment throughout the United States, including here in Florida. Rather than paying upfront, a lien allows you to receive the care you need immediately while delaying payment until your case is resolved. Your attorney and Doctor Baker sign an agreement confirming that medical bills will be paid from the settlement once your claim is finalized.
Pros:
No upfront or out-of-pocket costs for treatment
Cons:
In some cases, if the settlement is lower than expected, you may still owe a remaining balance.
A lien allows patients to focus on healing without financial pressure, and Doctor Baker’s office ensures all documentation and billing are handled throughout the process.
A letter of protection or LOP is the basically the same as an attorney’s lien.
Med Pay is optional coverage that you select when purchasing your auto policy, though it can be added later if you don’t already have it. When you see Doctor. Baker for treatment, the office will bill your Med Pay coverage directly. The insurance company will then issue payment either to you or directly to Doctor Baker’s office.
Having Med Pay means you typically do not need an attorney to begin care. While it functions similarly to PIP, Med Pay is an add-on benefit that covers medical expenses regardless of fault.
Pros:
Your medical bills are paid quickly, often without impacting any settlement proceeds
Cons:
If an attorney becomes involved, Med Pay benefits may be included in the settlement. In some cases, the attorney may negotiate the doctor’s bill downward without reducing their own fees, which can affect how much the doctor ultimately receives
Doctor Baker in St. Petersburg ensures that your Med Pay coverage is maximized and handles all of the medical billing for you.
How Doctor Baker’s Office Bills Auto Insurance in Florida
After a car wreck, Doctor Baker in St. Petersburg bills your auto insurance for injury treatment primarily through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (Med Pay) coverage.
PIP (Personal Injury Protection):
Covers your medical expenses regardless of who caused the crash.
Also covers any passengers who were in your vehicle at the time of the collision.
Dr. Baker’s office submits bills directly to your insurance company, so you don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket costs.
Med Pay (Medical Payments Coverage):
Optional coverage that can be added to your Florida auto insurance policy.
Pays for medical treatment related to your car wreck for both you and any passengers.
Liability does not matter, you can use Med Pay even if you were at fault.
Dr. Baker’s office will handle all billing and paperwork with the insurance company.
By working directly with PIP and Med Pay, Dr. Baker makes sure that your treatment starts immediately and your medical care is documented.
Address:
4821 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Phone:
Hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Dr. Baker, a lifelong St. Petersburg resident, found his calling in chiropractic care through a personal experience seeing the remarkable relief his brother gained from treatment for asthma inspired him to help others in a similar way.
After graduating from Life University in 2000, he returned home and opened his clinic, committed to serving his community. For more than 24 years, Dr. Baker has specialized in helping patients recover from car accident injuries, combining his extensive experience with compassionate, personalized care to get them back on the road to wellness.
Under Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law, it’s important to see a doctor after a car accident to make sure your medical care is covered by your auto insurance. Here’s how it works:
Timing:
Florida law generally requires you to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident for PIP benefits to apply.
Even if your injuries feel minor, some symptoms (like whiplash or soft tissue injuries) can appear days later, so earlier is better.
Why So Soon:
PIP covers up to $10,000 for medical bills and related expenses. Delaying treatment may limit your coverage or raise questions from the insurance company.
Choosing Dr. Baker:
Dr. Baker specializes in car accident injuries and works directly with auto insurance under Florida PIP.
Early evaluation ensures you get proper care and documentation for your claim, which can make a big difference if complications arise.
Bottom line: Schedule an appointment with Dr. Baker as soon as possible after your crash, ideally within the first two weeks, to maximize your PIP coverage and ensure proper treatment.
If you’ve been in a car accident, seeing a doctor who specializes in auto injuries is important. Dr. Baker understands the injuries that can result from crashes, from whiplash to soft tissue damage, and can provide targeted treatment to help you recover. He also knows how to work with Florida PIP insurance, so your care is covered by PIP and documented. Getting checked early can prevent complications and get you back to your daily life faster.
🚘 What to Do After a Car Wreck in St. Petersburg
Being in a car accident can be confusing, but taking the right steps quickly allows you to protect yourself:
Check for Injuries:
Document the Accident:
St. Petersburg Police Department
1301 First Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: (727) 893-7780
Seek Medical Care Immediately:
Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations:
Proper treatment and documentation help you recover and support your claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company:
Report the accident and any medical treatment to make sure its covered under your auto policy.
Bottom Line:
Seeing an experienced auto injury doctor quickly, like Dr. Baker, can make a big difference in your recovery and in protecting your rights under Florida law.
Zip codes: 33709, 33710, 33707, 33706, 33721, 33714, 33713
Absolutely, We file all the FL pip paperwork so you can concentrate on Getting better
No you do not. Come in and get evaluated first and lets see what the extent of your injuries are and then we can talk about it from there
