Auto Injury MVA
What to Do After an Auto Accident — Your Guide to Recovery
What to Do After an Auto Accident
At Gentle Care Chiropractic, we understand how overwhelming an auto accident can be. Knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference in your recovery journey. Here's what you should do right after an accident:
Call Your Insurance Company
Report the accident as soon as possible.
Exchange Insurance Information
Gather contact and insurance details from all parties involved.
Gather Witness Contact Information
If there are witnesses, collect their names and contact information.
Take Pictures of the Vehicles
Document the damage and the scene for insurance claims.
Contact Gentle Care Chiropractic
Early treatment helps speed up recovery, prevent long-term pain, and reduce the likelihood of complications.
Compassionate Car Accident Chiropractic Care
Nearly three million Americans are injured in car accidents each year. At Gentle Care Chiropractic, we understand the physical and emotional toll this can take. Our compassionate chiropractors are dedicated to helping you restore your health, range of motion, and confidence.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Whiplash
Sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck, causing ligament sprains and muscle strains. We perform X-Ray studies with flexion and extension to diagnose cervical instability.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Includes concussions and contusions, often leading to headaches, dizziness, and trouble concentrating. Early treatment can prevent chronic presentation.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons that can cause pain and limit mobility.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Immediate medical care is crucial to ensure proper healing. Continued treatment with laser therapy and shock wave therapy can improve healing.
Scar Tissue Strain/Sprain
Untreated injuries can lead to scar tissue within muscles and ligaments that restricts movement and causes pain. Massage and manual therapy can encourage proper tissue healing.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
When you visit Gentle Care Chiropractic for the first time, you'll be welcomed with care and compassion. You will fill out a patient information form to help us understand your health and history. Our chiropractor will then meet with you to discuss your symptoms, the details of your motor vehicle crash, and any medical treatment you may have received.
We conduct a comprehensive physical exam to assess:
If necessary, we may recommend X-rays, MRIs, or other tests to get a clearer picture of your injuries. If you have these results already, feel free to bring them along.
Comprehensive Treatment Plans Tailored to You
At Gentle Care Chiropractic, we believe every recovery journey is unique. Based on your evaluation, we create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific injuries. This may include:
Chiropractic Adjustments
Relieve restriction, restore motion, and reduce pain.
Massage Therapy & Acupuncture
Alleviate tension, break up fibrotic scar tissue, promote blood flow, all supporting the healing process.
Physical Therapy
Rebuild strength and improve mobility.
Our goal is to help you recover fully and get back to doing what you love, pain-free!
Benefits of Chiropractic Care After a Car Accident
Pain Relief
Gentle spinal adjustments relieve pain by realigning the body and reducing nerve compression.
Restored Range of Motion
Misaligned joints are corrected, improving flexibility and reducing stiffness.
Reduced Inflammation
Chiropractic care helps to diminish inflammation and promote faster healing.
Minimized Scar Tissue
Regular treatment can prevent scar tissue buildup, which limits mobility.
Non-Invasive & Drug-Free
Achieve pain relief without surgery or harmful medications.
100% Covered by Auto Insurance (PIP)
Did you know your auto insurance covers 100% of your chiropractic treatments under Personal Injury Protection (PIP)? This means you have no out-of-pocket expenses for your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What should I do immediately after a car accident if I think I'm injured?
Even if your symptoms seem mild at first, it’s important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional. Soft-tissue injuries, whiplash, and spinal misalignments often don’t appear for hours or days after a crash. An early chiropractic exam helps identify underlying issues, reduces inflammation, and prevents long-term complications.
02 How soon should I see a chiropractor after a motor vehicle crash?
Most experts recommend visiting a chiropractor within 72 hours of an accident. Early evaluation documents your injuries for insurance, speeds up recovery, and prevents untreated inflammation from turning into chronic pain. Many auto injury cases benefit from same-week or same-day care.
03 I don’t feel pain yet—should I still get checked after a car accident?
Yes. Many patients feel “fine” immediately after impact because adrenaline masks symptoms. Common crash-related injuries, like whiplash, joint misalignment, ligament strains, or nerve irritation, can appear days later. A chiropractic assessment ensures injuries are identified early before they worsen.
04 What injuries can a chiropractor diagnose and treat after a car accident?
Chiropractors commonly treat whiplash, neck and back pain, muscle strains and soft-tissue injuries, sciatica or nerve compression, shoulder and hip injuries, headaches from spinal dysfunction, limited range of motion, and inflammation and muscle spasms. Evidence-based chiropractic care addresses both structural and soft-tissue damage for a more complete recovery.
05 Will auto insurance cover my chiropractic treatment after a crash?
Yes. In most cases, auto insurance plans—including PIP and MedPay—will cover chiropractic care for accident injuries. Our clinic can help verify your benefits, explain your options, and guide you through the claims process so you can focus on healing.
06 How long does it take to recover from whiplash or auto accident injuries?
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the crash and how soon treatment begins. Many patients start noticing improvement within 6–12 visits, while more complex injuries may require a longer care plan. Early, consistent chiropractic treatment and conservative therapy often leads to faster and more complete recovery.
07 What are signs I should see a chiropractor after a car accident?
Seek chiropractic care immediately if you experience neck pain, stiffness or limited movement; back pain or sharp aches; headaches or migraines; muscle tightness or spasms; tingling, numbness, or shooting pain; dizziness or fatigue; or difficulty sleeping due to discomfort. These symptoms often indicate underlying soft-tissue or spinal injuries that respond well to chiropractic treatment.
08 Can chiropractic care help if my pain has been ongoing for months after the accident?
Absolutely. Many patients seek help long after a crash when symptoms persist or worsen. Chronic pain often comes from untreated inflammation, joint dysfunction, scar tissue, or nerve irritation. Evidence-based chiropractic care can restore mobility and reduce long-standing discomfort, even months post-injury.
09 What therapies do chiropractors use to treat injuries after an auto accident?
Effective treatment plans often combine multiple modalities: spinal adjustments to improve alignment and mobility, soft-tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension, therapeutic massage for circulation and pain relief, Class 4 laser and cold laser therapy for increased energy and oxygen, shockwave therapy for deep tissue healing, electrical stimulation (E-Stim) to reduce muscle spasms, and rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and stability.
10 Do I need a referral from my doctor or attorney to start chiropractic treatment?
No referral is required. You can schedule directly with our clinic. We also work closely with primary care doctors, attorneys, and insurance adjusters to ensure your treatment is documented properly and your recovery is supported at every step.
Been in an Auto Accident? Don't Wait.
The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of a full recovery. Book your appointment today — we'll take care of the insurance paperwork.