A car accident can cause neck pain, back pain, stiffness, headaches, or other musculoskeletal symptoms. Some people choose to hire a lawyer after an accident, while others focus on addressing their health concerns and working directly with their insurance company.
If you were involved in a crash and are not hiring a lawyer, there are several practical steps you can take to protect your health and document what occurred.
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911 if Necessary
Immediately after a collision:
- Move vehicles to a safe location if possible.
- Call 911 if anyone is injured.
- Request law enforcement so a police report can be created.
A police report may help document the event for insurance purposes.
2. Exchange Information
California law requires drivers involved in a collision to exchange information.
Obtain the following from the other driver:
- Name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle license plate number
- Insurance company and policy information
If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information.
3. Document the Scene
If it is safe to do so, take photos that may help document the incident.
Examples include:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Traffic signals or signs
- The general accident scene
Also record the date, time, and location of the collision.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Most insurance policies require prompt reporting of an accident.
When contacting your insurance company, provide:
- The date and location of the collision
- The vehicles involved
- Basic facts about what occurred
Avoid speculation and provide factual information.
5. Monitor Your Symptoms
Some symptoms related to musculoskeletal injuries may not appear immediately.
Common symptoms people report after a car accident include:
- Neck stiffness
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder discomfort
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
Symptoms may appear hours or days after a collision.
6. Consider a Professional Examination
If symptoms develop after a crash, a healthcare evaluation may help determine the cause.
An examination may include:
- Health history and accident history
- Orthopedic and neurological testing
- Diagnostic imaging such as digital X-rays when clinically indicated
The purpose of the evaluation is to determine whether treatment may be appropriate.
7. Conservative Care Options
Some individuals choose conservative treatment approaches for musculoskeletal injuries after an accident.
Examples may include:
- Chiropractic care
- Physical rehabilitation exercises
- Spinal decompression therapy when appropriate
Treatment recommendations vary depending on the patient’s condition and examination findings.
8. Keep Records
Maintaining documentation can be helpful when managing your recovery.
Records may include:
- Medical visits
- Imaging studies
- Treatment recommendations
- Changes in symptoms
Keeping organized records may also help when communicating with insurance providers.
9. Not Every Accident Leads to Legal Action
Some individuals choose to work directly with their insurance company rather than pursue legal action.
Reasons people may choose this approach include:
- Minor vehicle damage
- Preference to resolve claims directly with insurance
- Desire to focus on addressing health concerns
Each situation is different, and individuals make decisions based on their circumstances.
10. Schedule an Evaluation if Symptoms Develop
If you experience neck pain, back pain, or other symptoms after a car accident, you may consider scheduling a professional evaluation.
SoCal Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic offers a $47 New Patient Special, which includes:
- Consultation
- Chiropractic examination
- Digital X-rays if clinically indicated
Appointments can be scheduled online: CLICK HERE
SoCal Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic
12146 Lakewood Blvd.
Downey, CA 90242
Phone: 562-321-5225