What to do after a car crash ?

Aaron Corley D.C.

941.539.3412 

What to Do After a Car Crash: A Step-by-Step Guide by Dr. Aaron David Corley, D.C.

A car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, knowing what to do immediately after a crash can make a significant difference in your recovery—both physically and legally. As a chiropractor specializing in accident-related injuries, I, Dr. Aaron David Corley, D.C., want to ensure you have the right information to protect your health and well-being.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety

The first and most important thing after a car accident is to ensure everyone is safe. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If the accident is severe and your vehicle cannot be moved, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.

Step 2: Check for Injuries

Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries may not be immediately apparent. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, as some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may take hours or days to present symptoms.

Step 3: Call the Authorities

Regardless of the accident’s severity, it’s important to call the police. A police report can serve as an official record of the incident, which may be necessary for insurance claims and legal matters. When the officers arrive, provide factual information without admitting fault. Let the authorities investigate and determine responsibility.

Step 4: Exchange Information

Gather essential information from all parties involved, including:

  • Names and contact details of drivers and passengers
  • Insurance company names and policy numbers
  • Vehicle makes, models, and license plate numbers
  • Driver’s license numbers
  • Witness names and contact details
  • Police officer names and badge numbers

Having this information on hand will make the claims process smoother and help ensure that you’re properly compensated for damages or injuries.

Step 5: Document the Scene

Use your phone to take clear photos and videos of:

  • Vehicle damage
  • License plates
  • The accident scene (including traffic signs, road conditions, and skid marks)
  • Visible injuries
  • Any other relevant details

These images serve as evidence and can be useful when dealing with insurance companies or legal matters.

Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with accurate details and share the evidence you collected. Avoid making speculative statements about fault or injuries, as these matters will be investigated further.

Step 7: Seek Medical Attention – Even If You Feel Fine

Many accident victims feel “fine” immediately after a crash, only to develop pain and stiffness hours or days later. Delayed symptoms are common, particularly with soft tissue injuries like whiplash, which can cause neck pain, headaches, and dizziness.

As a chiropractor, I strongly recommend that you schedule a post-accident chiropractic evaluation as soon as possible. Chiropractic care can help:

  • Detect and treat hidden injuries
  • Prevent long-term pain and mobility issues
  • Promote faster healing through natural, non-invasive methods

Step 8: Follow Through with Treatment

If you sustain injuries in an accident, following a personalized treatment plan is essential for your recovery. Chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises can restore proper function and reduce pain. Ignoring minor pain can lead to chronic issues, so seeking care early is key to a full recovery.

Step 9: Keep Records of Everything

Maintain a file with all documents related to the accident, including:

  • Medical records and bills
  • Police reports
  • Insurance claim details
  • Repair estimates and receipts

Keeping organized records will make it easier to handle insurance claims, medical expenses, and potential legal actions.

Step 10: Understand Your Legal Rights

If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help After a Car Accident

Even low-speed collisions can cause misalignments in the spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Common accident-related injuries that chiropractors treat include:

  • Whiplash: Rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, causing pain and stiffness
  • Herniated Discs: Spinal discs shifting out of place due to impact
  • Lower Back Pain: Strains or misalignments affecting movement and posture
  • Headaches & Dizziness: Resulting from spinal misalignments or concussions

Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment, relieve pressure on nerves, and promote natural healing—without the need for surgery or pain medications.

Visit Suncoast Health Center for Post-Accident Care

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, don’t wait for pain to take over. At Suncoast Health Center in Nokomis, FL, I, Dr. Aaron David Corley, D.C., specialize in treating accident-related injuries with gentle, effective chiropractic care. Our goal is to help you recover quickly and regain your mobility without invasive treatments or medications.

Schedule Your Post-Accident Evaluation Today

Early intervention is the key to preventing long-term complications. Call Suncoast Health Center today to schedule a thorough chiropractic evaluation and take the first step toward a pain-free recovery.

📞 Contact us at 941.539.3412 📍 Location: Nokomis, FL

Your health and well-being are our priority—let us help you heal after a car accident.

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