Traffic accidents can be shocking and disorienting events, no matter the severity. From minor fender benders to high-speed collisions, it’s crucial to understand the steps you need to take to protect your health, your legal rights, and your finances. What you do immediately after a traffic accident—and in the following weeks—can significantly affect your physical and financial recovery.

At Integrative Health and Rehabilitation, with our extensive experience in evaluating and treating injuries sustained in auto accidents, we are well-equipped to guide you through the essential steps to take after a traffic accident. Our expertise will help you understand the hidden risks of injuries and why seeking care right away is so important.

What to Do After a Traffic Accident, the Aftermath

After a traffic accident, your first priority should always be safety. Move your vehicle and passengers out of harm’s way by pulling to the side of the road or a safer location. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers, and check everyone for injuries. Even if you feel fine at the moment, remember that the rush of adrenaline and shock from the accident can mask pain or discomfort.

Calling 911 to report the accident is essential, even for minor collisions. Law enforcement will document the scene and file a report, which can be critical for insurance claims or legal proceedings. Additionally, medical personnel can assess any immediate injuries at the scene, providing a baseline record that could be important later.

Low-Speed Collisions and Serious Injuries: The Hidden Dangers

One common misconception is that low-speed accidents—like those occurring in parking lots or during stop-and-go traffic—are unlikely to cause injuries. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Even low-speed impacts generate enough force to cause significant injuries, particularly to the soft tissues, joints, and spine. The human body isn’t designed to absorb the sudden jolt of a collision, even at 10 to 15 miles per hour. These injuries, if left untreated, can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and even long-term disability.

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in low-speed accidents. When your body is propelled forward and then snapped back by the force of impact, your neck and shoulders absorb the strain. The result can be micro-tears in muscles and ligaments, misaligned vertebrae, and damage to the delicate structures of the spine. These injuries are not only painful but can also lead to chronic issues if left untreated.

Delayed Symptoms: Why You Might Not Feel Pain Immediately

Many people walk away from a car accident thinking they escaped unscathed, only to develop symptoms days or weeks later. This delayed onset of pain is especially common with soft tissue injuries like whiplash, as well as with concussions or spinal misalignments. It’s important to understand that the body’s natural response to trauma, such as the rush of adrenaline and inflammation, can mask pain and discomfort immediately after the accident. However, these symptoms may not peak until days after the initial impact, leading to more severe issues if left untreated.

The body’s natural response to trauma plays a big role. After an accident, adrenaline floods your system, masking pain and allowing you to focus on survival. Additionally, inflammation caused by the injury can take time to build, meaning swelling, stiffness, and discomfort may not peak until days after the initial impact. Ignoring these symptoms or assuming they will resolve on their own can lead to more severe issues, such as chronic pain or limited mobility.

The Role of Insurance Companies After a Traffic Accident

After a traffic accident, you can expect your insurance company—or the other driver’s insurer—to contact you quickly. This might seem helpful, but their goal is often to resolve the case quickly to limit expenses. Insurance adjusters may offer you a settlement soon after the accident, hoping you’ll accept before recognizing the full extent of your injuries. In our 25-plus years of experience, many of our auto accident patients present to the office between two and three weeks after their accident. It isn’t until this point that patients realize their symptoms are not improving and are affecting their work or family life.

This approach can be problematic, especially for injuries with delayed symptoms. Accepting a settlement too quickly can leave you without adequate compensation for medical treatments you discover you need later on. Integrative Health and Rehabilitation emphasizes the importance of a thorough injury evaluation to ensure no injury goes unnoticed. This documentation can also strengthen your case if you need to pursue additional compensation for medical bills or lost wages.

Hidden Injuries and Why an Evaluation is Critical

Hidden injuries, such as those affecting soft tissues, joints, or the nervous system, are often overlooked after a traffic accident. These injuries may not be visible on X-rays or during a cursory examination at an urgent care center. However, if not treated properly, they can cause significant pain, discomfort, and even long-term disability.

For example, whiplash can result in more than just neck pain. It may also lead to headaches, vertigo, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating. Spinal misalignments from the impact can lead to radiating pain in the arms or legs, numbness, or muscle weakness. A thorough evaluation by an experienced Chiropractor can help detect these issues early and prevent them from escalating. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal injuries, making them an essential part of your post-accident care team.

Understanding Colorado’s Med-Pay Insurance

Colorado is unique in its approach to auto accident coverage thanks to mandatory Medical Payments (Med-Pay) insurance. Med-Pay provides a minimum of $5,000 in coverage for medical expenses for a traffic accident, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage ensures you can access necessary medical care without worrying about immediate out-of-pocket expenses.

At Integrative Health and Rehabilitation, we work closely with patients to maximize their Med-Pay benefits. We handle the insurance paperwork on your behalf, ensuring that your treatments are covered and you can focus on recovery. It’s important to note that while Med-Pay is mandatory, drivers can decline it in writing. If you’re unsure about your coverage, we can help you review your policy and determine the benefits before your first chiropractic adjustment.

Why Early Treatment Matters

The sooner you seek treatment after a traffic accident, the better your chances of a full recovery. Early care can reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and address pain before it becomes chronic. Additionally, it can provide essential documentation for your insurance claim or any legal proceedings related to the accident.

Chiropractic care is particularly effective in addressing injuries like whiplash, spinal misalignments, and other soft tissue damage. We also offer acupuncture, which reduces pain and promotes healing by improving circulation and releasing tension in the affected areas.

Testimonials from Patients Like You

Many of our patients come to us after experiencing traffic accidents, and their stories highlight the importance of timely care.

“I was in a car accident last year and received amazing care, with adjustments, acupuncture, and TENS therapy. I was feeling better within a couple weeks! No place I’d rather go! I am extremely grateful for the entire staff at Integrative Health & Rehabilitation. I can always count on them to provide holistic care in a friendly, professional environment. Jim goes the extra mile to care for his patients by taking the time necessary to provide targeted pain therapy and ongoing health maintenance. I highly recommend them!”

– Verified Google Review

Choosing the Right Clinic After a Traffic Accident

When choosing a Chiropractic clinic after a traffic accident, choosing a provider with experience diagnosing and treating auto accident injuries is essential. At Integrative Health and Rehabilitation, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive approach to care. From initial evaluations to personalized treatment plans, we work with you every step of the way to ensure the best possible outcomes. Chiropractic care, acupuncture, and dry needling can all be used to address whiplash injuries and other injuries that occur after a traffic accident. Don’t wait to start feeling better. Schedule an appointment to learn why we are the Chiropractor Denver trusts to achieve a pain-free life.

Our clinic is conveniently located at 4704 Harlan Street, Suite 602, in Denver, CO, making us easily accessible for patients in Denver, Arvada, and Wheat Ridge. We also specialize in working with insurance providers, including handling Med-Pay claims, so you can focus on getting better.