What to Expect After an Auto Accident
After an auto accident, many injuries are not immediately apparent. Soft tissue damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding the spine can take days or even weeks to produce noticeable symptoms. Whiplash, one of the most common auto accident injuries, occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, straining the cervical spine. Without proper treatment, whiplash can lead to chronic neck pain, headaches, and reduced range of motion.
At Grace Medical & Chiropractic, Dr. Amy Kerr, D.C. performs a thorough evaluation following any auto accident. This includes a detailed history of the collision, physical examination, range of motion testing, and neurological assessment. Imaging may be recommended if fractures or disc injuries are suspected.
Common Auto Accident Injuries We Treat
- Whiplash — Cervical spine strain from rapid acceleration/deceleration forces
- Herniated discs — Spinal disc damage causing nerve compression and radiating pain
- Soft tissue injuries — Sprains, strains, and contusions to muscles and ligaments
- Shoulder and knee injuries — Impact trauma to extremity joints
- Mid and lower back pain — Lumbar and thoracic strain from seatbelt forces
- Headaches and migraines — Post-traumatic headaches from cervical misalignment
Our Auto Injury Treatment Approach
Treatment begins with gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore proper spinal alignment. As healing progresses, we incorporate physical therapy exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility. For patients with disc injuries, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy provides targeted relief by reducing pressure on compressed nerves. Most auto injury patients see significant improvement within 6 to 12 weeks of consistent care.
We work directly with auto insurance providers and personal injury attorneys to ensure your treatment is covered under your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) policy. Florida law requires PIP coverage, and you have 14 days from the date of your accident to seek initial medical evaluation to preserve your benefits.
Auto Injury Treatment FAQ
How soon after a car accident should I see a chiropractor?
You should seek chiropractic evaluation within 14 days of your accident. Florida PIP law requires you to receive initial treatment within this window to qualify for insurance coverage. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, hidden injuries like whiplash may not produce symptoms for days.
Does auto insurance cover chiropractic care after an accident?
Yes. Florida PIP (Personal Injury Protection) covers chiropractic care, physical therapy, and diagnostic services up to $10,000. Grace Medical & Chiropractic bills your auto insurance directly — you pay nothing out of pocket for covered services.
How long does auto injury treatment take?
Treatment duration depends on the severity of your injuries. Minor soft tissue injuries typically respond to 4-8 weeks of care. More significant injuries involving disc herniation or nerve damage may require 12-16 weeks. Dr. Kerr creates an individualized treatment plan based on your specific injury and recovery progress.
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