What to Do in the First 72 Hours After a Car Accident (Doctor-Approved Guide)

Author: Dr. Fredrick Williams

Clinic: Kingdom Chiropractic

Location: Tampa, Florida

Introduction

A car accident can change everything in seconds. Even if you walk away feeling “okay,” hidden injuries often don’t show symptoms right away. As a chiropractor who treats accident victims daily, I’ve seen firsthand how the first 72 hours after a crash can make or break your recovery.

Here’s exactly what you should do to protect your health, your recovery, and your future.

Step 1: Get Checked — Even If You Feel Fine

Adrenaline masks pain. Many accident-related injuries—especially whiplash, soft tissue damage, and spinal misalignments—can take days to appear.

Common delayed symptoms include:

• Neck or back stiffness

• Headaches

• Shoulder pain

• Tingling or numbness

• Difficulty sleeping

⚠️ Waiting too long can allow injuries to worsen and makes treatment more difficult.

Step 2: Document Everything

Proper documentation is critical for both medical care and insurance purposes.

Make sure you:

• Report the accident

• Take photos of the scene and vehicle damage

• Write down symptoms as they appear

• Seek professional evaluation promptly

At Kingdom Chiropractic, we perform thorough exams and create detailed documentation to support your recovery.

Step 3: Avoid “Toughing It Out”

One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is trying to push through pain. Untreated injuries can lead to:

• Chronic pain

• Reduced mobility

• Long-term spinal issues

Early chiropractic care focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring movement, and preventing long-term damage.

Step 4: Get a Proper Examination

Not all pain is visible on standard ER imaging. Chiropractic exams evaluate:

• Spinal alignment

• Range of motion

• Muscle and nerve function

• Soft tissue injury patterns

This allows us to design a custom treatment plan, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Step 5: Start Treatment Early

Early intervention leads to:

• Faster recovery

• Less pain

• Better long-term outcomes

• Reduced reliance on pain medication

Chiropractic care is a natural, non-invasive option that supports the body’s healing process after trauma.

Why Accident Victims Choose Kingdom Chiropractic

✔ Experience with accident-related injuries

✔ Thorough exams and documentation

✔ Personalized treatment plans

✔ Focus on long-term recovery, not temporary relief

Final Thought

If you’ve been in a car accident—even a minor one—the clock is already ticking. The first 72 hours matter more than most people realize.

📞 Injured? We can help.

Call 1-844-FL-SPINE to schedule your evaluation at Kingdom Chiropractic.