Getting into a car accident can be overwhelming. From dealing with insurance claims to managing injuries, it’s easy to feel lost in the process. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through the key steps to take after an auto accident to help you protect your health, legal rights, and financial well-being.
Step 1: File an Auto Claim
Your first step is to file a car accident claim with your insurance company. Many states offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which helps cover medical costs and lost wages related to car accident injuries—regardless of who was at fault.
Most insurance providers have an easy online portal for submitting claims. If you’re unsure about your coverage, contact your insurance broker or adjuster for details on what’s available under your plan.
Step 2: Be Cautious of Early Settlement Offers!
Insurance companies may reach out quickly after an accident with a cash settlement offer. While that $1,000 payout might seem tempting, accepting it often means waiving your right to ongoing medical care.
Why is this a problem?
- Whiplash symptoms and inflammation can take days or even weeks to appear.
- If you settle too soon, you might not have coverage for the physical therapy and rehabilitation you need to recover fully.
Bottom line? Wait until you’re certain you’ve fully healed before considering a settlement.
Step 3: Document Everything
Your adrenaline spikes after a crash, making it hard to recall details later. To protect yourself, document everything at the scene:
- Take photos of your car, the accident scene, and other involved vehicles.
- Write down what happened—your speed, location, and any relevant road conditions.
- Get contact info from witnesses and the other driver.
This documentation will be crucial if you need to file a claim or seek medical treatment.
Step 4: Seek Physical Therapy from Car Accident Specialists
The forces involved in a car crash are different from everyday stresses on your body. Whiplash injuries occur due to sudden acceleration and deceleration, often leading to:
- Neck and back pain
- Muscle stiffness and joint soreness
- Headaches, dizziness, or concussion symptoms
While this may sound concerning – the good news is that our bodies are phenomenal at healing themselves. But sometimes we all need a little bit of help – our physical therapists are uniquely qualified to assist you in the process.
Why physical therapy?
Physical therapists receive doctoral level training from medical universities and specialize in the triage, diagnosis, and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions including:
- Muscle strains, ligament injuries, and joint pain
- Concussions and dizziness-related symptoms
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Neurological conditions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
A MovementX physical therapist will assess your condition and determine if you need additional medical intervention, such as imaging or pain management.
If an external referral is not needed, we will continue our plan of care tailored towards car accident recovery to get you moving pain-free again.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy after a car accident?
No! In all 50 states, you can see a physical therapist first—without a referral from a physician.
Research shows that starting PT within 14 days of injury can improve outcomes and reduce costs by up to 60%. Don’t wait—book an appointment with MovementX today.
Step 5: Know When to Visit Urgent Care or the ER
While physical therapy is the best first step for most car accident injuries, there are times when you should seek emergency medical attention. If you experience any of the following, call 911 or go to the ER immediately:
- Severe headache or loss of consciousness
- Numbness or weakness in both sides of your body
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Persistent vomiting or nausea
- Bladder or bowel incontinence
- Uncontrolled anxiety or mental distress
- Severe bleeding or open wounds
If you’re unsure, our physical therapists at MovementX can help triage your symptoms and guide you to the appropriate care.
Follow this link for a more detailed breakdown on 10 Reasons to go to Urgent Care or the ER after a Car Accident.
Step 6: Stay in Contact with Your Auto Claims Adjuster
Most auto insurance policies cover medical expenses for car accident care, but funds aren’t unlimited. If you’re receiving multiple treatments—such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage, or acupuncture—your available funding may deplete faster than expected.
To avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs:
- Call or email your adjuster regularly to check your remaining balance.
- Keep your physical therapist informed about your coverage limits.
Important: Insurance adjusters will not notify your healthcare providers about your funding status—it’s up to you to stay on top of it!
Check out our article on Everything You Need to Know About PIP.
Step 7: Consider a Personal Injury Attorney
In most minor car accidents, you won’t need legal representation. However, if your accident was severe or involved significant medical expenses, a personal injury attorney may help you:
- Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your benefits.
- Secure compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and long-term care.
- File a lawsuit if necessary.
MovementX has a trusted network of personal injury attorneys who specialize in auto accident claims. If you need a referral, contact us at info@movement-x.com.
Check out our article on Personal Injury Attorneys.
Take Control of Your Recovery
A car accident can be a major disruption—but with the right steps, you can recover quickly and get back to your active life. Here’s your post-accident action plan:
- File an insurance claim
- Avoid early settlements
- Document everything
- Start physical therapy ASAP
- Know when to seek urgent care or go to the ER
- Stay in touch with your adjuster
- Seek legal help if needed
At MovementX, we offer in-person and virtual physical therapy options nationwide. Whether you need at-home care, workplace visits, or in-clinic rehab, our expert physical therapists are here to help.
Ready to start your recovery? Contact MovementX today!
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