Hurt in a Car Accident? We Can Help.
PIP auto insurance often covers chiropractic care after a crash — regardless of fault. Here's what to know about symptoms, timing, and getting evaluated.
Common Symptoms After a Car Accident
Every accident is different, and symptoms don't always show up right away. Here are some of the most common issues people notice in the hours, days, or even weeks after a crash.
Neck Pain & Stiffness
Often related to whiplash — a rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck during impact.
Back Pain
Can involve muscles, joints, or discs, and may range from mild soreness to sharp, limiting pain.
Headaches
Tension-type headaches are common after a crash, often related to neck strain.
Muscle Stiffness
Soreness and reduced range of motion, especially in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Sleep Disruption
Pain and stiffness can make it difficult to get comfortable or sleep through the night.
Difficulty Driving
Reduced neck rotation or pain with movement can make driving uncomfortable or difficult.
Why Symptoms Can Start Later
Adrenaline and inflammation can mask symptoms in the first hours after a crash. It's common for neck pain, back pain, or headaches to become noticeable a day or two later, once the initial shock wears off. If you felt fine right after your accident but are now experiencing pain or stiffness, that's still worth having evaluated.
When to Seek Urgent or Emergency Care
Most soft-tissue injuries from car accidents are appropriately handled with a chiropractic evaluation. But some symptoms need medical attention first.
⚠️ Seek emergency care right away if you have any of the following:
- Severe or worsening headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion or unusual behavior
- New weakness or numbness
- Trouble walking or loss of balance
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty waking up
If any of these apply to you, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department now. Once you've been evaluated and cleared, we encourage you to come in for a chiropractic evaluation for any remaining pain or stiffness — emergency care rules out serious injury, but it isn't designed to treat the muscle and joint injuries common after a crash.
Not sure which applies to you? Take the free 2-minute assessment →
How Chiropractic Care May Help After an Accident
Once any serious injury has been ruled out, chiropractic care focuses on evaluating and treating the muscle, joint, and soft-tissue injuries that are common after a crash — including whiplash, muscle strain, and joint restriction.
Dr. Kevin Segal has been helping patients recover from car accident injuries in the Milwaukie and Portland area since 2001. Care is conservative and personalized — built around what he finds during your evaluation, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Whether you've already been seen at urgent care or the ER, or you're not sure what to do next, a chiropractic evaluation is a good next step for lingering pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion.
Oregon PIP Insurance Note
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage may help pay for medically necessary treatment after a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who caused the crash. Coverage and eligibility vary by policy, so our office can help verify your specific benefits before your first visit.
Your First Visit After an Accident
Tell Us What Happened
We'll ask about the accident, your symptoms, and any care you've already received.
Evaluation
Dr. Segal will assess your spine, joints, and muscles to identify what's affected.
A Personalized Plan
Care is built around what we find — not a generic plan every patient receives.
Not Sure What to Do Next?
Take our free, 2-minute self-assessment to find out whether you should seek emergency care, urgent care, or schedule a chiropractic evaluation.
Take the Assessment →Injured at Work Instead?
If your injury happened on the job rather than in a car accident, visit our Car & Work Accident hub for workers' compensation information.
Car & Work Accident Hub →Related Articles
What to Do After a Car Accident in Oregon: PIP, Symptoms, and Next Steps
When Should You See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
Back and Neck Pain After a Car Accident: Why Symptoms Can Start Later
Safe Self-Care for Back, Neck, and Muscle Pain
Ready to Get Evaluated?
Call, text, or book online — we're happy to answer questions about your accident, symptoms, or insurance before you come in.
Disclaimer: This page is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away. Chiropractic care does not guarantee specific outcomes, and coverage varies by insurance plan and policy.