The sound of squealing tires followed by the crunch of another vehicle colliding yours is such a nightmare. Even a minor car accident can wreak havoc on your day. Even with a minor car accident, no damage is unlikely, and you may be surprised to learn you have sustained some damage to your vehicle, if not your body. Here’s what you need to know about what to do after a minor car accident and how your local Austin chiropractor can help.
Confirm Your Safety
The most important thing you should do after even a minor car accident is to confirm that you are safe. If you are able, pull your vehicle to the side of the road or into a parking lot while you wait for help. If you believe you have suffered any physical damage like a car accident injury, then you should stay still and not try to aggravate any potential injuries.
Call the Police
As soon as you are safe and able, call the police for assistance at the site of the car accident. You will need an official police report, even you were only in a minor car accident. A police report serves as official documentation that you may need for your insurance company. The police will be able to determine who was at fault. You should also write down the name and identification of the responding police officer and ask how to obtain an official copy of the police report for your records.
Gather Information
While you are waiting for the police to arrive at the scene, you can exchange names and contact information with the other driver. Also, gather the other driver’s car insurance provider and policy number. Take photos of the accident and damage for potential insurance purposes. It will also help to write down or take a photo of the make, model, and license plate of the other vehicle.
Call Car Insurance
You will want to call your car insurance company and report the car accident. Even in a minor car accident, small car repairs can add up and become expensive. Talk to your insurance company about how to file a claim after an auto accident and learn what type of coverage is available for damage to your car or if you suffered a minor car accident injury.
Visit a Car Accident Chiropractor
It is important to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible, even if you were only in a minor accident. A car accident injury chiropractor can perform a physical assessment to assess any injuries. They may also utilize diagnostic imaging like an X-ray to get clearer images of any physical damage from the car accident.
Common Minor Car Accident Injuries
Here are examples of common minor car accident injuries:
Scrapes & Bruises
Scrapes and bruises are common with even the smallest of car accidents. When you get into a car accident, your body can get jostled around, and you may suffer some bruising. Scrapes can also occur if you were to hit your head on the window or the seat belt scrapes against your skin.
Whiplash
Whiplash is common, especially with rear-end collisions. If a vehicle hits yours from behind, it can cause your head to snap forward and backward rapidly. This can strain muscles and tendons in your neck that help support your head and neck. Symptoms of whiplash from rear-end collisions may include stiff, sore neck and difficulty turning your head from side to side.
Back Pain
The force of impact can strain the muscles in your back and even cause damage to your spine. You may develop back pain, stiffness, and soreness after a car accident. If you develop symptoms like tingling, numbness, and weakness, then you may have a pinched or compressed nerve.
Visit a car accident chiropractor after a minor car accident to get started on treatment and care right away. Even if you don’t notice any signs or symptoms right away, you may have delayed symptoms for a car accident. A car accident chiropractor can determine if you have any car accident injuries and get you started on treatment so you can experience pain relief and rapid results. Visit ProCare Medical Centers to find an Austin chiropractor near you to get help after a minor car accident.
