12/19/2025
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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