Medical Disclaimer
We are not doctors. If you are experiencing pain, dizziness, or any concerning symptoms, please see a healthcare professional immediately.
After a car accident, your adrenaline is pumping. You might feel "shaken up" but otherwise fine. However, many common auto injuries do not show immediate symptoms. Delaying care can negatively impact both your long-term health and your insurance claim.
This is more common than most people realize. Adrenaline and cortisol released during a crash can suppress pain for hours. Inflammation — the body's healing response — typically peaks 24 to 72 hours after an injury. Learn more about why car accident symptoms are so often delayed.
The "Gap in Care"
Insurance companies look for a "gap in care"—the time between the accident and when you first saw a doctor.
- Ideally: Go to urgent care, the ER, or your primary care physician within 72 hours.
- Why: A prompt visit documents that your injuries were caused by the accident, not something else that happened a week later.
Hidden Injuries to Watch For
Some injuries take hours or days to manifest. Be alert for:
- Headaches: Could indicate concussion or whiplash.
- Stiffness: Neck or back stiffness often gets worse 24-48 hours post-crash.
- Numbness/Tingling: Could signal nerve damage or herniated discs.
- Abdominal Pain: Could be a sign of internal injury (seatbelt trauma).
- Chest/Rib Pain: Pain with breathing, coughing, or pressing on your ribs could indicate fractures or internal injuries. Learn more about chest and rib injuries after a car accident.
- Changes in Mood/Sleep: Irritability, anxiety, nightmares, or insomnia can be symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress. Learn more about PTSD and emotional recovery after a car accident.
Who Should I See?
- Emergency Room (ER): If you have severe pain, broken bones, bleeding, or lost consciousness.
- Urgent Care: For immediate assessment of non-life-threatening injuries.
- Chiropractors / Physical Therapists / Acupuncturists: Excellent for soft tissue injuries (whiplash, strains) common in auto accidents. Most can bill PIP directly. Learn more about what to expect from chiropractic care after a car accident in Oregon.
Don't "Tough It Out"
"Toughing it out" often leads to chronic pain later. Oregon PIP covers reasonable and necessary medical care up to $15,000. Use this benefit to get checked out. It's better to be told you're fine than to miss a serious injury.