Frequently Asked
Questions

You should seek medical attention immediately even if the pain seems minor. Start by visiting a healthcare provider to assess any injuries and get a proper diagnosis. Depending on your symptoms, you may also benefit from seeing a chiropractor, who can address issues like spinal misalignments or muscle tension that often result from accidents. Additionally, report the accident to your insurance company and consider consulting an attorney to protect your rights. Prompt action will help you manage pain effectively and ensure a smoother recovery process.

The first step in getting your vehicle repaired is to contact your insurance company and file a claim. They will guide you through the process, which typically involves providing details about the accident, getting an estimate for the repairs, and selecting a certified repair shop. Some insurance companies may have preferred repair shops, but you generally have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. Make sure to document the damage with photos and keep all related receipts and paperwork for a smooth claims process. Once approved, your vehicle can be repaired and returned to you as quickly as possible.

If you or any passengers in your vehicle have been injured by another driver whose negligence caused the accident, you have a valid claim and the right to a settlement. 

While chiropractic care is generally safe when performed by a licensed professional, there are still potential risks to consider. Some patients may notice mild soreness, stiffness, or temporary fatigue after an adjustment. More serious complications—such as a herniated disc, nerve compression, or extremely rare vascular injury—typically occur only when improper techniques or excessive force are used. At Auto Accident Chiropractic in the Tri-Cities, our chiropractors use gentle, evidence-based methods to ensure safe, effective care for auto injuries and whiplash recovery. Read the full blog on post adjustment symptoms in the Tri-Cities

Some patients report symptoms such as dizziness or vertigo, nausea or vomiting, neck pain, headaches, sweating, fatigue, diarrhea, or a mild fever after a chiropractic adjustment, and some chiropractors refer to this as a toxic release. These reactions are usually short term and are more likely related to how the nervous system, joints, and soft tissues respond to new movement than to actual toxins leaving the body. Most people either feel no symptoms or experience only mild soreness that fades within a day or two. At Auto Accident Chiropractic in the Tri-Cities, we use gentle, targeted techniques and closely monitor your response so that post adjustment symptoms stay as minimal and manageable as possible after an auto injury. Read the full blog on chiropractic safety in the Tri-Cities

Some doctors discourage chiropractic care because of long-standing historical tensions, limited exposure to chiropractic training, and concerns about safety or unsupported claims made by a small portion of the profession. While the medical–chiropractic divide began decades ago, lingering bias still shapes how some physicians view spinal manipulation. Many doctors are also unfamiliar with modern evidence-based chiropractic methods used for auto injuries and whiplash. At Auto Accident Chiropractic in the Tri-Cities, we work closely with local healthcare providers and use research-supported techniques to give patients safe, coordinated care after an accident. Read the full blog

You can go to a walk-in clinic or urgent care after a car accident if your injuries need prompt attention but are not life-threatening. Conditions like minor cuts, sprains, strains, or mild concussion symptoms are often appropriate for urgent care evaluation. However, walk-in clinics typically do not specialize in diagnosing hidden soft tissue injuries such as whiplash or joint dysfunction that appear days later. At Auto Accident Chiropractic in the Tri-Cities, we focus on detailed post accident evaluations to identify injuries that urgent care centers may overlook. Read the full blog 

Chiropractic care after a car accident is usually covered by the at fault driver’s insurance, your own auto insurance through PIP or MedPay, or your health insurance depending on your situation. In many cases, liability insurance from the at fault driver is responsible for paying for your treatment, including chiropractic care. If you live in a no fault state, your PIP coverage typically pays first regardless of who caused the crash. At Auto Accident Chiropractic in the Tri-Cities, we help patients understand their coverage, document injuries properly, and make sure treatment is billed to the right insurer. Read the full blog 

Free chiropractic care is rare, but some programs or insurance coverage can reduce or eliminate the cost depending on your situation. In the United States, chiropractic care is typically not offered through public systems like the NHS, so patients rely on auto insurance, health insurance, or injury claims after an accident. After a car crash, treatments are often covered by the at fault driver’s insurance or by your own PIP or MedPay benefits, which can make chiropractic care no cost to you. At Auto Accident Chiropractic in the Tri-Cities, many of our patients qualify for care with no out of pocket expenses after an accident. Read the full blog 

Chiropractic injuries are very rare, with research estimating that arterial injuries from neck manipulation occur anywhere from 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 6,000,000 adjustments. Most patients experience only mild, temporary soreness as their body responds to improved joint motion. Serious complications are uncommon and are far less frequent than injuries linked to many other common medical treatments. At Auto Accident Chiropractic in the Tri-Cities, we use gentle, evidence-based techniques that prioritize safety, especially for patients recovering from auto injuries. Read the full blog 

Note: This blog is not medical advice. It’s meant to educate, not diagnose. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider about any accident-related symptoms or concerns.

Most people benefit from seeing a chiropractor as soon as possible after a car accident, since early evaluation helps identify soft tissue injuries like whiplash before they worsen. Treatment often lasts four to twelve weeks, with more frequent visits in the early phase to control pain and inflammation. As healing progresses, visit frequency typically decreases based on your injury severity, age, and recovery goals. At Auto Accident Chiropractic in the Tri-Cities, we create personalized post accident care plans to match the pace of your healing and ensure a full, safe recovery. 
Read the full blog 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace a professional evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. If you are experiencing symptoms after a car accident, seek care from an appropriate medical professional as soon as possible.

Most injury claims rely on a combination of evidence such as medical records, accident reports, photos of the scene, vehicle damage, or dashcam footage. Witness statements can help, but many successful claims move forward without them when documentation clearly shows what happened and how you were injured. Prompt medical evaluation is critical because treatment records help connect your injuries directly to the accident. At Auto Accident Chiropractic in the Tri-Cities, we provide detailed exams and documentation that support injury claims and protect your case from insurance pushback. Read the full blog

Note: This blog is not medical advice. It’s meant to educate, not diagnose. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider about any accident-related symptoms or concerns.

Most health insurance plans do cover chiropractic care, but the amount paid depends on your specific policy, deductibles, and visit limits. Some plans require referrals or only cover treatment with in-network chiropractors, and many only pay for care considered medically necessary rather than maintenance visits. After a car accident, chiropractic care is often covered through auto insurance such as PIP, MedPay, or the at fault driver’s liability coverage. At Auto Accident Chiropractic in the Tri-Cities, our staff verifies benefits and helps patients use the right insurance so care stays affordable. Read the full blog

Note: This blog is not medical advice. It’s meant to educate, not diagnose. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider about any accident-related symptoms or concerns.

The best sleeping positions for whiplash are on your back or on your side, since both help keep your neck and spine in a neutral position. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended because it forces your neck to twist and can increase pain and stiffness. Using a supportive pillow such as a cervical or memory foam pillow helps maintain proper neck alignment throughout the night. At Auto Accident Chiropractic in the Tri-Cities, we guide whiplash patients on sleep positioning and recovery strategies to reduce pain and speed healing.

Note: This blog is not medical advice. It’s meant to educate, not diagnose. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider about any accident-related symptoms or concerns.