What to Do After an Auto Accident
Pay attention to your symptoms
Non-Emergent Symptoms
Pain or symptoms such as stiffness, numbness or tingling, or a reduced range of motion can benefit from a medical evaluation at Bay Injury & Rehab to determine what may be causing them and what care may be appropriate.
Delayed-Onset Symptoms
Sometimes injuries aren't obvious right away. It may take hours to days for symptoms to appear, so continue to take note of how you’re feeling after an accident and seek medical evaluation if symptoms appear.
Emergent Symptoms
If you are experiencing severe or potentially life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away. This page is intended for general information and is not a substitute for emergency medical evaluation.
Check Your Auto Insurance
If you plan to use Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, timing can also matter. Under current Florida law, PIP medical benefits generally require the injured person to receive initial services and care within 14 days of the motor vehicle accident. Coverage and payment depend on the individual's policy and applicable law.
Common Auto Injury Symptoms
Neck Pain & Whiplash: Neck pain and stiffness may develop after the sudden movement of a collision. Reduced range of motion can also occur.
Back Pain: Back pain or stiffness may follow an accident, particularly after a significant impact or sudden movement.
Spinal Disc Herniation: A collision may place stress on the spine and could contribute to a disc-related injury.
Shoulder & Arm Pain: Shoulder or arm pain may develop after a collision due to the impact or movement involved in the accident.
Sciatica & Leg Pain: Pain that travels from the back into the hip or leg may occur after an accident. The cause can vary and may require an evaluation.
Numbness & Tingling: Numbness or tingling can affect the arms, hands, legs, or feet after an accident. These symptoms can have multiple causes and should be evaluated appropriately.
TMJ / Jaw Pain
Jaw pain or stiffness could be related to the impact or movement of the jaw but can have different causes that may not be related to musculoskeletal injuries.
Tinnitus / Ringing in the Ears
Ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears may occur after a collision, particularly if the accident involved a head impact or loud noise. Tinnitus can have several causes that may not be a musculoskeletal issue.
Degenerative Disc & Joint Conditions: Existing degenerative changes may become symptomatic after an accident.
Blurred Vision
Blurred vision after a car accident can have several causes, including some that require prompt medical evaluation to determine if it is caused by a musculoskeletal issue or not.
How Bay Injury & Rehab Evaluates Auto Injuries
We capture the full picture during your initial examination
History & Symptoms: We'll discuss the accident, your health history, current symptoms, and any changes you've noticed since the collision.
Physical Exam: We'll evaluate your movement, strength, mobility, and other relevant findings. A key part of the evaluation is identifying which movements or ranges of motion may increase or reduce your symptoms.
Imaging When Needed: On-site X-rays are available when medically necessary. An MRI may be recommended or referred for when it would provide useful information for evaluating your condition or planning your care.
Not every patient needs an MRI. A core principle at Bay Injury & Rehab is to order medically necessary care while avoiding unnecessary tests and costs for our patients.
Looking Beyond:
Not every symptom is related to a musculoskeletal injury. We also look for signs that may point to a condition outside our scope of care. If we identify a concern that requires another type of medical care, we'll recommend the appropriate provider or specialist.
Diagnosis & Patient Education
We'll explain our clinical findings and your diagnosis so you understand what's going on and how treatment may help.
Patient education is a core part of our approach. We believe you should understand your condition and be an active participant in your treatment, both inside and outside our office.
Treatment & Recovery Approach
Your treatment plan is based on your diagnosis, symptoms, clinical findings, and goals. Care may include different approaches depending on what is appropriate for your condition.
Personalized Care Plan
Your treatment plan may include chiropractic care, physical therapy, rehabilitative exercises, and other appropriate services based on your needs. We'll also consider your insurance and payment situation when determining what care is appropriate.
Progress & Reassessment
Initial treatment plans are generally developed over a 4–6 week period, followed by a reassessment of your condition and progress. Your plan can then be adjusted based on how you're responding to care.
Care Between Visits
When appropriate, we'll provide exercises or other recommendations you can use at home to support your progress and help you stay involved in your care.
Insurance coverage varies by policy and service. Not every treatment service is covered by PIP.
Auto Insurance/PIP: What You Should Know
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is auto insurance coverage that may help pay for medical care after a motor vehicle accident. Your available coverage and patient responsibility depend on your specific policy and applicable requirements.
Keep the 14-day requirement in mind.
Under current Florida law, PIP medical benefits generally require you to receive initial medical services and care within 14 days of the accident.
Insurance coverage can be confusing, and we can't guarantee that a particular service or treatment will be covered or paid. Call our office with your insurance information, and our team can help you understand the administrative next steps.
With or Without An Attorney
You do not need an attorney to receive care at Bay Injury & Rehab. You can contact us directly after an auto accident to discuss your medical needs and schedule an evaluation.
Already have an attorney? That's okay too. With your authorization, our team can communicate with your legal team as needed regarding your care.
Our focus is your medical care and recovery.
What to Expect as an Auto Injury Patient
Our team will do our best to meet your scheduling needs. Same-day appointments are often available for auto injury patients.
Before your appointment, we may ask for information about your accident and insurance so we can help with the administrative side of your visit.
When you arrive, you'll complete the necessary paperwork before your evaluation. If appropriate, we may begin treatment during your first visit.
Why Choose Bay Injury & Rehab After an Accident
Serving St. Pete Since 2008
Bay Injury & Rehab has been providing injury care to the St. Petersburg community since 2008.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Your care plan is based on your symptoms, clinical findings, and progress. We don't use pre-made treatment plans or memberships.
Patient Education
We want you to understand your condition, your treatment, and what you can do outside our office to support your recovery.
Multidisciplinary Care
Chiropractic care, physical rehabilitation, massage therapy, and spinal decompression are available under one practice.
Progress Assessments
We'll periodically reassess your condition and progress and make appropriate changes to your care plan if needed.
On-Site X-Rays
X-rays are available in our office when appropriate. Additional imaging may be recommended or referred for when medically necessary.
Auto Injury Experience
We work with patients injured in auto accidents and have experience working with auto insurance as part of the administrative process.
Auto Injury FAQs
Injured in an Auto Accident?
We're here to help you understand your symptoms and determine the appropriate next step for your care. Same-day appointments are often available.
