At the scene: protect people and request help

Do not debate fault at the roadside. Concentrate on preventing another collision, getting help, and recording objective information.

  • Stop and assess the surroundings. If you are driving, turn off the vehicle when appropriate and watch for traffic, fire, leaking fuel, downed wires, or other hazards. Do not place yourself in moving traffic to inspect damage.
  • Call 911 when anyone may be injured or the scene is dangerous. Give the location, number of vehicles, known hazards, and what you can observe. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
  • Avoid unnecessary movement after a significant impact. Do not move an injured person unless remaining in place presents an immediate danger or emergency personnel direct you to help.
  • Move vehicles only when appropriate. California guidance says vehicles should be moved off the street or highway when no one is injured or killed. Conditions vary, so prioritize the scene instructions from law enforcement.
  • Exchange and record required information. If you can do so without compromising medical care, gather names, contact details, driver’s-license and vehicle information, insurance details, location, time, and witness contacts. Photograph the scene only from a secure position.

Symptoms that call for emergency evaluation

Call 911 or seek emergency care for severe or worsening symptoms, including trouble breathing, chest pressure or significant chest or abdominal pain, uncontrolled bleeding, new weakness or numbness, loss of coordination, seizure, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, unusual behavior, slurred speech, unequal pupils, inability to stay awake, or loss of consciousness.

A concussion can result from a hit to the body that rapidly moves the head and brain even without a direct blow to the head. A worsening headache, repeated vomiting, marked drowsiness, confusion, seizure, or new neurologic change after the collision should not wait for a routine clinic visit. When uncertain, use emergency services rather than driving yourself.

Pay attention during the next hours and days

Pain intensity alone does not tell you what happened. Notice changes in neck or back discomfort, headache, dizziness, nausea, vision, concentration, sleep, balance, sensation, strength, and tolerance for everyday activity. Write down when each symptom began, whether it is improving or worsening, and which activities affect it.

Tell a medical clinician about the direction and force of impact, airbag deployment, seat-belt use, any head strike, any gap in memory, and prior injuries or health conditions. Bring a current medication list. If you were evaluated at the scene or emergency department, keep the discharge instructions and follow their return precautions.

Avoid testing an injured area with hard exercise, deep stretching, or forceful self-manipulation. If attention, reaction time, vision, or dizziness is affected, ask a medical professional about driving and work duties.

Match follow-up care to the concern

Emergency services rule out time-sensitive threats. Primary-care, urgent-care, orthopedic, neurologic, rehabilitation, and other clinicians may be appropriate depending on symptoms and findings. Chiropractic assessment may be one option for some musculoskeletal complaints after urgent problems have been addressed; it is not a replacement for emergency or medical evaluation when those are indicated.

Ask each clinician what they think is contributing to the symptoms, whether testing or referral is appropriate, which activities to modify temporarily, and how progress will be reassessed. Be wary of anyone who predicts a specific recovery timeline before an adequate examination.

Learn more about auto accident injuries and whiplash without using those pages to self-diagnose.

Check current California reporting requirements

California DMV currently instructs a driver, insurance representative, or legal representative to submit an SR-1 within 10 days when anyone is injured or killed or when property damage exceeds $1,000. The SR-1 is separate from reports to police, the California Highway Patrol, or an insurer. Thresholds and procedures can change, so use the current DMV page rather than relying on this article alone.

Keep copies of reports, healthcare records, receipts, and work restrictions. Describe symptoms accurately; do not exaggerate them or minimize them because you feel pressured by another party.

For a nonurgent musculoskeletal concern

If emergency needs have been addressed and you want to ask whether an evaluation at Ocean Chiropractic Center is appropriate, use the contact page for a general appointment inquiry. Do not send a detailed health history through the ordinary form, and do not use it for urgent symptoms.