A car crash can leave you sore, shaken and unsure what to do next. At Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of NY & CT (PMR), a car accident chiropractor works with physical therapists and pain-management providers to find out what was injured and build a plan to help you move and feel better. We offer car accident injury treatment at our offices in Danbury, CT, and Brewster, NY.
Common injuries after a car accident
Even a low-speed collision can strain muscles, sprain ligaments and irritate spinal joints and nerves.
- Whiplash: a fast back-and-forth snap of the head that strains the neck, often causing pain, stiffness and headaches. Read about whiplash symptoms and treatment.
- Back and neck injuries: muscle strains, sprained spinal joints and irritated discs, sometimes with pain that travels into an arm or leg.
- Shoulder and knee injuries: often from bracing on the steering wheel, a tight seat belt or hitting the dashboard.
- Concussion warning signs: headache, dizziness, fogginess, trouble concentrating or sensitivity to light and noise after a blow or jolt to the head. These need a medical evaluation, so learn about concussion signs and care.
When to get urgent care
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have:
- Loss of consciousness, confusion, slurred speech, repeated vomiting or a worsening headache
- Chest pain, trouble breathing or abdominal pain
- New numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, numbness in the groin, or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe neck or back pain after a hard impact, or a limb that looks deformed or can’t bear weight
What to do after a car accident
- Get emergency care first if you have any warning signs above.
- See a car accident chiropractor or another qualified provider within a few days, even if the pain seems mild. Mild symptoms can signal a sprain, a disc injury or a concussion.
- Write down your symptoms and any work or activities you’ve missed, and keep copies of medical papers and receipts.
- Report the claim to your auto insurer and keep the claim number; forms and deadlines vary by state.
- Follow your care plan and report any changes.
How a car accident chiropractor at PMR can help
Your first visit starts with the details of the crash, such as the direction of impact, whether you wore a seat belt and when each symptom began. Your provider then checks posture, range of motion, joint movement, tenderness, strength, reflexes and sensation. If anything suggests a fracture, nerve injury or concussion, PMR arranges diagnostic testing or refers you to a physician first.
At a multidisciplinary practice like PMR, your auto accident chiropractor and other providers share one plan. It might pair gentle adjustments with guided exercise in our on-site gym, adding massage, acupuncture or pain management when needed. Progress is rechecked, and results vary.
How billing works in New York and Connecticut
Payment rules depend on the state.
New York: no-fault coverage
In New York, no-fault insurance (PIP) provides up to $50,000 per person, covering necessary care and lost earnings, whoever caused the crash (11 NYCRR 65-1.1). File the NF-2 application for benefits with the insurer within 30 days of the accident (DFS no-fault forms). With an assignment of benefits (NF-AOB), PMR bills the insurer directly at fee-schedule rates (11 NYCRR 65-3.11). Learn more about New York no-fault car accident care.
Connecticut: an at-fault state
Connecticut is an at-fault state, so injured people claim against the driver who caused the crash (OLR report). PIP hasn’t been required since January 1, 1994, and MedPay is optional coverage (CID Bulletin PC-22). Care is usually paid by MedPay, health insurance, a claim against the at-fault driver, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, or an attorney’s letter of protection. See your options for Connecticut car accident care.
What to bring to your first visit
- A photo ID and your health insurance card
- Your auto insurance details, claim number and adjuster’s contact information
- The police or accident report number
- ER discharge papers, imaging reports and a list of your medications
- Your attorney’s contact information, if you have one
Working with your attorney
Whether to hire a lawyer is your decision. If you have one, tell us at your first visit so we can share records with their office once you give written permission. Legal professionals looking for a personal injury chiropractor can read how PMR works with attorneys and case managers.
Frequently asked questions
Should I see a chiropractor after a car accident if I feel fine?
Yes, getting checked within a few days is wise. Adrenaline can hide pain for hours, and stiffness from whiplash or a back sprain often appears a day or two later. An early exam can catch injuries that need care and records your symptoms from the start. If you notice confusion, weakness or numbness, go to the ER first.
How soon can PMR see me after a crash?
Call the office closest to you or request an appointment online, and mention your car accident. New injury patients are typically seen. If you have warning signs such as chest pain, confusion or new weakness, go to the ER first and see us for follow-up care once you’re stable.
Does PMR accept auto accident claims?
Yes. We accept auto accident claims and personal injury cases and submit claims to most insurers on your behalf, and our billing team explains your benefits at your first appointment. In New York, care is billed to no-fault; in Connecticut, it’s usually paid by MedPay, health insurance or a claim against the at-fault driver. Our billing office is at (203) 744-8014.
Book an appointment
Ready to see a car accident chiropractor? Call the PMR office nearest you or request an appointment online.
- PMR of Danbury, CT, 1 Padanaram Road, Danbury, CT 06811: (203) 744-8013
- PMR of Brewster, NY, 1620 Brewster Town Center, Brewster, NY 10509: (845) 279-1135
This page is general information, not legal advice. Coverage depends on your policy and claim; our billing team can help you check yours.