Our services
Car Accident Injury Care
Evaluation and treatment for whiplash, spinal trauma, and soft tissue injuries following motor vehicle accidents. Early intervention supports faster and more complete recovery.
Why early evaluation matters
Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries from a car accident don't always hurt right away. Digital X-rays and postural analysis soon after an accident can catch structural damage before it becomes a bigger problem.
What happens to your body in a whiplash injury
Whiplash happens when the head is forced backward and then forward, or the reverse, faster than the neck's muscles and ligaments can control, even in a relatively low-speed collision. That rapid motion can strain soft tissue and irritate joints in ways that don't always show up as pain right away, sometimes taking a day or more to fully set in.
Whiplash-related injuries are also graded, from Grade 0, no complaints or physical signs, up through Grade IV, involving a fracture or dislocation. The large majority of whiplash claims fall into the milder Grade I and Grade II range, meaning neck pain and stiffness with some loss of motion, but even those milder grades benefit from an accurate evaluation rather than being written off as "just soreness."
Florida's PIP timeline
Florida's no-fault insurance law generally requires that you seek initial treatment within 14 days of a car accident for your injuries to be covered under PIP (personal injury protection) benefits. Getting evaluated soon after an accident isn't just about your recovery, it can also matter for your claim.
Under Florida law, a licensed chiropractor is considered a qualified provider who can perform that initial evaluation, and you don't need a referral from a primary care doctor to be seen. Getting in quickly with a qualified provider is what starts the clock on your PIP coverage.
What treatment includes
Care is built around what your imaging shows, typically a combination of chiropractic adjustment, traction, and physiotherapy, aimed at full recovery rather than just easing pain in the short term.
Injuries we evaluate and treat
- Whiplash
- Spinal trauma from impact
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck and back pain following an accident
- Headaches following a collision
Why North River
Dr. Johns builds every plan on objective imaging, so treatment after an accident is based on what actually happened to your spine, not just where it hurts today.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How soon after an accident should I be seen?+
As soon as reasonably possible. Florida's PIP rules generally require treatment within 14 days of the accident, and some injuries from a car accident don't show symptoms right away, so early evaluation supports both your recovery and your claim.
What if I don't feel pain right after the accident?+
That's common with whiplash and soft tissue injuries. An evaluation with imaging can catch what you can't feel yet.
What does treatment after a car accident look like?+
It typically combines chiropractic adjustment, traction, and physiotherapy, based on what your digital X-rays and exam show.
How long does recovery usually take?+
It depends on the severity of the injury, including its whiplash grade where that applies. We'll give you a realistic plan and timeline after your evaluation.
Do you document injuries for insurance or legal claims?+
Yes, your exam findings and imaging are documented as part of your record, which your insurance company or attorney can request if needed.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor after a car accident?+
No. Florida law recognizes chiropractors as qualified providers for your initial post-accident evaluation, so you can come straight to us without a referral.
Next step
Ready to talk about car accident injury care?
We'll walk through what's going on and whether this is the right fit for you.
Request an Appointment