Even if you walk away from a fender-bender feeling okay, that doesn’t mean you actually are. Whiplash, soft tissue damage, and spinal misalignment are notorious for staying quiet for the first 24 to 72 hours — your body runs on adrenaline right after a crash, which can mask pain that shows up once things settle down. That delay is exactly why so many accident injuries go untreated until they’ve become a bigger problem than they needed to be.
Right after the crash
Get a police report if possible and exchange insurance information. Even if you feel fine, make a note of exactly how you feel — that record matters later.
Within 24 to 72 hours
This is the window when whiplash, stiffness, and headaches most often surface. Get evaluated even if you’re still feeling okay — early documentation protects both your recovery and your claim.
Within the first two weeks
This is the most effective window for treating whiplash. Spinal manipulation during this period reduces pain and restores range of motion far more predictably than waiting it out.
Weeks or months later
Untreated soft tissue injuries tend to become chronic rather than resolve on their own. If it’s been a while since your accident and something still doesn’t feel right, it’s not too late to get looked at.
Washington requires auto policies to include Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which typically covers chiropractic care after an accident with little to no out-of-pocket cost. We bill your insurance directly and work with all the major carriers, including State Farm, PEMCO, GEICO, and Farmers. No referral is needed — call us and we’ll help you figure out exactly what your policy covers. And if the accident happened on the job, we’re also qualified to handle Workers’ Compensation claims.
Common after a rear-end collision, whiplash can bring neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and even trouble concentrating. Treatment within two weeks matters most.
Left untreated, this can develop into radiating pain, migraines, or chronic tension. We combine adjustments, massage, and targeted exercises depending on severity.
Back pain after a crash can point to something more than soreness. We diagnose the root cause rather than just treating the ache on the surface.
Accidents are stressful, and that stress often shows up physically as headaches and muscle tension. Treatment addresses both at once.
“I am a chiropractor myself and was in town for vacation and woke up with my neck completely locked up. I called multiple places on Saturday until Dr. Bryan answered! I got there and he not only worked on some spasmed muscles, but also got a huge release out of my neck. I highly recommend him.”
— Dr. Matt McManus
“Dr. Bryan is awesome. Appointments are easy to get at convenient times or even the same day when necessary. He’s gentle and gets the job done. He’s easy to talk to and answers questions.”
— L.B.
Ideally within 48 to 72 hours, even if you feel mostly fine. Early treatment reduces inflammation, helps prevent chronic pain down the road, and creates documentation that matters for your insurance claim.
In most cases, yes. Washington requires PIP coverage on auto policies, and it typically covers chiropractic visits after an accident. Call us and we’ll help verify your specific coverage before your first visit.
No. Call us directly and we’ll typically get you in the same day. If the accident happened while you were working, we can also handle your Workers’ Compensation claim.
Yes — it’s one of the most effective treatments available. We realign the cervical spine, reduce muscle tension, and work to restore your range of motion, ideally starting within the first two weeks after the accident.
Open Monday through Saturday with same-day appointments, serving drivers throughout Vancouver — near Esther Short Park, the Columbia River Waterfront, Vancouver Mall, and all of Clark County.
For your convenience, we offer same-day and walk-in appointments with our auto accident chiropractors in Vancouver Washington. You can also call our clinic anytime at 360-573-5500 to schedule a visit with our 24-hour answering service. If you are experiencing an emergency, chiropractors are here to help!
Forgey Chiropractic is open six days a week! Click here to schedule your appointment.
