What to Do Medically After a Car Accident in Colorado

Short answer: get emergency care right away for serious symptoms. Otherwise, get a thorough exam within a few days, even if you feel fine, keep records of every symptom and visit, and tell your auto insurer about the accident. Many injuries, especially whiplash and concussion symptoms, show up 24 to 72 hours later.

Step 1: Know When to Go to the Emergency Room

Call 911 or go to an emergency room for loss of consciousness, a severe or worsening headache, confusion, repeated vomiting, numbness or weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, chest or abdominal pain, trouble breathing or any suspected fracture.

Step 2: Get Checked Within a Few Days

Adrenaline can hide pain for hours or days. A prompt exam catches injuries early, before they turn into long-term problems, and it creates a clear medical record that links your injuries to the accident. Look for a provider who examines joint motion, muscles, nerves and balance, not just where it hurts.

Step 3: Watch for Delayed Symptoms

• Neck stiffness or pain turning your head
• Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
• Back pain or pain spreading into an arm or leg
• Dizziness, fogginess or trouble concentrating
• Jaw pain, poor sleep, anxiety or irritability

Report every new symptom to your provider. Nothing is too small, and a good provider will never dismiss what you feel.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance and Understand Your Coverage

Colorado auto policies must include at least $5,000 of medical payments (MedPay) coverage unless the policyholder rejected it in writing. Colorado is an at-fault state, so the other driver's liability insurance may also be responsible for your injuries. Your health insurance can help too. For legal questions about your claim, talk to an attorney.

Step 5: Keep Good Records

• Your claim number, adjuster name and contact information
• Dates of every appointment and what was done
• A simple daily note of pain, sleep and activities you can't do
• Receipts and mileage to appointments

Step 6: Follow a Plan That Restores Function

Recovery is more than pain relief. A good plan restores the movements you use every day, like checking a blind spot, lifting and sleeping comfortably, and rebuilds core stability and proper breathing so the neck and back are protected while they heal. Learn more about whiplash and auto accident injuries and car accident injury care at Allied Healthcare.

We accept health insurance as an out-of-network provider, auto insurance claims, workers comp claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after a car accident can symptoms appear?

Commonly 24 to 72 hours, and sometimes longer. That's why an exam within a few days is a good idea even if you feel fine.

Do I need to see a doctor if the accident was minor?

Low-speed crashes can still strain the neck and back. A quick exam protects your health and documents any injury.

Will MedPay cover chiropractic or physical therapy?

Medical payments coverage generally pays for reasonable and necessary medical care after a crash, subject to your policy's limits. Check your policy or ask your adjuster.

Can I go to a chiropractor after a car accident?

Yes, once any emergency concerns have been ruled out. We accept health insurance as an out-of-network provider, auto insurance claims, workers comp claims, and we coordinate with your adjuster.