The First 72 Hours Are Critical
After a car accident, the adrenaline coursing through your body can mask serious injuries. Many patients walk away from a collision feeling fine, only to experience debilitating pain days later. This is why the first 72 hours after an accident are the most important window for your health, your insurance claim, and your legal rights.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine at the scene, schedule a medical evaluation within 24 hours. Common auto accident injuries like whiplash, disc herniations, and soft tissue tears often have delayed symptoms that do not appear for 24 to 72 hours after the collision.
At Citrin Chiropractic Center, we offer same-day appointments for accident patients and can perform a comprehensive evaluation including digital X-rays on-site.
Step 2: Document Everything
Your medical records from these first few days become the foundation of your insurance claim. Insurance adjusters routinely use treatment delays to argue that your injuries are not related to the accident or are not serious enough to warrant compensation.
Step 3: Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Most Missouri auto insurance policies include MedPay or PIP coverage that pays for medical treatment regardless of who was at fault. We verify your coverage before your first visit and bill your insurance directly so you pay nothing out of pocket.
Do Not Wait
The longer you wait to seek treatment, the harder it becomes to link your injuries to the accident and the more difficult recovery becomes. Call us at (314) 890-2400 for a same-day appointment.
