After a car accident
A Simple Guide to Your Next Steps
The moments and days after a crash can be confusing, especially when pain or stiffness develops. Start here for practical guidance on safety, physical symptoms, medical evaluation, and keeping relevant information organized.
Call 954-871-1411 to discuss appointment availability.At a glance
Put safety first. Report and document the accident when appropriate and safe, pay attention to physical symptoms, seek appropriate care, and keep your information together. In a medical emergency, call 911.
One step at a time
Focus on what you need now, then return to the other steps when it is safe to do so.
Explore auto accident careCheck for immediate danger and seek emergency assistance when needed. Move to a safer place only if it is safe to do so, and follow instructions from emergency responders.
Serious or potentially life-threatening symptoms need emergency medical attention. Do not delay help to take photographs, exchange information, or arrange a routine appointment.
When to seek immediate medical attentionContact the appropriate authorities when needed and follow their instructions. When it is safe and appropriate, exchange names and contact details, vehicle details, and insurance information.
Keep a note of the accident location and any report or reference information available. This guide offers general practical information, not detailed reporting requirements or legal advice.
If it is safe, photographs of the location and vehicle damage can help you keep a record. Write brief notes about what occurred and save relevant documents.
Safety takes priority over documentation. Store photographs and personal information securely rather than posting them publicly.
Notice neck or back pain, headaches, shoulder discomfort, stiffness, muscle soreness, or reduced movement. Record when symptoms began and how they affect your usual activities.
Symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis or prove that the accident caused a particular condition. Share new or changing concerns with an appropriate healthcare professional.
An individualized evaluation can help assess what you are experiencing and what type of care may be appropriate.
Dr. Brett Goldstein, D.C. provides auto injury evaluations in the Fort Lauderdale–Pompano Beach area. Your history and examination help guide next steps, which may include chiropractic care or another type of medical care when appropriate.
What to expect at an evaluationKeep accident details, medical information, appointment details, insurance correspondence, and other relevant documents together in a secure place.
A short list of your symptoms and questions can make your next healthcare conversation easier. Keep following recommendations from the professionals involved in your care.
Symptoms can develop later
Some people notice soreness, stiffness, headaches, or other symptoms later rather than immediately. Delayed symptoms do not automatically mean a serious injury; timing alone does not establish the cause or severity.
If symptoms develop or worsen, consider seeking appropriate medical evaluation.
Schedule an EvaluationFurther reading: NHS guidance on whiplash.
Immediate medical needs
Call 911 for potentially life-threatening symptoms. These can include loss of consciousness, significant difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or new severe neurological symptoms such as inability to speak or sudden weakness.
Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms need prompt medical attention. Use emergency services or appropriate urgent medical care based on the situation; do not wait for a routine chiropractic appointment.
This is not a complete diagnostic checklist. This website is not a substitute for emergency medical care.
Notice changes. Discuss concerns.
Describe what you feel and when it started. An evaluation helps put those observations in context.
Discomfort or a change in neck movement.
Explore careUpper or lower back discomfort.
Explore careNew or changed head pain.
Explore careNeck symptoms following sudden head movement.
Explore careDiscomfort around the shoulder or upper arm.
Explore careSoreness or reduced ease of movement.
Explore careFlorida PIP information
Florida's PIP system contains an important 14-day timeframe related to receiving initial services and care after a motor vehicle accident.
This is general information and is not legal advice. It does not determine your individual insurance coverage.
Learn About Florida's PIP 14-Day RuleSource: Florida Statutes § 627.736(1)(a).
Prepare for your visit
Gather what is already available so you can spend the visit discussing your concerns.
Keep personal and medical records secure. This website does not collect your documents.
Care starts with a conversation
At Goldstein Sports Chiropractic & Auto Injury Center, Dr. Brett Goldstein, D.C. starts with understanding your concerns.
Dr. Goldstein will recommend chiropractic treatment only when your evaluation supports it.
Meet Dr. GoldsteinDr. Goldstein's office provides healthcare and does not provide legal advice. Whether you choose to speak with an attorney depends on your individual circumstances.
If you already have an attorney, appropriate communication and relevant records can be handled when you authorize it.
Common questions
Practical answers as you decide what to do next.
The apparent size of a collision does not determine what care you need. If you are injured, have symptoms, or are concerned, seek an appropriate evaluation. Emergencies require immediate medical attention.
Pay attention to how you feel over the following hours and days. If symptoms develop or you have concerns, seek appropriate medical advice. Feeling fine immediately does not replace an evaluation when one is needed.
Yes, some people notice symptoms later. Timing alone does not establish a diagnosis or the severity of an injury. If symptoms develop or worsen, consider appropriate medical evaluation.
A chiropractic evaluation may be appropriate depending on your symptoms and health history. An examination helps determine whether chiropractic care or another type of medical care is suitable.
Bring available accident and medical information, relevant insurance details, medication information, and questions. Keep records secure and bring them to the appointment rather than sharing them publicly.
Florida's PIP system includes a 14-day timeframe related to receiving initial services and care after a motor vehicle accident. This is general information and is not legal advice or a determination of coverage.
Follow your discharge instructions and any recommended follow-up. Bring available discharge paperwork and relevant records to a subsequent evaluation. New or worsening symptoms may need additional medical attention.
With your authorization, the office can communicate appropriately about relevant records and documentation. The office provides healthcare, not legal advice.
Contact the office to ask about available appointments. Availability must be confirmed; same-day appointments are not guaranteed. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you need emergency medical care.
Your next step
If you are experiencing pain or physical symptoms after an accident, an evaluation can help determine appropriate next steps. Bring your questions and discuss what you are experiencing with Dr. Goldstein.
