Seeing a car accident chiropractor early can shape both your recovery and your benefits, because the steps you take after a crash matter more than most people realize. If you were in a wreck near Coral Springs or Parkland, understanding Florida’s rules and the value of prompt care is essential. At The Spine and Wellness Center, Dr. Jared Cohen, DC, has helped accident victims recover with drug-free, non-invasive care since 2005.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jared Cohen, DC · Updated June 2026

What to do after a car accident in Florida

In the moments after a crash, safety and documentation come first. Even if you feel mostly fine, adrenaline can mask injuries for hours or days, so it is important to act deliberately rather than dismiss how you feel.

• Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt
• Move to safety and exchange insurance and contact information
• Photograph the vehicles, the scene and any visible injuries
• File a police report and request a copy
• Seek a medical or chiropractic evaluation promptly, even without obvious pain

Prompt documentation protects both your health and your claim. A clear paper trail connecting the crash to your symptoms can be essential later.

The Florida 14-day PIP rule, explained

Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically pays for initial accident-related medical care regardless of who caused the crash. There is one rule that catches many people off guard: under Florida law, you generally must seek medical care within 14 days of the accident to be eligible for PIP benefits.

Miss that window, and you may forfeit access to those benefits entirely. This is why we urge accident victims across Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek and Margate not to wait and see. Getting evaluated quickly preserves both your recovery options and your coverage. Our team is experienced with accident cases, and you can learn more on our car accident chiropractor page.

Common injuries after a crash

Many crash injuries are soft-tissue in nature, which means standard imaging may look normal even while you are in real pain. These injuries are very real and often respond well to conservative, hands-on care.

• Whiplash and neck strain from rapid back-and-forth motion
• Headaches that begin in the days after the crash
• Mid and lower back pain or stiffness
• Shoulder, hip or knee strain from bracing on impact
• Reduced range of motion, tingling or muscle spasms

Whiplash is among the most frequent collision injuries, and our focused whiplash treatment addresses the irritated joints and strained soft tissue of the neck. When neck pain is the primary issue, our neck pain treatment offers targeted, drug-free relief.

Why early chiropractic care matters

Early evaluation does two things at once. First, it identifies injuries before they settle into chronic patterns, since soft-tissue trauma that goes unaddressed can lead to lingering pain, scar tissue and stiffness. Second, it begins gentle, restorative care while the body is most responsive.

Chiropractic care after an accident is conservative and non-invasive, focusing on restoring motion, easing inflammation and supporting natural healing without drugs or surgery. Many patients find that starting care early shortens their road back to normal activity.

Documentation and your recovery

Thorough records benefit you whether or not a claim is involved. From the initial exam onward, we document your symptoms, findings and progress, which creates a clear timeline of your recovery. That record supports your care and can be important if your case involves insurance or legal questions.

See a car accident chiropractor in Coral Springs

If you have been in a crash anywhere around Coral Springs, Parkland, Tamarac or Pompano Beach, do not wait out the symptoms or risk the 14-day window. We offer same-day appointments and accept most major insurance, so you can be evaluated quickly. Call (954) 341-2256 or reach out through our contact page to get started.