What to Do After a Car Accident in Arlington, TX: A Step-by-Step Guide
Updated: 10 hours ago
A car accident is stressful, and the hours and days afterward matter for both your health and any insurance claim. Whether it was a minor fender bender or a serious car wreck, this guide walks through the steps we recommend to patients in Arlington, Mansfield, Grand Prairie, Kennedale and Fort Worth, from the scene of the crash through your recovery.
1. Make sure everyone is safe and call 911
If you can, move to a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights, and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if vehicles are blocking traffic. A police report creates an official record of the crash that insurance companies rely on later.
2. Document the scene
Take photos of every vehicle, license plate, the road, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
Exchange names, phone numbers, driver's license and insurance information with the other driver.
Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Write down the time, location, and what happened while it is fresh in your memory.
In Texas, crash reports completed by law enforcement can usually be requested later through the Texas Department of Transportation's online crash report system. Write down the report number the officer gives you.
3. Get checked even if you feel fine
Adrenaline masks pain. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and concussions often do not cause noticeable symptoms for 24 to 72 hours. Watch for delayed symptoms such as neck stiffness, headaches, back pain, shoulder pain, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, dizziness, and trouble concentrating. Our guide to delayed whiplash symptoms explains why these symptoms often show up late.
Go to the emergency room right away for a severe headache, loss of consciousness, confusion, sudden weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. For neck, back, and soft tissue pain after the ER rules out emergencies, an evaluation with a car accident chiropractor helps document your injuries early and start treatment before inflammation turns into chronic pain. Not sure where to go first? See chiropractor vs. urgent care after a car accident.
4. Notify your insurance and understand PIP
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. In Texas, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is included on auto policies unless it was rejected in writing, and it can help pay medical bills no matter who caused the crash. Heal 360 Rehab accepts PIP and letters of protection, and we coordinate with your attorney when you have one. Our guide on whether PIP covers a chiropractor in Texas goes into more detail, and our personal injury chiropractor page explains how we work with attorneys.
5. Keep records of your treatment
Keep appointment records, receipts, and mileage to and from care.
Note how pain affects your work, sleep, driving, and daily tasks.
Follow your treatment plan. Long gaps in care can slow recovery and make an injury claim harder to support.
6. Consider talking with a personal injury attorney
If your injuries are significant, you missed work, or fault is disputed, a consultation with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your options. We work with several attorneys across the DFW metroplex and provide the documentation they need. If your attorney mentions a letter of protection, our article on how letters of protection work with a chiropractor explains the basics.
What to do in the days after the accident
The first week after a car wreck is when many injuries become noticeable and when paperwork piles up. A few simple habits help:
Check in with your body each morning. Stiffness, headaches and tingling often show up after a night's sleep. Write down anything new.
Rest, but keep moving gently. Unless a provider tells you otherwise, light walking and normal daily movement are usually better than staying in bed all day.
Keep a folder. Store your claim number, the police report number, photos, receipts and medical paperwork in one place.
Return calls promptly. Respond to your insurer and keep notes of who you spoke with and what they said.
What not to do after a car accident
A few common mistakes can make recovery or an insurance claim harder:
Don't skip getting checked because you feel fine at the scene. Many injuries show up later.
Don't guess about your injuries when talking to an insurance adjuster. Describe what you know, and say so if you haven't been evaluated yet.
Don't sign documents you don't understand. Ask what a release or settlement form means before signing, and consider talking with an attorney first.
Don't post about the accident on social media. Photos and comments can be taken out of context during a claim.
Don't stop treatment early without talking to your provider, even if you start to feel better.
Do you need to see a doctor after a minor car accident?
Even low-speed collisions can strain the neck and back, and some people don't feel symptoms until the next day or later. If you have any pain, stiffness, headaches or numbness after a crash, it's worth getting evaluated. An exam can catch injuries early, and it creates a record that connects your symptoms to the accident if you need to use PIP or file a claim. If you truly have no symptoms, keep watching for changes over the next few days.
How Heal 360 Rehab helps after a car accident
Dr. Don Ringer, D.C. evaluates car accident injuries and builds a drug-free, non-surgical treatment plan that can include chiropractic adjustments, whiplash treatment, StemWave therapy, soft tissue therapies, and guided physical rehabilitation. We also treat neck pain, back pain and sciatica, shoulder pain and headaches that start after a crash. No referral is needed, and consultations are free. Here's what to expect at your first chiropractic visit after a car accident.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first after a car wreck in Arlington?
Make sure everyone is safe, call 911 if anyone is hurt or vehicles are blocking traffic, and document the scene with photos and the other driver's information. Then get checked for injuries, even if you feel fine.
How long after a car accident can symptoms appear?
Many people notice symptoms such as neck stiffness, headaches or back pain within 24 to 72 hours, and some notice them later. If new symptoms appear in the days after a crash, get evaluated.
Does PIP cover medical care after a car accident in Texas?
PIP can help pay medical bills after a car accident regardless of who caused it, up to your policy limits. It's included on Texas auto policies unless it was rejected in writing.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor after a car accident?
No referral is needed to be seen at Heal 360 Rehab. You can call the office directly to schedule a free consultation.
Get checked after a car accident in Arlington
Heal 360 Rehab is located at 3939 W Green Oaks Blvd, Suite 100, Arlington, TX 76016, just off I-20. Call (469) 573-4223 to schedule. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
This article is for general information and isn't medical or legal advice.
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