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AUTO ACCIDENT GUIDANCE

Should I see my medical doctor or a chiropractor after a car accident?

Should I seek medical care or chiropractic care after an auto accident in Arizona?
For immediate treatment after an auto accident, you should seek emergency room care. Emergency room nurses and doctors are equipped to deal with serious auto accident trauma, and can see you right away without appointment or waiting times.
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AT THE SCENE

Who decides if you go to the emergency room?

In most Arizona auto accident incidents, if you or any other person needed emergency care, the police will arrange emergency transportation promptly at the scene of the accident. This could be an ambulance, or even the fire truck with paramedics. Whether the police will recommend emergency transportation to the ER will be based on:
  • The severity of the crash
  • Obvious serious injuries
  • Statements from you or other accident victims — one of the first questions officers ask is, “Are you seriously hurt, do you need emergency care right now?”

There is no definitive policy for police officers regarding when to send someone to the ER in the Arizona Traffic Accident Report Forms policies, but there is a section for injury classifications which probably has weight regarding the officer’s decision to get emergency transportation.

Rear-end collisions are the most common cause of whiplash in the East Valley.

Symptoms often appear hours or days later — which is why prompt evaluation matters even when you feel fine at the scene.
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POLICE REPORTING

Arizona auto accident injury classifications are:

No injury

A situation where there is no reason to believe that the person received any bodily harm from the motor vehicle traffic accident in which they were involved.

Possible injury

Any injury reported or claimed which is not a fatal, incapacitating, or non-incapacitating evident injury. Includes such situations as nausea, hysteria, complaint of pain, and injuries not evident.

Non-incapacitating evident

Any injury other than fatal and incapacitating which is evident to any observer at the scene of the accident. Includes bumps, abrasions, bruises and minor lacerations. The person receiving these injuries is still able to leave the scene under their own power.

Incapacitating

An injury, other than fatal, which prevents the injured person from walking, driving or normally continuing the activities which he was capable of performing prior to the motor vehicle traffic accident. Includes severe lacerations, broken or distorted limbs, unconsciousness, inability to leave accident scene without assistance.

Unknown

Primarily used for people who have left the scene of the accident prior to police arrival, such as hit-and-run situations.

For more information on police protocol for Arizona auto accident scene reporting, download and view the State of Arizona Traffic Accident Report Forms.

NEXT STEPS

I was not taken to the ER after my car accident, do I call an MD or chiropractor?

GO TO THE ER

If you are experiencing dizziness hours after the accident, blurred vision, or serious pain go to the ER.

We recommend not taking any chances and seeking emergency care right away.

SEE A MEDICAL DOCTOR

If you are experiencing moderate pain, personality changes, or headaches see a medical doctor.

We recommend seeing a medical doctor promptly. In some cases the MD may refer you to a chiropractor to treat the cause of these symptoms, but an MD will be able to determine that based on their medical evaluation.

SEE A CHIROPRACTOR

Neck or shoulder pain, back pain, stiffness, or numbness in the arms or hands (a sign of whiplash)

If possible, find an auto accident chiropractor in your area that can see you same day — and be sure to find a ride. We don’t recommend you drive yourself if you haven’t been evaluated by a doctor or chiropractor yet. For your safety, and other drivers on our Arizona roads, we provide same day appointments AND free transportation.

Need a same day post auto accident medical appointment and transportation to and from your visit?

We provide that. If you’ve been in a car accident and need to see an MD or chiropractor, call now, and we can get you in today and offer FREE, safe and clean transportation to and from your appointment.
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OUR APPROACH

Is it best to see both an MD & chiropractor after an auto accident?

We believe so, which is why here at Southwest Spine & Rehab we have Medical Doctors, Chiropractors, and Physical Therapists on staff and on site. We want professional advice from all perspectives, so we are able to put together the most effective treatment plan possible for YOU with confidence. We also want to make sure you are able to get all of your care in one place without having to make numerous doctor appointments around town when you should just be focusing on getting well.
Depending on your initial diagnosis, your treatment plan may include seeing a doctor, chiropractor, and physical therapist to get you back to 100% in the shortest time possible. At Southwest Spine & Rehab, we are also very intentional about ensuring we have and utilize the latest medical and diagnostic technology available. We provide x-rays, MRI, lab, and many other medical resources onsite for your convenience and treatment efficiency.

Medical Doctors

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Physical Therapists

X-ray, MRI & labs on site

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