By Dr. Jordan Probasco, DC | Sisu Coastal Wellness
Car accidents happen every day on Highway 101, the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and the roads throughout Clatsop County (Our office is on the left turn corner of 8th and Commercial…We hear a few honks…). Whether it’s a minor fender-bender in downtown Astoria or a more serious collision near Warrenton, knowing what to do in the moments, hours, and days after an accident can make a significant difference in your recovery—both physically and financially.
As a chiropractor who has spent over 10 years treating car accident injuries, I’ve seen how the decisions people make immediately after an accident affect their long-term outcomes. Here’s what you need to know.
At the Scene: Immediate Steps
1. Check for Injuries
First, assess yourself and your passengers for obvious injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to note how you’re feeling—adrenaline can mask pain in the moment.
2. Move to Safety (If Possible)
If the vehicles are drivable and it’s safe to do so, move them out of traffic. On Highway 101, this is especially important given the traffic flow. Turn on your hazard lights. (If you are unfamiliar with where that button is in your vehicle, use this as a sign to learn where it is located!)
3. Call the Police
In Oregon, you’re required to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,500. Even for minor accidents, having a police report can be valuable for your insurance claim. In Astoria, call the non-emergency line at (503) 325-4411 or 911 for emergencies.
4. Exchange Information
Get the following from the other driver(s):
- Name, address, phone number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Make, model, and color of vehicle
5. Document Everything
Use your phone to:
- Take photos of all vehicles and damage (including any scrapes or cuts you may have endured)
- Photograph the accident scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, and weather
- Get contact information from any witnesses
- Note the exact location and time
6. Be Careful What You Say
Don’t admit fault or apologize at the scene—even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when talking to the other driver and the police. I know this is hard for some to understand, but how accidents happen always have two stories. It’s best to not let the moment dictate your voice, as hard as it may be.
Within the First 24-72 Hours
7. Seek Medical Attention—If Your not Feeling like yourself.
This is the most important advice I can give you.
Many car accident injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and even some spinal injuries can take hours or days to become painful. The adrenaline surge after an accident masks pain, and inflammation builds gradually in injured tissues.
I’ve seen too many patients who felt “fine” after an accident, only to develop severe neck pain, headaches, or back problems weeks later. By then, the insurance company may question whether the accident actually caused your injuries.
Get evaluated by a healthcare provider within 72 hours of your accident—ideally sooner. This creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident and allows treatment to begin before problems become chronic.
8. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Contact your auto insurance company promptly to report the accident. In Oregon, you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage that pays for your medical treatment regardless of who was at fault. This coverage is there for you—use it.
9. Keep Records of Everything
Start a file or folder for everything related to your accident:
- Police report
- Insurance claim numbers
- Medical records and bills
- Receipts for any accident-related expenses
- Notes about how you’re feeling each day
- Days missed from work
Understanding Oregon PIP Insurance
Many Oregonians don’t fully understand the PIP coverage that’s included in their auto insurance. Here’s what you need to know:
- Minimum coverage is $15,000 for medical expenses (your policy may have more)
- It covers you regardless of fault—even if you caused the accident
- No referral is needed to see a chiropractor or other provider
- Coverage starts immediately—no waiting period or pre-authorization
- It covers all vehicle occupants—drivers and passengers
This means you can see a chiropractor for your accident injuries with zero out-of-pocket cost in most cases. The insurance company pays us directly.
Why Chiropractic Care for Car Accident Injuries?
Chiropractors specialize in exactly the types of injuries that car accidents cause most often:
- Whiplash – The rapid back-and-forth motion of your head during impact
- Spinal misalignment – The forces involved can shift vertebrae out of position
- Soft tissue injuries – Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons
- Disc injuries – Herniated or bulging discs from impact
- Headaches – Often resulting from neck trauma
Chiropractic treatment addresses the underlying structural problems rather than just masking pain with medication. Research shows that patients who receive early chiropractic care after auto accidents have better outcomes than those who wait or rely solely on pain medication.
What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Visit
When you come to see us after an accident, here’s what happens:
- Detailed history – We’ll ask about the accident, your symptoms, and your medical history
- Physical examination – Testing range of motion, reflexes, muscle strength, and more
- Postural and functional assessment – Understanding how the injury affects your daily life
- Diagnostic imaging – We may order X-rays or refer for MRI if needed
- Treatment plan – A personalized plan to address your specific injuries
- Documentation – Proper records for your insurance claim
At Sisu Coastal Wellness, your first visit is 60 minutes—we don’t rush. Understanding your injuries fully is essential for effective treatment.
Don’t Wait—Early Treatment Matters
The research is clear: early intervention after a car accident leads to better outcomes. Waiting allows inflammation to set in, scar tissue to form, and acute injuries to become chronic conditions.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside, or anywhere on the North Oregon Coast, don’t wait to see if the pain goes away on its own. Call us at 503-739-2120 to schedule an evaluation. Your Oregon PIP insurance covers the cost, and your future self will thank you.
Dr. Jordan Probasco is a Doctor of Chiropractic at Sisu Coastal Wellness in Astoria, Oregon, with over 10 years of experience treating motor vehicle accident injuries. Sisu Coastal Wellness is located at 818 Commercial Street, Suite 200, in downtown Astoria.