What to Do After an Auto Accident in Orange County: A Step-by-Step Guide
Being in a car accident can be overwhelming, from the trauma and shock of the crash to the stress of dealing with insurance and medical care. At Atlas Chiropractic, Dr. Rice and Dr. Kosta are Costa Mesa chiropractors specializing in personal injury and auto accident care, for over 25 years. Over the decades, we’ve earned a reputation for providing trusted care and accurate documentation, respected by attorneys, insurance companies, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and pain management specialists alike. If you’ve recently been in an accident in Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, or surrounding Orange County areas, here’s what to do step-by-step.
Step 1: Ensure Safety and Call for Help
Check for immediate injuries and call 911 if necessary, and if not, call the local police department or CHP if you’re on the freeway. When they arrive, politely request that they file an incident report. Even if you feel “fine,” accident-related injuries like whiplash or concussions often don’t appear right away.
Step 2: Document the Scene
Take photos of the vehicle and any visible injuries. Exchange insurance info and collect witness details, which will help both your medical and legal process.
Step 3: Seek Prompt Medical Evaluation
Never delay medical care after an auto accident. Injuries to the spine, neck, back, muscles, and especially the brain (Concussion and/or TBI) can worsen over time if left untreated. As a chiropractor with decades of personal injury experience, we know that early care and documentation are critical not only for your health but also for your insurance or legal claim.
Step 4: Work With the Right Providers
Auto accident injuries often require a team approach. At Atlas Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Costa Mesa, we collaborate with attorneys, pain management specialists, neurologists, and orthopedic surgeons, to ensure you get the care and support you need. Chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, cold laser therapy, and physical therapy/rehabilitation can all play a key role in reducing pain, restoring mobility, and preventing long-term complications. If you need a referral for a great law firm who will ensure you case is handled by the best professionals, we will give you the names of the most reputable law firms in your area.
Step 5: Protect Your Insurance & Legal Rights
Accident cases can get complicated. Having accurate, detailed medical records makes all the difference. My office provides insurance-ready and attorney-friendly documentation, built on 25+ years of experience in personal injury cases.
Step 6: Begin Recovery With a Personalized Plan
At Atlas, we design custom care programs for car accident patients in Costa Mesa and throughout Orange County. From whiplash treatment and spinal adjustments to massage, cold laser, and physical therapy, everything you need is under one roof.
A car accident can disrupt your life in an instant — but with the right steps and the right care team, you can recover fully. If you’ve been in an auto accident in Costa Mesa or Orange County, don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Schedule a free consultation today at Atlas by calling 714 540 6792 and we will walk you through the entire process so you can focus on what really matters, and that is your recovery from injuries!