Injured in a car accident? Most people don't realize the first 72 hours are critical.
Post-accident care guide
3 things to do in the 72 hours after a car accident
The steps you take right now can protect your health, your recovery, and your claim. Here is exactly what to do.
"He helped me get back to normal after being hit by a drunk driver. He truly
cares about his clients." — Skyler R.
280+
patient reviews
★★★★★
5.0
Google rating
10+
years serving South Austin
Your action plan
What to do right now
If you have been in an accident, even a minor one, these three steps can make the difference between a full recovery and months of unresolved pain.
1
1 Document everything immediately
Take photos of damage to all vehicles, your visible injuries, and the scene. Save the police report number, the other driver's insurance information, and contact details for any witnesses. Keep a written log of your symptoms starting from day one, even if they seem minor.
Pro tip: Use your phone's voice memo to record details while they are fresh. You will forget more than you think within 48 hours.
2
Get evaluated by a chiropractor within 72 hours
Most accident injuries are not visible on standard ER imaging. Soft tissue damage, spinal misalignments, and whiplash symptoms often do not surface right away. A chiropractic evaluation identifies these hidden injuries early, before they become chronic pain. It also creates the medical documentation you need for your insurance claim.
Did you know? Patients who receive chiropractic care within the first week after an accident have significantly better long-term outcomes than those who wait.
3
Do not sign anything from insurance until you know your full diagnosis
Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly with a settlement offer. Before you agree to anything, get a complete evaluation so you understand the full extent of your injuries. Accepting a settlement too early can leave you responsible for treatment costs that surface weeks or months later.
Remember: A quick settlement is almost always in the insurance company's interest, not yours. Know your diagnosis first.
Real patients, real results
What accident patients say about their recovery
★★★★★
Dr. James made me feel 120% better. Very professional and great to talk to. His knowledge was very comforting to someone who never had any kind of chiropractic help in the past.
Cody
Hit by a semi truck
★★★★★
Amazing through my entire recovery from a car accident. He always made sure I left satisfied and feeling better than when I arrived. 10/10 treatment.
Big B
Car accident recovery
★★★★★
After a car accident, I began treatment with Dr. James. From the first appointment he was very professional, attentive, and really cared about my recovery. The pain in my back and neck is now just a memory.
Julieth C.
Back and neck pain after accident
Why this matters
What happens when you wait too long
Delaying care after a car accident can have consequences that extend far
beyond the pain itself.
Hidden injuries worsen
Whiplash, herniated discs, and soft tissue damage can go undetected for days. Without early treatment, minor injuries can become chronic conditions that affect your quality of life for years.
Insurance gaps appear
A delay between your accident and your first medical visit creates a gap that insurers use to question whether your injuries are accident-related. This can reduce or eliminate your claim.
Recovery costs multiply
Early intervention is almost always less expensive than treating a condition that has been left to progress. Catching it now saves time, money, and pain later.
"This place ended my chronic pain, something doctors said was not possible without surgery."
Carl S., Google Review
Your South Austin chiropractor
Meet Dr. James Stubbs Jr., D.C.
Dr. James knows what it feels like to be on the other side of the table. A car accident in his own life led him to chiropractic care, and that experience shaped everything about how he practices today. He treats every patient the way he wanted to be treated: with time, attention, and honesty about what is actually going on.
At Optimal Wellness and Chiropractic in South Austin, he combines adjustments, physical therapy, stretching, and home exercise plans into a single visit. No assembly line. No one-size-fits-all. Just personalized care designed around your specific injury and your specific goals.
Serving Circle C, Buda, Dripping Springs, and South Austin for over a decade
"As an adult child of a chiropractor, I have been receiving adjustments my entire life, and can honestly say that Dr. James has perfect technique."
Trina M., Google Review
Your first appointment
Here is exactly what happens when you walk in
No surprises. No pressure. Just a thorough evaluation designed around your specific injury.
01
You call or book online
Same-week appointments available. Most patients are seen within 1 to 2 days. We work around your schedule.
02
Full evaluation
Dr. James takes time to understand your accident, your symptoms, and your history. No rushing. He examines alignment, mobility, and areas of concern.
03
Personalized treatment plan
Based on your evaluation, Dr. James builds a care plan for your specific injuries. He explains every step so you understand what is happening and why.
04
Relief and documentation
Most patients feel improvement after their first visit. You also leave with the medical documentation needed for your insurance claim.
Same-week appointments available for accident patients
Not sure about chiropractic care? You are not alone.
Many of our patients felt the same way before their first visit.
★★★★★
Never believed in chiropractors before... until my wife talked me into going to see Dr. James. My neck and shoulders feel the best in years. Give him a try, you will not regret it.
Chris A.
★★★★★
I was always nervous that chiropractors would be into pseudoscience but he is very knowledgeable and excellent at explaining why he is doing what he is doing. If you have been wondering about trying a chiropractor, this is your guy.
Olivia B.
"After another chiropractor left me with severe neck inflammation, I could barely rotate my neck an inch. Dr. James genuinely listened to my concerns. In just one session, I regained at least 50% of my neck mobility. I was overwhelmed with tears of relief."
Jacqueline P., Google Review
Affordable care
Most auto insurance covers your chiropractic care
After a car accident, your auto insurance policy typically covers chiropractic treatment at little to no out-of-pocket cost to you. We handle the insurance paperwork and file all claims directly so you can focus on getting better.
Our patients consistently report copays of $25 to $30 per visit. If you do not have insurance, we offer affordable cash-pay rates.
During your first call, we will verify your coverage and explain exactly what to expect so there are no surprises.
We file all insurance claims for you
$25 to $30 typical copay with insurance
We verify your coverage before your first visit
Common questions after a car accident
How soon after a car accident should I see a chiropractor?
Ideally within 72 hours. Soft tissue injuries like whiplash often do not cause symptoms immediately. Early evaluation catches hidden damage before it becomes chronic. If you are in the South Austin, Circle C, or Buda area, we can usually see you within 1 to 2 days of your call.
Should I contact an attorney after my accident?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with us. If you are working with an attorney, we will coordinate with them on documentation. Many personal injury attorneys in the Austin area regularly refer their clients to Optimal Wellness.
What if I feel fine after the accident?
Many patients feel fine for the first 24 to 72 hours after a collision. Adrenaline can mask pain, and soft tissue injuries like whiplash take time to surface. A post-accident evaluation identifies damage your body has not registered yet. Getting checked now can prevent months of pain later.
Does my auto insurance cover chiropractic care after an accident?
In most cases, yes. Auto insurance policies in Texas typically include coverage for chiropractic treatment after an accident. We handle all insurance paperwork and file claims directly. When you call to schedule, we will verify your coverage so you know exactly what to expect.
How is chiropractic care different from what the ER does?
Emergency rooms are designed to rule out life-threatening injuries like broken bones and internal bleeding. But standard ER imaging typically does not detect soft tissue damage, spinal misalignment, or the early stages of whiplash. Chiropractic evaluation specifically targets these hidden injuries.
Where is Optimal Wellness located?
We are located at 3421 W William Cannon Dr #145, Austin, TX 78745, in the South Austin area. We serve patients from Circle C Ranch, Buda, Dripping Springs, and surrounding communities. The office has easy parking and is conveniently located near I-35 and Highway 290.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring your driver's license, insurance card, and any paperwork from the accident (police report, insurance claim number). If you have X-rays or imaging from the ER, bring those too. Also bring your written symptom log if you have been keeping one.
Will the adjustment hurt?
Dr. James tailors his approach to each patient. Many of our patients are first-time chiropractic visitors who were nervous about adjustments. He uses a range of techniques, including low-force options, and will always explain what he is doing before he does it. Most patients report feeling relief, not pain, after their first visit.
Take the first step
Schedule your post-accident evaluation
At Optimal Wellness, we specialize in post-accident chiropractic care for patients throughout South Austin, Circle C, Buda, and Dripping Springs. Your initial evaluation will identify any hidden injuries and create the documentation you need for your claim.
Comprehensive post-accident evaluation
Documentation for your insurance claim
Most auto policies cover care at no cost to you
Same-week appointments available
3421 W William Cannon Dr #145, Austin, TX 78745
Serving South Austin, Circle C, Buda, Dripping Springs, and surrounding communities