After a crash, the clock starts now.
Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries are often worse on day three than day one. Dr. Augello evaluates crash injuries the same week, documents them for your adjuster, and treats what needs treating. Pennsylvania auto PIP is accepted directly.
If any of these sound familiar, come in.
Not every symptom shows up immediately. The adrenaline from a collision can mask pain for 24 to 72 hours. When it lifts, the injury is there.
Neck pain and stiffness
Pain that worsens with head turning, looking up, or holding a phone. Classic whiplash presentation.
Headache at the base of the skull
A cervicogenic headache anchored at the suboccipital region, often radiating forward to the temples or behind the eyes.
Mid-back or low-back pain
Seatbelt compression and hyperextension strain commonly injure thoracic and lumbar segments too, not just the neck.
Shoulder, arm, or hand symptoms
Radiating pain, tingling, or weakness into an arm after a crash. Points to nerve-root involvement that needs specific evaluation.
Dizziness or brain fog
Cervical-origin dizziness and post-concussive cognitive symptoms can co-exist. We evaluate and co-manage with your PCP or a neurologist where needed.
Trouble sleeping
Pain that interrupts sleep within the first two weeks post-crash is a flag for more significant soft-tissue injury.
Evaluate, document, treat, re-evaluate.
Full evaluation
History of the crash, mechanism of injury, orthopedic and neurologic exam, range-of-motion measurements. Baseline documentation matters for your claim.
Imaging if indicated
Digital x-ray on site. MRI referred out when nerve-root symptoms or red flags suggest disc involvement.
Treatment plan
A written plan with visit count, technique, and re-evaluation milestones. Typical course is 8 to 16 visits over 6 to 10 weeks for uncomplicated whiplash.
Documentation
Narrative reports and records prepared for your adjuster or attorney on request. We handle the paperwork directly, not through the patient.
Pennsylvania is a no-fault PIP state. Your own auto policy's medical coverage pays for chiropractic care after a crash, regardless of fault. Minimum required coverage is $5,000; many policies carry more. Our office verifies your PIP benefits and bills your carrier directly.
Questions patients ask after a crash.
Should I see a chiropractor after a car accident?
Yes, especially if you have neck pain, headache, back pain, or limited range of motion after a collision. Many soft-tissue injuries from crashes are worst on day two or three, not day one, because adrenaline masks them initially. Early evaluation documents the injury for your claim and starts treatment while tissues are still responsive.
Does Pennsylvania auto insurance cover chiropractic care?
Yes. Pennsylvania is a no-fault PIP state, which means your auto insurance policy covers medical care related to a crash regardless of fault. Our office accepts PIP assignment and bills your auto carrier directly. You typically pay nothing out of pocket.
How soon after a crash should I come in?
As soon as possible, ideally within seventy-two hours. Soft-tissue injuries can worsen over the first week if untreated, and insurance adjusters scrutinize gaps in care. If you waited longer, come in anyway. A gap is not a disqualifier, but it is better to document the injury now than later.
Do you handle paperwork for my attorney or adjuster?
Yes. We prepare narrative reports, treatment plans, and diagnostic notes on request for your attorney or insurance adjuster. Dr. Augello is experienced with both PIP and third-party liability cases and can testify when necessary.
What if my pain seems minor right now?
Minor pain after a crash is worth evaluating. Whiplash injuries often look minor on day one and become disabling on day three or day seven as inflammation peaks. Evaluation costs nothing and establishes a baseline that protects you if symptoms develop.
Get evaluated this week.
The sooner you come in, the cleaner the documentation and the better the outcome. Most patients are seen within two business days.