Injured in a Car Accident in Jacksonville? What to Know Now
Sep 11 , 2025
11
Sep
Don’t Ignore the Signs, Even If You Feel Fine
After an auto accident, it’s common to walk away thinking you’re unscathed, especially if you don’t feel pain right away. But that initial sense of relief can be misleading. The adrenaline and shock your body produces in a traumatic moment can temporarily mask symptoms, even serious ones. Soft tissue injuries like whiplash or disc strain often surface hours or days later. Left untreated, these can develop into chronic pain, nerve compression, or reduced mobility. Early evaluation is essential, even if your symptoms feel minor or delayed.
Most Common Auto Injury Symptoms
At Physical Healthcare of Jacksonville, our doctors frequently evaluate patients who report one or more of the following:- Neck pain or stiffness (a key sign of whiplash)
- Headaches or migraines
- Upper or lower back pain
- Dizziness or vision changes
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
- Jaw tension or TMJ dysfunction
- Fatigue, brain fog, or mood changes
- Shoulder pain or reduced range of motion
The Nervous System’s Role in Post-Crash Symptoms
Not all auto accident injuries are musculoskeletal. Some affect the nervous system directly, especially if the head or upper spine absorbs the impact. Even subtle shifts in the cervical spine, particularly at the atlas (C1 vertebra), can influence how your brain and body communicate. Some patients report brain fog, sleep disruption, or mood shifts after spinal trauma, potentially linked to neurological stress in the cervical spine.The Impact of Microtrauma After a Crash
Even low-speed collisions can cause microtrauma, tiny but significant injuries to muscles, ligaments, joints, or nerves. These don’t always present immediate symptoms, but they can snowball into chronic dysfunction if left unaddressed. Common microtrauma effects include:- Muscle guarding and stiffness that limits range of motion
- Localized inflammation that impairs nerve signaling
- Ligament laxity that contributes to spinal instability
- Small joint shifts or misalignments, especially in the cervical spine
Florida’s 14-Day Rule: What It Means for You
If your accident occurred in Florida, you’re on the clock. According to Florida Statute 627.736, you must seek medical attention within 14 days of a car accident to take advantage of PIP coverage. Delaying treatment even if you “feel fine” can disqualify you from receiving compensation through your auto insurance. That’s why we urge all accident victims to schedule a professional injury evaluation within that two-week window, even if symptoms seem mild or haven’t shown up yet.What PIP Insurance Covers and Why Documentation Matters
Under Florida’s no-fault law, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance can cover:- Emergency medical care
- Follow-up chiropractic or physical therapy
- Lost wages (in some cases)
- Diagnostic imaging like X-rays
- Medical records with diagnostic findings
- Evidence of injury progression
- Recommendations for further care if needed
How We Diagnose Hidden Injuries
Our Jacksonville clinic takes a multi-layered diagnostic approach to ensure nothing is missed. Depending on your symptoms, your evaluation may include:- A chiropractic exam with neurological screening
- Advanced imaging (X-rays or motion studies, if warranted)
- Postural and range-of-motion testing
- Gentle palpation to assess inflammation, tension, or misalignment
Full Recovery Without Surgery
We specialize in conservative, non-surgical treatment for common auto injuries, including whiplash, spinal misalignment, disc strain, and soft tissue damage. Your personalized recovery plan may include:- Targeted chiropractic adjustments
- Atlas Orthogonal upper cervical correction
- Advanced cold laser therapy to reduce inflammation
- Soft tissue work to support healing and reduce scar tissue
What to Expect from Your Recovery Plan
Every auto injury case is different, but most patients follow a phased care plan:1. Evaluation and Diagnosis
Includes your initial exam, imaging, and range-of-motion testing.2. Early Intervention
Focuses on reducing inflammation, improving alignment, and relieving acute pain.3. Functional Rehab
As symptoms improve, visits taper. We focus on strengthening, posture correction, and scar tissue resolution.4. Maintenance and Prevention
You’ll receive guidance on ergonomics, at-home care, and follow-ups to prevent relapse. We monitor your progress closely and adjust the plan as needed — prioritizing long-term recovery, not just quick relief.Jacksonville’s Trusted Team for Post-Accident Recovery
We understand that healing after a car accident isn’t just about feeling better, but about restoring confidence in your body, regaining function, and ensuring nothing gets missed. Our approach is precise, compassionate, and built around what your body truly needs to recover.- Specialized training in auto injury and whiplash biomechanics
- Advanced diagnostics, including digital imaging and motion studies
- Gentle, non-invasive techniques, including Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic
- Integrated care options, like cold laser therapy and soft tissue work
- Thorough documentation for insurance and legal support
Frequently Asked Questions
Even if you don’t feel pain, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Florida law requires you to get care within 14 days to qualify for PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance coverage. Our auto accident doctors in Jacksonville can evaluate you for hidden injuries and provide documentation for insurance claims.
During a crash, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol, which can mask pain for hours—or even days. That’s why symptoms like whiplash, back pain, and headaches often show up later. Early evaluation helps catch injuries before they worsen.
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. It can result in pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced mobility. At our Jacksonville clinic, we offer gentle chiropractic care, structural realignment, and cold laser therapy to support soft tissue healing and relieve symptoms.
No referral is required to schedule an evaluation with our car crash chiropractors. In fact, the sooner you seek care, the more effective and timely your recovery can be.
Yes. Florida’s no-fault law allows you to use your PIP insurance coverage for medically necessary treatment—up to $10,000—provided you seek care within 14 days of the accident. We help document your injuries for both your recovery and your insurer.
It depends on your case. If we suspect structural injury or joint damage, we may recommend digital X-rays or motion studies. Our priority is to ensure nothing is overlooked in your recovery process.
Recovery times vary based on your injuries and overall health. Some patients improve within a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer care plan. Our goal is long-term healing—not just temporary relief.