An unexpected motor vehicle collision can leave anyone reeling with shock and disorientation, uncertain what steps to take next. Yet these initial moments and days may prove critical in shaping how successful their physical recovery becomes. Rebound Sport & Spine understands the injuries associated with an MVA, and we go beyond being just another clinic. We work as partners to help you through what can often be an overwhelming aftermath process with kindness and expertise. Immediate response after an accident, specifically during its first 72 hours, is extremely important. Decisions and steps can create the conditions necessary for better recovery, leading to optimal results at our motor vehicle injury rehab in Langley.
After being involved in an accident, your immediate safety and that of others are the biggest concerns. If safe, move your vehicle off the road as quickly as possible to reduce further incidents. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, if serious harm or signs of trauma have occurred, call 911 immediately and request emergency medical aid.
Even when an accident may seem minor, reporting it to the police is still crucial for subsequent insurance claims and to establish what happened in case there are complications later. Once safety has been ensured and emergency services arrive if needed, exchange information with other drivers involved (full names, contact numbers/addresses), driver license numbers/license plate numbers, as well as insurance details if applicable, and get witnesses’ names/contact information as their testimony can often prove invaluable.
Documenting at the scene is also advised. If possible, use your smartphone camera to capture photos of all involved vehicles, noting points of impact and extent of damage, along with photographs taken around the area, including road conditions, traffic signals and relevant signage. Take photos if visible injuries exist, as this provides insurance adjusters and healthcare providers a clearer picture of events later. This initial effort could significantly streamline procedures down the line as they assess injuries.
After being involved in an automotive collision, adrenaline can often provide temporary pain relief by increasing stress hormone release, giving a false impression of being unharmed and giving a false sense of well-being. Therefore, you should seek medical assessment within 24 hours, even if your injuries seem minor or you feel fine.
Whiplash (medically termed cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD) syndrome) and other soft tissue injuries caused by MVA often show delayed symptoms, with whiplash being one of them. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully thrust back and then forward again or vice versa, causing straining to the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues in the neck area. Other soft tissue injuries like sprains (ligament damage) or strains (muscle or tendon damage) occur hours or even days later. Concussions (which represent mild traumatic brain injuries mTBIs) also display subtle or delayed symptoms, including headache, dizziness, confusion or light and sound sensitivity symptoms until hours or even days later on.
Visiting an emergency department, family physician or walk-in clinic for an initial medical assessment is an essential first step. Physicians can perform an initial physical exam and monitor for signs of internal injury or neurological compromise, as well as provide initial advice regarding any emerging symptoms. As part of their official medical record, this visit establishes an official medical assessment soon after an accident occurs. Documenting is beneficial to your health, providing evidence for future insurance claims, and providing valuable insight about you to a motor vehicle injury rehab. A preliminary medical check-up provides the framework for the condition of your body.
As soon as the initial shock and adrenaline have subsided, typically 24-48 hours post-accident, new or worsening symptoms may present themselves. Pain and inflammation are two symptoms you should expect at this stage. Inflammation is your body’s natural reaction to injury by increasing blood flow to damaged areas to provide healing cells. However, this process also creates swelling, stiffness, and discomfort despite its purpose of repair.
At this stage, some self-care measures should be employed. It’s best to proceed slowly and listen carefully to what your body tells you. RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) may help manage pain and swelling for acute soft tissue injuries in general, but particularly for leg injuries. For these injuries specifically, it could prove especially effective. Gentle movement may help ease excessive stiffness, but do not overdo or push through significant pain without professional advice, as this could aggravate an injury and increase inflammation. Be wary if any symptoms worsen, such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision or radiating arm or leg pain, as well as sensations such as numbness or tingling occur. Immediately seek further medical advice as soon as possible.
Within 24 to 48 hours after any motor vehicle collision occurs, or as soon as reasonably possible thereafter, you must report it to Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Prompt reporting of medical treatments and rehabilitation services covered under your insurance benefits is key for accessing them. Contact ICBC as soon as you’ve been involved in an accident and be prepared to provide information such as date, time, place and any details about other parties involved (if available), along with police file numbers if available. This will assist them in helping guide you through their initial claims process. Fulfilling this step will enable access to support needed for recovery, such as care at a clinic offering motor vehicle injury rehab.
Within 48 to 72 hours of being involved in an automobile accident, rehabilitation professionals like physiotherapists or chiropractors must assess you to create an individualized recovery strategy and understand all musculoskeletal injuries present to begin managing them effectively.
Why is early rehabilitation assessment important? Early assessment helps prevent acute injuries from becoming chronic conditions. Painful stiffness and functional limitations can hurt quality of life if left unattended for too long. Early intervention guided by assessment can break this cycle and speed healing. Rebound Sport & Spine’s therapists will perform a complete examination during an assessment session. Our healthcare team will discuss your accident and symptoms before conducting physical exams on affected joints to assess range of motion, muscle strength testing and neurological signs (like reflexes and sensation) assessment, and monitoring basic functional movements.
Based on these findings, a treatment plan will be devised. We will consider your injuries, body’s response and personal recovery goals for an individualized solution. At Rebound, patient education is at the core of everything we do, beginning from our initial assessment. Helping you understand your injury allows you to become an active player in your own recovery. Coming to a motor vehicle injury rehab like Rebound is extremely helpful for you in recovering from your injuries.
Rebound Sport & Spine’s dedication to your well-being begins when you seek care. Navigating those first 72 hours after being in an accident may seem intimidating. We understand this is why our team includes physiotherapists, chiropractors, and kinesiologists working collaboratively to ensure your care plan covers every facet of injury recovery.
At our motor vehicle injury rehab in Langley, we believe early action to address motor vehicle-related injuries is always advantageous and beneficial to everyone involved. Your commitment to your recovery allows us to intervene effectively. Our evidence-based treatment techniques are designed to facilitate your healing. We focus on not only alleviating your current symptoms but also on your strength and mobility. Helping you return to everyday activities such as work or recreation. Each person’s recovery varies significantly, and our team ensures your specific requirements meet the highest standard.
At Rebound Sport & Spine, our mission is to become your trusted partner in recovery. Reach out early to learn how our team can support your recovery. Our motor vehicle injury rehab can help you recover from injuries, whether to the spine, musculoskeletal systems, or other body parts. Making proactive steps now could make all the difference towards creating healthier futures!