Where Should I Go After an Auto Accident? Understanding Your Care Options

August 22, 2025
Medical Reviewer: Ryan McNeel, DC

An auto accident can leave you feeling shaken, confused and unsure of what to do next, especially when deciding whether to see a doctor and where to go after the auto accident.  Even if you feel fine at first, injuries like whiplash, concussions or soft tissue damage can develop hours or days later. That’s why it’s important to get a medical evaluation promptly. But where should you go for that care?

The answer depends on the severity of your symptoms, the type of injuries and how quickly you need help. In this post, we break down the pros and cons of three common care settings: the Emergency Room (ER), Urgent Care, Auto Accident Doctor and Primary Care.

How ER, Urgent Care, Primary Care and Auto Accident Doctors Compare

When to Go to the Emergency Room After an Auto Accident

The ER is the best choice if you are experiencing: 

• Severe bleeding 
• Broken bones 
• Head trauma or loss of consciousness 
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing 
• Neck or back injuries with numbness or paralysis

 Pros of the ER

• Comprehensive diagnostics: ERs can perform CT scans, MRIs, and other advanced imaging if internal injuries are suspected.
• Immediate access to advanced care: ERs are equipped to handle life-threatening injuries with imaging, labs and specialists on site. 
• 24/7 availability: Open all day, every day, including holidays. 

Cons of the ER

• High cost: ER visits are typically the most expensive option, especially for non-emergency issues. 
• Lack of coordinated care: ERs are intended to address acute health issues. If seen at an ER, your immediate concerns would be addressed but follow-ups, referrals to specialists and therapy would need to be requested through your primary doctor, if you have one. 
• Long wait times: If your condition isn’t life-threatening, you might wait hours to be seen. 
• Exposure to airborne illnesses: Unfortunately, long wait times in the ER could expose you to communicable illnesses. 
• Overutilization: Going to the ER for minor injuries may not be necessary and can delay care for more critical patients. 

When to Choose Urgent Care for Auto Accident Injuries

Injuries Best Treated at Urgent Care:

• Whiplash or minor neck pain 
• Sprains and strains 
• Minor cuts or bruises 
• Mild to moderate back pain 
• Concerns like headaches, dizziness, or soreness 

Pros of Urgent Care

• Faster service: Shorter wait times than the ER. 
• Cost-effective: Typically less expensive than an ER visit. 
• Convenient hours: Many locations are open evenings and weekends. 
• Walk-in availability: No appointment needed.

Cons of Urgent Care

• May not accept auto insurance: It’s common practice for urgent care not to accept third-party insurance like auto or home insurance. Call before you go to verify insurances accepted. 
• Limited resources: Most urgent care clinics can’t handle severe trauma or complex diagnostics. 
• Inconsistent follow-up: Care is often one-time without built-in continuity or referral support. 
• Less familiarity with your medical history: Unlike your primary care provider, urgent care doctors may not have access to your health records.

Why See an Auto Accident Doctor

Common Injuries Treated by Auto Accident Doctors:

• Whiplash or neck pain 
• Sprains and strains 
• Mild to moderate back pain 
• Soft tissue injuries 
• Concerns like headaches, dizziness or soreness 
• Getting an accident-related injury evaluation to ensure there are no latent or hidden injuries 

Pros of Seeing an Auto Accident Doctor

• Faster service: Shorter wait times than the ER. 
• Cost-effective: Considerably less expensive than an ER visit. 
• Convenient hours: Early morning and evening appointments. Some locations have weekend appointments. 
• Same-day appointments: Complete Care has appointments that can be scheduled on the same day. 
• A full spectrum of coordinated care: Complete Care offers the initial medical evaluation, imaging, access to specialists and rehab from one location. 
• Focus on conservative care: Complete Care’s care model emphasizes supportive, active therapy, chiropractic care and non-operative approaches. 
• Continuity of care: Complete Care will work hand in hand with your PCP to understand your medical history. 
• Accepts Auto Insurance: Accepts most auto insurance

Limitations of Seeing an Auto Accident Doctor

• Limited to musculoskeletal care: At this time, Complete Care does not see patients with lacerations or broken bones. If you experience a life threatening injury, seek your closest ER immediately.

When to go to Primary Care Provider (PCP):

Primary care is appropriate when:

• Your injuries are mild or improving 
• You need follow-up after an ER or urgent care visit 
• You’re managing pain or mobility concerns long-term 

Pros of Primary Care

• Continuity of care: Your PCP knows your medical history and can track your recovery. 
• Coordinated care: Easier to manage referrals for specialists or physical therapy. 
• Cost-effective: Office visits are generally affordable and covered by insurance. 
• Personalized attention: Established relationships with providers can lead to better care.

Cons of Primary Care

• Limited availability: Scheduling an appointment may take days or weeks. 
• Not ideal for acute issues: PCPs often lack the equipment for imaging or emergency treatment. 
• No walk-in services: You typically need to wait for an appointment. 
• May not accept auto insurance: Most PCPs don’t accept third-party insurance like auto or home insurance.

Final Thoughts: Which Healthcare Provider Should You Choose after a Crash?

After an accident, assess your symptoms:

• Life-threatening or severe symptoms? → Go to the ER. 
• Non-emergency, laceration and need same-day care? → Head to Urgent Care. 
• Non-emergency, soft tissue injury, headache, dizziness, back pain? → Call Complete Care 
• Ongoing issues or follow-up needs? → Schedule a visit with your Primary Care Provider.

If you’re ever in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek care promptly. Your health is worth it—and timely documentation can be important for insurance or legal claims.

Need help deciding or finding the right care? Contact Complete Care to guide you to the best setting based on your symptoms and situation.

More about the Medical Reviewer of this Article

Ryan McNeel, DC

Clinical Director

Palm Bay, St. Cloud

As a clinic director, Ryan McNeel, DC provides ongoing support and guidance to our providers at Complete Care Injury Care & Rehab and helps to oversee measures of clinical excellence in place within the clinics. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh. He then attended New York Chiropractic College and received a master’s degree in applied clinical nutrition and Doctor of Chiropractic. He uses his five years of experience and deep understanding of the human body and spinal mechanics to help patients with their injuries. He provides extensive exams and thorough treatment plans to help patients return to their daily activities with less pain and limitations. He is dedicated to helping his patients on their road to recovery.