Updated May 2026

Being involved in a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming. This Orlando car accident guide explains important steps to consider after an accident, common symptoms that may appear later, Florida’s 14-day rule, Emergency Medical Condition evaluations, insurance considerations, and treatment options available for accident related injuries.

Immediate Steps After a Car Accident

Check for Injuries

Call 911 immediately if anyone appears seriously injured or needs emergency assistance.

Move to Safety if Possible

If the vehicles can safely move, relocate away from traffic when appropriate.

Call Law Enforcement

A police report may help document the accident and provide important information for insurance claims and treatment coordination.

Exchange Information

Gather:
• Driver information
• Insurance information
• Vehicle information
• License plate numbers

Take Photos & Video

If possible, document:
• Vehicle damage
• Road conditions
• Traffic signs
• Injuries
• Accident location

Seek Medical Evaluation

Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable after an accident.

Symptoms May Appear Hours or Days Later

Many accident related injuries do not appear immediately after a collision. Adrenaline and shock may temporarily mask pain and symptoms.

Symptoms that may develop later include:

• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Back pain
• Sciatica
• Tingling or numbness
• Muscle stiffness
• Shoulder pain
• Reduced mobility
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Patients experiencing symptoms after an accident may benefit from medical evaluation as soon as possible.

Understanding Florida’s 14-Day Rule

Florida Personal Injury Protection coverage commonly known as PIP generally requires patients to seek initial medical evaluation within 14 days of the accident to potentially qualify for benefits.

Waiting too long after an accident may affect available coverage and treatment options.

Because every case is different, patients should seek medical evaluation promptly after an accident.

Emergency Medical Condition Evaluations

Some accident related cases may require an Emergency Medical Condition evaluation depending on injuries, symptoms, insurance requirements, or legal circumstances.

An Emergency Medical Condition evaluation may help determine the severity of injuries and support coordination of additional treatment recommendations when appropriate.

Integrated Auto Accident Care Under One Roof

Sunshine State Medical provides integrated accident related care in one convenient Orlando location.

Depending on the patient’s condition, services may include:

• Medical evaluation
• Chiropractic care
• Physical therapy
• Spinal decompression therapy
• Coordinated MRI referrals
• Coordinated X-ray referrals

This integrated approach may help simplify treatment and reduce the need to travel between multiple offices during recovery.

Common Auto Accident Injuries

Whiplash

Whiplash may occur when the neck suddenly moves forward and backward during impact. Symptoms may include neck stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and reduced mobility.

Lower Back Pain

Back pain after an accident may develop from muscle strain, inflammation, disc injuries, or pressure affecting spinal structures.

Sciatica & Nerve Related Symptoms

Some patients experience tingling, numbness, burning sensations, or radiating pain traveling into the legs after an accident.

Shoulder & Joint Pain

Accidents may contribute to soreness, stiffness, inflammation, or mobility limitations affecting joints and muscles throughout the body.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

Disc related injuries may contribute to nerve pressure, discomfort, reduced mobility, or radiating pain symptoms.

When Should You Seek Evaluation?

Patients may consider medical evaluation if they experience:

• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Headaches
• Tingling or numbness
• Sciatica symptoms
• Muscle stiffness
• Reduced mobility
• Pain while sitting, standing, or driving
• Delayed soreness after the accident

Some symptoms may worsen gradually over time without evaluation or treatment.

Auto Insurance & Accident Care

Auto insurance may help cover applicable accident related medical services depending on the patient’s policy and situation.

Coverage and benefits vary by case and insurance carrier.

Patients with questions regarding coverage, deductibles, or claim information should contact their insurance provider directly.

MRI & Imaging Referrals

Depending on symptoms and evaluation findings, some patients may require MRI or X-ray imaging.

Sunshine State Medical works with local imaging partners to help coordinate referrals when medically appropriate.

Why Patients Choose Sunshine State Medical

✅ Integrated Medical & Chiropractic Care

✅ Physical Therapy & Decompression Therapy Available

✅ Convenient Orlando Airport Area Location

✅ English & Spanish Support

✅ Same Day Appointments May Be Available

✅ Coordinated MRI & Imaging Referrals

✅ Real Google Reviews From Local Patients

Areas We Commonly Serve

Sunshine State Medical commonly serves accident injury patients from:

• Orlando
• Conway
• Belle Isle
• Pine Castle
• South Orlando
• Airport Area
• Gateway District
• East Orlando
• Semoran Boulevard Corridor

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I feel okay after the accident?

Some accident related symptoms may appear hours or days later. Medical evaluation may help identify injuries earlier.

What is Florida’s 14-day rule?

Florida PIP coverage generally requires initial medical evaluation within 14 days of the accident to potentially qualify for benefits.

Do I need an Emergency Medical Condition evaluation?

Some cases may require an Emergency Medical Condition evaluation depending on injuries, insurance requirements, or legal circumstances.

Do you offer chiropractic care after accidents?

Yes. Chiropractic care may help evaluate neck pain, stiffness, back pain, and mobility related symptoms after an accident.

Do you offer physical therapy?

Yes. Physical therapy services may be available depending on the patient’s condition and treatment recommendations.

Do you provide MRI or X-ray referrals?

Yes. The clinic works with local imaging partners for MRI and X-ray referrals when medically appropriate.

Can symptoms appear days later?

Yes. Symptoms such as headaches, stiffness, soreness, numbness, and back pain may appear hours or days after an accident.

Do you accept auto insurance?

The clinic accepts auto insurance for applicable accident related services.

Schedule An Auto Accident Evaluation in Orlando

Looking for integrated accident injury care near Orlando Airport? Sunshine State Medical provides chiropractic care, medical evaluation, physical therapy, decompression therapy, and coordinated accident related care in one convenient Orlando location.