If you've just been in a collision, booking an appointment can feel like one more thing on a long list. You may be juggling insurance calls, a damaged car, and a body that doesn't feel right. Many people also put off care because they don't know what the visit involves.
This guide walks you through a first exam at New Castle Personal Injury Doctor so you know what to expect before you walk in. We see patients across New Castle County, DE, including Wilmington, Newark, Bear, Middletown, New Castle, Newport, Elsmere, Claymont, Hockessin, and Pike Creek. We are your first stop for both chiropractic care and physical therapy. Both are offered in one office, so there is no separate appointment to track down.
Before You Book: No Referral Needed
You don't need a referral for your first chiropractic visit, and that includes visits after an auto accident in Delaware or the surrounding area. The same is true if physical therapy is what you're after. You can call and schedule directly. If you're unsure whether a chiropractor, urgent care, or the ER is the right first stop, our guide to choosing between a chiropractor, urgent care, and the ER after an accident can help you decide.
If you have severe symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, confusion, repeated vomiting, severe headache, or weakness, go to the emergency room first.
One Office for Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy
Many patients assume they have to pick one type of provider before they call. You don't. At New Castle Personal Injury Doctor, chiropractic care and physical therapy are handled by the same team, so your first exam covers both. Some patients come in only for physical therapy, and that is just as welcome. Whichever you need, your exam, your findings, and your care plan all happen in one place.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
A little preparation makes the first visit smoother:
- Photo ID and your insurance cards, including your auto policy and health insurance
- Your claim number and your adjuster's contact information, if you have them
- The police report or report number
- A list of your symptoms and when each one started
- Any medications you take and notes on past injuries or surgeries
- Photos of the accident scene or vehicle damage, if you have them
- Records from the ER or urgent care, if you went
If you haven't started keeping records yet, our post on how to document your injuries and treatment after a crash shows what is worth saving.
Step 1: A Conversation About What Happened
Your visit starts with a conversation, not a table. Dr. Shelly McPhatter will ask about:
- How the collision happened: rear-end, side impact, speed, where you were seated, whether you were braced
- What you felt at the scene and what you've noticed since
- Where it hurts, what the pain feels like, and what makes it better or worse
- Your health history, including prior neck or back problems
Details like these help pinpoint which structures were most likely stressed. Be as specific as you can, and mention symptoms that seem unrelated. Dizziness, trouble sleeping, or difficulty concentrating can all be connected to a crash injury.
Step 2: A Physical and Orthopedic Exam
Next comes a hands-on evaluation focused on the areas of your body affected by the crash. It typically includes:
- Posture and movement: how you stand, sit, and move
- Range of motion: how far your neck, back, and shoulders move, and where motion causes pain
- Palpation: gentle pressure to find tender spots, muscle tension, and joint restrictions
- Orthopedic tests: specific movements that help identify which tissues are irritated
If you have tingling, numbness, or weakness, you'll also have a neurological screen to check reflexes, strength, and sensation. Neck and back pain after a crash is common. According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash symptoms most often begin within days of the injury, and getting a prompt evaluation helps rule out broken bones or other damage that could cause or worsen symptoms. That is one reason we encourage people to come in even if they're not in severe pain. See why you can feel fine after a car accident and still be injured.
Step 3: Imaging or Additional Testing, If Needed
Not every patient needs imaging, and we won't order tests you don't need. If your history or exam suggests a fracture, disc injury, or another problem that requires a closer look, we'll recommend appropriate imaging or refer you to the right specialist for that testing. You'll know why it is being recommended before anything is scheduled.
Step 4: Your Findings, Explained in Plain Language
After the exam, Dr. McPhatter will go over what she found:
- What is likely injured, such as muscles, ligaments, or spinal joints
- How serious it appears to be
- What recovery typically looks like for an injury like yours
You should leave with answers and a clear idea of what comes next. If you want background before your visit, our overview of the symptoms and causes of whiplash and our post on how long whiplash lasts are good starting points.
Step 5: A Personalized Care Plan
If treatment is appropriate, your plan is built around your injury, your goals, and your daily life. Because chiropractic care and physical therapy are both offered here, your plan can include one or both without sending you to another office. Depending on your findings, care may include:
- Chiropractic care to improve joint motion and ease muscle tension
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises to rebuild strength and stability. See which car accident injuries require physical therapy.
- Guidance on activity, posture, and what to avoid while you heal
Your plan will cover how often you'll come in and what to expect along the way. It can change as you improve, including shifting the balance between chiropractic care and physical therapy as your needs change.
Insurance and Delaware PIP: What to Know
Delaware is a no-fault state. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required auto coverage, and the State of Delaware describes it as helping pay medical expenses and lost earnings after an auto accident regardless of who is at fault. How your own benefits apply depends on your policy, so confirm the details with your insurer. For a plain-English breakdown, read our guide to Delaware PIP insurance after a car accident. Our team can also help you understand how care is documented for your claim. Learn more about how we support patients on our personal injury care page.
How Long Does the First Visit Take?
Plan for your first visit to take longer than a typical follow-up, since it includes your history, the exam, and a review of findings. Arriving a few minutes early to complete paperwork helps. Follow-up visits are usually much shorter.
What Not to Do Before Your Exam
- Don't tough it out. Waiting for pain to get worse can make recovery harder. Our guide on what to do if you were injured in a car accident covers the first steps.
- Don't downplay symptoms. Mention everything, even if it seems minor.
- Don't skip documentation. Keep receipts, notes, and photos.
- Don't assume it's too late. If you're wondering about timing, see how long after a car accident you can claim an injury.
Injury Care Near You in New Castle County
Whether you live in Newark, work in Wilmington, or commute through Middletown or Claymont, you can get care close to home, with chiropractic care and physical therapy together in one office. Dr. McPhatter has helped many local patients start recovery after a crash, and you can read more about her background and approach before you come in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the exam hurt?
The exam is gentle and focused on finding the source of your pain. Tell us right away if anything is uncomfortable and we'll adjust.
Do I need to wait for my insurance claim to be approved before my first visit?
No. You can be evaluated first, and our team can discuss insurance questions with you at your visit.
Do I need X-rays before I come in?
No. Bring any records you already have, and we'll let you know if additional imaging is needed.
Do I need to choose between chiropractic care and physical therapy before I book?
No. We offer both, so you can start in one place. Your exam will determine whether your plan includes chiropractic care, physical therapy, or both.
Do I need a referral for chiropractic care or physical therapy after an accident?
No. You do not need a referral for your first visit, including after an auto accident in Delaware or the surrounding area.
What if I feel mostly fine?
Come in anyway. Pain can appear days after a crash, and an early exam creates a baseline record of your condition.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, loose clothing that lets you move freely.
Ready to Get Checked After Your Accident?
A first exam doesn't have to be stressful. It's a conversation, a careful look at how your body is moving, and a plan you understand, with chiropractic care and physical therapy available from the same team.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Medically reviewed by Dr. Shelly McPhatter, New Castle Personal Injury Doctor.