After A Winter Crash, When Should You Get Checked?

One minute you’re cruising, the next you’re gripping the wheel as everything jolts. In Oakdale, winter driving comes with slick corners, sudden stops, and that “how did that happen?” moment. Auto accidents happen year-round, but winter conditions raise the odds, especially on freeways and side streets, where a single slide can trigger a chain reaction.

Why Symptoms Can Show Up Late

Right after a collision, adrenaline can mask pain. You might feel “fine,” drive home, answer a few texts, and only later notice stiffness, headaches, dizziness, or soreness across the neck and upper back. That delay is common. It’s also why early evaluation can be a smart move; you’re checking the full picture before minor issues become loud ones. Think of it like a phone case after a drop: the corners look okay, but you still want to check the screen and buttons.

What an Evaluation Helps Clarify

A post-accident visit can help document what happened and identify areas that may need care, like the neck, mid-back, low back, or soft tissues. It can also flag concerns that should be referred out.

Dr. Kriva shares in his auto accident education series, “Some of what you’ll learn may seem counterintuitive at first, but I’ll explain why things happen the way they do.” That mindset matters because crashes don’t always “feel” serious in the moment, even when the body has absorbed a considerable force.

A Few Signs People Often Ignore

• Neck stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Headaches, especially starting at the base of the skull
• Tingling, numbness, or radiating discomfort
• Jaw tightness, shoulder tension, or trouble sleeping
• Back soreness that builds over 24-72 hours

Simple Steps Right After Your Collision

If you’re able, jot down what you remember, note when symptoms start, and avoid testing yourself with heavy lifting “just to see.” If you have questions, bring them in. Clear answers beat late-night Googling.