Jump to
How can you care for yourself after a motor vehicle accident?
- Keep track of any new symptoms or changes in your symptoms.
- Take it easy for the next few days, or longer if you are not feeling well. Do not try to do too much.
- Put ice or a cold pack on any sore areas for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to stop swelling. Put a thin cloth between the ice pack and your skin. Do this several times a day for the first 2 days.
- Be safe with medicines. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Do not drive after taking a prescription pain medicine.
- Do not do anything that makes the pain worse.
- Do not drink any alcohol for 24 hours or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
Motor vehicle accident: When to call
Call 911 if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse belly pain.
- You have new or worse trouble breathing.
- You have new or worse head pain.
- You have new pain, or your pain gets worse.
- You have new symptoms, such as numbness or vomiting.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You are not getting better as expected.
©2011-2025 Healthwise, Incorporated
The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.