Why urgent care is ideal for minor car accident injuries

Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on April 8th 2025.

Visiting urgent care after a car accident can save you time and money. Here’s what you need to know about the treatments available and how we can help.

Understanding minor car accident injuries

Car accidents happen. They can be minor or severe. A minor car accident, sometimes called a fender bender, may result in little to no damage to the vehicle and minor injuries, like a few scrapes and bruises. 

Common injuries

Common injuries you might expect after a minor car accident include:

• Back pain
• Bruising
• Concussions
• Cuts and scrapes
• Headaches
• Knee injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Sprains or strains
• Whiplash

Symptoms to watch for

Sometimes, hidden injuries can occur after a minor car accident that shows up a few days or weeks later. Some symptoms to look out for may include neck pain, headaches, stiffness, memory loss or dizziness. You should seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident. 

Benefits of choosing urgent care after a minor car accident

Visiting urgent care after a car accident can save you time and money if your injuries do not require emergency care. We can also refer you to specialists for additional care or treatment. 

Immediate attention without long waits

When you visit an urgent care center for a car accident injury, the wait time will typically be significantly shorter than the emergency room, where you may have to wait hours to be seen. You can also save your spot online at the location nearest you so you can be seen right away. 

Cost-effective care

An emergency room visit may cost several thousand dollars, depending on your insurance plan or deductible. An urgent care visit will cost significantly less, with most insurance plans only requiring a typical office visit co-pay to be seen.

Comprehensive services available

Urgent care can provide a variety of services, such as stitches, X-rays and the evaluation and treatment of any minor injury. Visit our services page to learn more about everything we offer.

Convenient locations and hours

Urgent care may not be open 24 hours a day but is available beyond normal business hours, seven days a week, including holidays. Also, we have many convenient locations to serve you.

When to opt for urgent care versus emergency room

If you need emergency treatment for severe bleeding, head trauma or a significant fracture, it is best to visit an emergency room. If you need treatment for minor scrapes, strains, bruises, whiplash or a mild concussion, you can visit an urgent care. We can also evaluate you after a car accident, even if you are not sure if you are injured, to give you peace of mind.

Steps to take after a minor car accident

If you are in a minor car accident, the first step is to assess for injuries and get to a safe location, if possible. Get out of the way of traffic or other vehicles. Call the police or emergency service if needed. 

If another driver is involved, check on the other vehicle and exchange information. Take pictures of the scene and damage. 

If you have minor injuries or want to get checked out, visit urgent care. Start by finding the center near you and walking in or saving your spot online. 

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about minor car accidents and urgent care:

What should I do after a minor car accident?

After a minor car accident, check for injuries and move to a safe location. If there are injuries, be sure to seek medical attention. Call the police to file a report. If there is another driver, exchange information, take photos of the scene and notify your insurance company.

When should I see a doctor after a car accident?

You should see a doctor after a car accident, even if you don’t feel that you have been injured. Sometimes injuries may pop up later, like headaches, dizziness or muscle stiffness, so it's best to be evaluated immediately. 

Can urgent care treat car accident injuries?

Yes, urgent care can treat minor car accident injuries such as cuts, bruises, whiplash and mild sprains. However, severe injuries like head trauma, fractures or internal bleeding should be treated in an emergency room.

What types of injuries can urgent care treat after a car accident?

An urgent care can treat minor injuries, like cuts, bruises, minor sprains or whiplash, after a car accident.

How is urgent care different from the ER for car accident injuries?

An urgent care offers quick and affordable care for minor injuries after a car accident. But if the injuries are severe, emergency treatment might be required.

Do I need an X-ray after a minor car accident?

If you are experiencing difficulty moving a limb or a joint, swelling or pain, you may need an X-ray. 

How long after a car accident can symptoms appear?

Symptoms may appear immediately or take days or weeks to develop. If you feel your symptoms are worsening, seek medical attention. 

Will my auto insurance cover urgent care visits after a car accident?

Your auto insurance might cover your urgent care visits if you have medical payments (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Check with your insurance provider for details about your coverage.

Can urgent care provide referrals for specialized treatment?

Yes, we can provide referrals to specialists within our vast network of providers.

What happens if my symptoms get worse after visiting urgent care?

If your symptoms worsen, return to urgent care or see your primary doctor. If you develop severe pain, difficulty breathing, confusion or numbness, go to the ER immediately.