Immediate Response After a Traffic Accident and Treatment Procedure
Table of Contents
Initial response at the accident scene
When a traffic accident occurs, the first priority is to move to a safe location and then call 112 to file a police report. The traffic accident certificate issued by the police is the foundational document for insurance claims and treatment, so be sure to obtain it. Right after the accident, adrenaline often masks pain, so even if you feel fine, you must visit a medical institution.
Contacting the insurer and filing the claim
When you report the accident to the at-fault driver's (or your own) auto insurer, a claim number is issued. Once you provide this number to the Korean medicine clinic, the clinic bills the insurer directly, so you can receive treatment with no financial burden. As a rule, treatment should begin first, regardless of fault percentage.
The importance of the first 72 hours
The first 72 hours after an accident is the acute inflammatory phase of soft-tissue injury (muscles, ligaments, fascia). Starting appropriate treatment during this period rapidly subdues inflammation and prevents chronicity. Korean medicine prioritizes resolving stasis and activating blood (Geo-eo Hwalhyeol, 祛瘀活血) in the acute phase, using acupuncture to improve local blood flow and clear stagnation of blood stasis (eohyeol, 瘀血).
What happens at your first Korean medicine clinic visit
- Medical interview (問診): Confirms accident details, direction of impact, and seatbelt/airbag deployment
- Physical examination: Cervical and lumbar range of motion, muscle strength, neurological tests
- Imaging: X-ray or MRI referral when indicated
- Treatment plan: Inpatient or outpatient care based on injury site and severity
- Initial treatment: Acupuncture (Taichong, Hegu, Fengchi), cupping, herbal medicine prescription
If treatment does not begin within 2 weeks of the accident, the insurer may dispute the causal link between the accident and the symptoms, so we strongly recommend visiting as soon as possible.