After a car accident in BC, the first steps are straightforward: make sure everyone is safe, report the crash to ICBC and get a claim number, see a doctor if you notice any red-flag symptoms, and start physiotherapy early. ICBC pre-approves up to 25 physiotherapy visits when treatment begins within 12 weeks of the crash, and you do not need a doctor’s referral to book.
Most of the soreness that follows a crash settles with time and gentle movement. Whiplash is common, and it is rarely as serious as it feels in the first few days. This guide walks through what to do in the first days and weeks, so you can recover with less guesswork.
Step 1: Report the crash and get your ICBC claim number
Report the accident to ICBC as soon as you reasonably can, either online or through Dial-a-Claim at 1-800-910-4222. You will be given a claim number. Write it down and keep it handy, because your physiotherapy clinic will use it to bill ICBC directly for your treatment.
While the details are fresh, note the date, time and location, the other driver’s information, and take photos of the vehicles and any visible injuries. Our claim overview explains each step of the process in plain language.
Step 2: See a doctor if you have red flags
Many people feel fine at the scene and stiff the next morning. That pattern is normal. Some symptoms need a medical assessment before any treatment starts. See a doctor or go to emergency if you notice:
- A severe or worsening headache, confusion, repeated vomiting, or any loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs
- Trouble walking, poor balance, or any change in bladder or bowel control
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or abdominal pain
- Neck pain with tenderness right along the middle of the spine, or pain that stops you turning your head at all
A doctor’s visit early on also creates a medical record of your injuries, which supports your claim later. If none of these apply, you can book physiotherapy directly.
Step 3: Start physiotherapy early
ICBC pre-approves physiotherapy for up to 25 visits when you start within 12 weeks of the crash. No referral is needed, and at New Ray we bill ICBC directly, so you can focus on getting better rather than on paperwork. Our ICBC physiotherapy page covers what is included.
Your first physiotherapy visit is mostly listening and assessing. We ask how the crash happened, check your neck, back and shoulders, screen for signs of concussion, and build a plan around your job and the activities you want to get back to. Massage therapy and kinesiology are often part of an ICBC recovery plan as well; ask us what your claim covers.
What whiplash recovery typically looks like
Whiplash is a strain of the muscles and ligaments in the neck caused by a sudden back-and-forth movement. Symptoms usually build over the first 24-72 hours: neck stiffness, a headache at the base of the skull, an ache across the shoulders or upper back, and sometimes dizziness or trouble concentrating.
For most people, a typical course is steady improvement over 2-6 weeks, with a smaller group taking 2-3 months or longer. Recovery is not always a straight line, and a flare after a long drive or a poor night’s sleep does not mean you have gone backwards. Lingering neck pain and low back pain from bracing against the seat belt are also common, and both are managed with the same approach: assess, reassure, keep moving.
Keep moving, and keep notes
It is tempting to rest completely or reach for a soft collar. Current guidelines point the other way. Gentle, early movement helps the neck settle, while a collar worn for more than a day or two tends to keep the muscles stiff and delays the return to normal. Collars are reserved for specific situations, and a doctor will tell you if you need one.
In practice, keeping moving means short walks, gentle neck turns within a comfortable range, and returning to everyday tasks as you are able. Some discomfort while you move is expected and is not a sign of damage. The goal is to pace yourself rather than push through, and your physiotherapist will help you find that line.
A simple symptom diary makes all of this easier to manage. Each day, jot down your pain level, how you slept, any headaches or dizziness, and what you could or could not do at work and at home. Keep receipts and note any missed work. This record helps your physiotherapist adjust your plan, gives ICBC a clear picture of the injury, and makes progress easier to notice.
When to see a physiotherapist
Book an assessment if pain or stiffness lasts more than a few days, if you are avoiding movement because you are unsure what is safe, or if headaches, dizziness or poor sleep are getting in the way of your day. Once red flags have been ruled out, there is no need to wait before getting a plan. Starting early makes it easier to build good habits, and it keeps you inside the 12-week window for pre-approved visits.
New Ray Physiotherapy and Health Clinic in Abbotsford is open 8:00am to 8:00pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 9:00am to 6:00pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and we handle ICBC and WorkSafeBC claims with direct billing. If you have been in a crash and are not sure where to begin, call us at 604-744-0555 or get in touch online, and we will help with the claim details. Our fees page explains what happens if a visit is not covered by ICBC.