Car accident injury care in the Rio Grande Valley
A crash on Expressway 83, I-2 or I-69E can leave you with injuries you don’t feel right away. Adrenaline hides pain, and whiplash, back strain and soft-tissue damage often get worse over the next few days. Our personal injury doctors in McAllen and Harlingen examine you, explain what we find in plain language, and start treatment and physical therapy in the same clinic.
What we treat after an accident
- Whiplash and neck pain from the sudden back-and-forth motion of a rear-end collision
- Back pain from strained muscles and ligaments in the lower and middle back
- Shoulder, knee and wrist injuries from bracing against the wheel or dashboard
- Muscle spasms, stiffness and headaches that start after the crash
- Loss of motion and strength that physical therapy can help restore
If you have numbness, weakness, a head injury or severe pain, go to the emergency room first, then call us for follow-up care.
Documentation your case can rely on
If you file an insurance claim or hire an attorney, your medical records matter. We record how the injury happened, what we found on exam, every treatment and how you respond to it. Clear, consistent records help insurers and attorneys understand your injuries without delays.
Treatment under a letter of protection
If you have an attorney, we can treat you under their letter of protection (LOP). The LOP lets you start care now, with your medical bills paid from the settlement when your case resolves, so you don’t pay out of pocket up front. You can also be treated without an attorney using auto insurance, health coverage or self-pay. We’ll explain your options on the first call.
Injured at work while driving?
If the crash happened while you were on the clock, it may be a workers’ compensation claim instead. Federal employees, including letter carriers and other employees who drive for work, should read about federal workers’ compensation doctors, and private-sector employees should see our Texas workers’ comp page. Need a regular doctor for everything else? Ask about our direct primary care plans.
Frequently asked questions
How soon should I see a doctor after a car accident?
As soon as you can, ideally within a few days. Many crash injuries, such as whiplash and back strains, take hours or days to show symptoms, and an early exam both protects your health and creates a record that links the injury to the accident. If you have severe pain, numbness or a head injury, go to the emergency room first.
What is a letter of protection (LOP)?
A letter of protection is a written promise from your attorney that your medical bills will be paid out of your settlement or judgment. It lets you get treatment now instead of waiting for the case to close. You are still responsible for the bill under the terms of the letter, so ask your attorney how it works in your case.
Do I need a lawyer to be treated at Alivio after an accident?
No. You can be treated with or without an attorney. Call us and we will explain your options for paying, including your own auto insurance, health coverage or self-pay.
What car accident injuries do you treat?
We treat neck pain and whiplash, back pain, shoulder and knee strains, muscle spasms and other soft-tissue injuries, with physical therapy and rehab on site. If you need imaging or a specialist, we will refer you.
Medically reviewed by Peter Ruiz, MD, Medical Director. MD · Family Medicine · Texas Medical Board license N2270
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