When people think of summer, they usually picture road trips, long weekends at the lake, and spontaneous drives with the windows down. But here’s something most people don’t realize: car accidents actually increase during the summer months. 

With more people on the road, more distractions (hello, vacation brain), and longer daylight hours encouraging later drives, it’s no surprise that accident rates go up between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

And while some crashes are serious, others might seem minor in the moment, a little bump in traffic, or maybe some soreness the next day. But even low-speed collisions can lead to hidden injuries that sneak up on you days or even weeks later. 

That’s where chiropractic care comes in. 

As a Chiropractors who treat auto injury victims in Cleveland, we’ve seen firsthand how important early intervention is. Here’s what you need to know about why accidents spike in the summer and how chiropractic care can help you bounce back quickly, safely, and without unnecessary medication. 

You might think winter weather would be the most dangerous time to drive, especially in Cleveland where icy roads are no joke. But the data tells a different story. Summer is actually one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. 

Here’s why: 

1. More drivers on the road – Summer means vacations, day trips, and teens out of school. More drivers = more risk. 

1. Longer days – People stay out later and drive longer, especially during weekends and holidays. 

1. Construction season – In Cleveland, orange barrels are practically a summer landmark. Detours and lane closures lead to sudden stops and confusion. 

1. Inexperienced drivers – New drivers, especially teens, are more likely to be on the road in the summer and are more prone to mistakes. 

1. Distracted driving – GPS rerouting, texts, snacks, music, and passengers can all split your focus, especially on long summer drives. 

It’s a perfect storm of circumstances that can lead to fender benders, rear-end collisions, and unfortunately, hidden injuries that don’t always show up right away. 

Even if your car has minimal damage after an accident, your body might have taken a much bigger hit. The sudden jolt of a collision, even at low speeds, can cause your neck, back, and spine to move in unnatural ways. 

Common hidden injuries from summer car accidents include: 

• Whiplash 
• Herniated discs
• Muscle strains 
• Pinched nerves 
• Soft tissue injuries 

You might feel fine at first. Then a few days later, your neck stiffens up. Or your lower back starts aching. Or you get headaches that weren’t there before. 

These are all signs your body is reacting to trauma. Left untreated, these issues can become chronic and harder to fix down the road. 

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring alignment, mobility, and proper function to your musculoskeletal and nervous systems. In simpler terms: it helps your body heal the way it was designed to. 

After a car accident, chiropractic care can: 

• Reduce pain and inflammation 
• Restore range of motion 
• Improve circulation to speed up healing 
• Prevent long-term damage or scar tissue buildup 
• Help you avoid reliance on pain meds 

Plus, it’s non-invasive and drug-free: no prescriptions, no surgery, no downtime. Just targeted, effective treatment that works with your body. 

If you were recently in a car accident, even a small one, and are feeling sore or stiff, don’t wait to see if it “just goes away.” 

Here’s what typically happens when someone comes into our office after an accident: 

1. Detailed consultation – We listen to what happened, how you’re feeling, and what symptoms have shown up since the crash. 
2. Full evaluation – We do a physical assessment, mobility tests, and may take X-rays if necessary to rule out serious damage. 
3. Customized care plan – No one-size-fits-all treatments here. Your care plan is designed specifically for your injury, lifestyle, and recovery goals. 
4. Gentle, effective adjustments – These help realign your spine and joints, reduce pressure, and restore normal movement. 
5. Rehab and recovery support – We may include soft tissue therapy, at-home exercises, or lifestyle guidance to help you heal fully and stay pain-free. 

If you’re feeling any of the following symptoms after a summer fender bender, it’s time to get checked out: 

• Neck pain or stiffness 
• Headaches 
• Lower back pain 
• Shoulder or arm pain 
• Tingling or numbness 
• Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort 

Pain is your body’s way of asking for help. The sooner you respond, the easier it is to treat. 

Summer is supposed to be fun. Don’t let a hidden injury derail your plans, your health, or your quality of life. 

If you’ve been in an accident, whether it was last weekend or two weeks ago, come in for an evaluation. We’ll help you understand what’s going on in your body and create a clear, personalized path to healing. 

We’re here to help you heal, move, and feel your best, all summer long and beyond.