The first few days after a car accident can be stressful. Between getting medical care, dealing with insurance claims and figuring out your next steps, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
What you do within the first 72 hours after your car accident helps protect your health and create a clear link between your injuries and the crash. Here are the most important steps to take.
Seek immediate medical attention
When you are injured after a car accident, call an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital immediately for a check-up, medical exam and treatment. Delaying can worsen undetected injuries, and insurance companies consider that as a red flag.
During your visit, tell the doctor about all of your symptoms, even if they seem minor. Let them know your medical history, as it helps them understand if the accident worsened your condition. Detailed medical records can become important evidence if questions arise about your injuries later.
Show when your symptoms started
Tracking your symptoms isn’t just for your doctor’s reference. Some insurance companies may ask for more evidence, especially if you had a medical condition before the accident that causes similar symptoms.
Write down when you first noticed pain, and make sure your medical records have that information. Records showing your health before the accident may also help establish a clear timeline.
Gather evidence of the accident
Evidence of the crash can help strengthen your claim. Prioritize collecting photos of vehicle damage, dashcam footage, witness statements and the police report. Depending on your insurer, you may also need a medicolegal report or other medical documentation to support your claim.
Together, these records can help show the severity of the crash and support your injury claim.
Get assistance with processing your insurance claim
Mistakes, inconsistencies and missing information can hurt your chances of proving your injuries were caused by the crash. However, being thorough can be difficult if you’re in a lot of pain or need to prioritize treatment. A personal injury lawyer can help you stay organized while you focus on recovery.
You’re entitled to fair compensation
What you do within the first 72 hours after your crash can affect both your recovery and insurance claim. Prompt medical attention and thorough documentation can help create a clear link between the accident and your injuries. Acting early can strengthen your claim and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation from your insurance company.