The first 24 hours after a car accident set the tone for everything that follows. Whether you are dealing with a minor fender-bender or a catastrophic crash, what you do — and what you do not do — matters.
At the scene
- Call 911 and request police and medical response, even if injuries seem minor.
- Take photos of all vehicles, the surrounding area, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Get the names, contacts, and insurance information of all drivers and witnesses.
- Do not admit fault, apologize, or speculate about what happened.
Within hours
- See a doctor — even if you feel okay. Adrenaline masks injuries, and gaps in medical records hurt your case later.
- Notify your insurance company, but stick to the basic facts.
- Begin a written log of how you feel each day — pain, sleep, mobility, missed work.
Before you sign anything
Insurance adjusters often call within a day or two with a quick-settlement offer. Do not take it. Once you accept, the case is closed forever — even if your injuries turn out to be far worse than they appeared. Speak with a personal injury attorney first; the consultation is free.