The First 72 Hours After an Accident: What I Tell My Own Family to Do
I’ve been practicing injury law long enough to know that the first few days after a car accident can make or break your case — and your recovery. So let me give it to you straight, just like I would if you were my brother, sister, or one of my kids.
Here’s what I always tell my own family to do in the first 72 hours after a crash:
1. Get Checked Out — Even If You Feel “Fine”
Adrenaline is a funny thing. It masks pain. You might walk away from the accident thinking you're okay, only to wake up the next morning barely able to move. Don’t wait. See a doctor. Go to urgent care, your primary physician, or a chiropractor you trust.
Not only is this critical for your health — it’s essential to document your injuries right away.
2. Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company Yet
They’re going to call you. They’ll sound nice. They might even act like they’re trying to “help.” But the truth is — they’re not on your side.
They’re trained to get you to say things that could be used against you later.
Tell them politely: “I’m seeking medical care and speaking with an attorney before making any statements.”
Then hang up. And call me.
3. Take Photos of Everything
Your car. The other car. The scene. Your injuries. The bruises that pop up a few hours later.
If you're able, get photos immediately. If not, have a friend or family member help.
Visual evidence can be the difference between a lowball offer and the compensation you actually deserve.
4. Write Down What Happened — While It’s Fresh
It doesn’t have to be fancy — just a note in your phone or a voice memo. Record everything you remember:
What street you were on
What the other driver said
The weather
Who was with you
How your body felt after
Memories fade fast. Notes taken early can help lock in the truth.
5. Call a Lawyer You Trust
And I don’t say that just because I’m a lawyer — I say that because it protects you.
I’ve seen too many good people get taken advantage of because they waited too long or didn’t get proper legal advice early on. You don’t need to navigate this alone.
My clients get direct access to me. I walk them through every step, handle the paperwork, talk to the doctors, and make sure they’re not bullied by the system.
Here’s the Bottom Line:
If you’ve just been in an accident, you need answers, not pressure.
You need someone who cares — and someone who knows exactly how to protect your rights from day one.
So whether it’s you, your spouse, your child, or your neighbor — this is the advice I give every single time:
Take care of your health. Document everything. And don’t wait to get help.
— Aaron
