What to do in the first 72 hours after a car accident
By Margaret Ellison
The insurance company opens its file within hours of the collision. You should be just as quick. First, get examined even if you feel fine, because adrenaline hides injuries and gaps in treatment become arguments against you later. Second, photograph everything: vehicles, the scene, your injuries, and keep every document. Third, report the claim but decline to give a recorded statement until you have spoken with counsel. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that shrink claims. Fourth, stay off social media. A single photo can be taken out of context. Finally, talk to a lawyer before you accept anything. Early offers are almost always a fraction of what documented claims resolve for. A consultation costs nothing and tells you what your claim is actually worth.