Even when you feel “mostly okay,” the first day after a collision can determine how strong your claim is later.
Do this quickly if you can:
- Get medical care promptly (urgent care/ER if warranted). In California, treatment timing often affects how causation is evaluated.
- Document the scene: where you were riding, where the other vehicle stopped/turned, and any traffic signals, signs, or lane markings you remember.
- Capture driver/vehicle details: license plate (if safe), vehicle description, and the direction of travel.
- Write down witness information while it’s fresh—neighbors and bystanders near local shopping and busier intersections can be key.
Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Don’t give a recorded or detailed statement to the other side before you’ve been evaluated.
- Don’t assume the crash will be “obviously” someone else’s fault—insurers often look for ways to reduce or deny.
- Don’t delay treatment because symptoms seem minor at first.


