In the first days after a traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, severe burns, or other life-altering harm, the biggest risk is not just the injury—it’s losing information and saying things you can’t take back.
Do this quickly:
- Get medical care immediately (and follow discharge instructions). Early documentation matters in California.
- Write down a timeline while it’s fresh: where you were, what you saw, what hurt first, and who witnessed the incident.
- Preserve accident details: photos of the scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and any hazards (especially at high-traffic intersections).
- Request copies of incident reports and keep every bill, receipt, and insurance letter.
Be careful:
- Insurance adjusters may ask for statements before your full prognosis is known.
- If you’re using any “AI intake” or online questionnaire, treat it like a draft—not final testimony. Your lawyer should review what will be used in the claim.


