After a crush injury, the goal is not just to “get better”—it’s to create a clear record before details get lost.
Do this early:
- Get medical care the same day (or as soon as possible). Even if symptoms seem minor, internal damage and nerve issues can worsen.
- Tell the clinician exactly how the injury occurred (mechanism of injury matters for diagnosis and later proof).
- Document the scene if you can do so safely: equipment involved, the position of guards/controls, and what you were doing immediately before the incident.
- Save all paperwork you receive: incident report copies, work restriction forms, and discharge/visit summaries.
Avoid this early:
- Providing a long recorded statement before you understand how it could be used.
- Letting gaps in treatment stretch out while you wait to “see if it heals.” In California, insurers often look for consistency.
- Signing settlement paperwork quickly—especially if you’re still in active treatment or still learning the full extent of impairment.


