After a crash, it’s easy to focus only on getting through the pain. However, the earliest steps often determine how well your case holds up later.
Do these things first:
- Get medical care promptly. In California, a delayed treatment record can become a talking point for insurers.
- Request the incident report (and note the agency if one is dispatched).
- Document the scene while details are still fresh: traffic signals, crosswalk markings, lighting, lane configuration, and any construction or debris.
- Write down witness info—names, phone numbers, and what they observed (especially the driver’s actions and timing).
Avoid:
- Giving a recorded statement before you understand how your words might be used.
- Assuming the insurance adjuster “just wants to help.” Insurers typically work toward lowering payouts.


