Your first 24–72 hours can strongly influence what happens later. After a collision, prioritize safety and documentation:
- Get medical care right away (even if you think you’re “okay”). Some injuries—like concussions, soft-tissue damage, and back/neck strains—may worsen after the adrenaline fades.
- Report the incident and ask for the details to be documented (especially if police responded).
- Capture the scene if you can: crosswalk location, traffic signals, lighting, skid marks, and vehicle damage.
- Write down what you remember while it’s fresh—what the light was, how fast traffic seemed, and whether you noticed distractions.
- Save everything: discharge paperwork, imaging results, prescriptions, work notes, and transportation expenses.
In California, insurance companies often move quickly. The sooner you protect evidence and avoid misstatements, the better positioned you are for settlement negotiations.


