What to Do in the First 72 Hours After a Crash

At the scene

• •Call 911. Even if everyone feels fine, make a police report.
• •Move to safety if the car is in traffic — but don't leave the scene.
• •Exchange insurance and contact information with every other driver.
• •Photograph damage to all vehicles, your injuries, the road, skid marks, weather, traffic signals, license plates, and the surrounding area.
• •Get names and phone numbers of witnesses. Even one independent witness changes the case.
• •Do not admit fault. Do not apologize. 'I'm sorry' is not the same word in a claim file as it is in life.

The next 24 hours

• •See a doctor. Urgent care is fine. Even if you feel okay — adrenaline masks injuries for 24–72 hours, and a medical record from day one is hugely valuable.
• •Write down everything you remember while it's fresh. Speed, direction, time of day, lighting, what the other driver said.
• •Keep all bills, prescriptions, and receipts in one place.
• •Do not post anything about the accident on social media. Not even 'I'm okay!' Adjusters and defense lawyers read every public post.

Days 2–3

• •Request the police report. In Rhode Island, reports are usually available 5–7 days after the crash.
• •If the at-fault driver's insurance calls, be polite but do not give a recorded statement.
• •If you're having new or worsening pain, go back to a doctor. Don't tough it out.
• •Consult an attorney for a free case review — before you agree to anything with any insurance company.

Things to avoid

• •Don't sign medical authorizations for the at-fault driver's insurer. They'll use broad authorizations to get records that have nothing to do with your crash.
• •Don't accept a quick settlement check. Once you sign a release, the case is over — even if new injuries surface.
• •Don't assume the insurance company is on your side. They aren't — not even your own.