Guide
The First 72 Hours After a Car Accident
A calm, practical checklist. Save it to your phone or share it with someone you care about.
At the scene
Safety first
- Move to a safe place if you can, turn on hazard lights, and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Exchange names, phone numbers, insurance and plate numbers.
- Photograph vehicles, the road, signs and any visible injuries.
- Get witness contact details.
- Note the police report number or the officer’s name and agency.
First 24 hours
Watch your symptoms
- Pay attention to headaches, neck or back pain, dizziness, numbness or unusual tiredness.
- Seek emergency care right away for any emergency symptom.
- Start a simple log: date, time, what hurts and how it affects sleep, work or driving.
- Notify your auto insurer and write down your claim number.
24–72 hours
Get checked and get organized
- If you have soreness, stiffness or headaches, consider an evaluation with a provider of your choice.
- Bring ID, insurance cards, claim number and any ER paperwork to appointments.
- Ask each provider how billing works before care begins.
- Keep one folder for receipts, reports, photos and notes.
- For legal questions, you may choose to speak with a licensed Texas attorney. Healthcare providers cannot give legal advice.
What not to do
- Don’t ignore new or worsening symptoms.
- Don’t sign documents you don’t understand.
- Don’t feel pressured by anyone who contacts you unprompted about care or legal services. In Texas, unsolicited contact with accident victims is restricted.
General information only, not medical or legal advice. Individual results vary, and no specific outcome is promised. This guide is not legal advice.
Sore After a Crash?
Dr. Hung Manh Cao, D.C. can examine you and explain your options before any care begins.
Book a car accident evaluation