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Sterling Law Group, P.C. · Licensed in WA, OR & CAClient Portal  |  (555) 290-8800
Personal Injury · 9 min read

What to Do in the First 72 Hours After a Car Accident

By James R. Sterling, JD · June 12, 2026

The decisions you make in the hours after an accident can mean the difference between full compensation and a fraction of what you deserve. Most people don't know this until it's too late.

At the Scene

First: your safety. Get out of traffic if you can do so safely. Call 911. Do not move anyone who may have a spinal injury. Turn on your hazard lights.

Once you're safe:

Do:Photograph the scene extensively. Every car, every angle, the road conditions, any traffic signs or signals, skid marks, debris, injuries. Your phone's camera is the most important evidence-gathering tool you have. Courts have increasingly relied on comprehensive photo evidence.
Do:Get the other driver's name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate, and insurance information. If there are witnesses, get their contact information too.
Do:Wait for police. Get the case number. A police report is critical evidence — it establishes the official account of what happened while memories are fresh.
Don't:Admit fault or apologize. Even saying "I'm sorry" can be used against you. Statements at the scene are admissible. Say only what is necessary: confirm you're okay or that you need medical attention, exchange information, speak with police.
Don't:Accept any money or sign anything from the other driver at the scene. This is not how accident settlements work and any "agreement" made under stress may not hold up — but the problems it creates might.

Within 24 Hours

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. This is not about being dramatic — it is about documentation. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and internal injuries frequently don't produce significant pain until 24–72 hours after the event. If you wait to seek treatment, the insurance company will argue that you weren't really hurt, or that the injury was caused by something else in the interim.

Report the accident to your own insurance company. You are required to do this under your policy. You do not, however, need to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. You have no legal obligation to do so, and recorded statements are frequently used to minimize claims.

What Not to Do on Social Media

Insurance defense attorneys routinely search social media for posts that contradict injury claims. Do not post about the accident. Do not post photos of yourself looking healthy or active. Do not post at all about physical activities until your case is resolved.

This is not about being dishonest. It is about not providing ammunition to an insurance company whose financial incentive is to deny or minimize your claim.

Within 72 Hours — Call an Attorney

The single most consequential decision you'll make after an accident is whether to get legal representation. The data is consistent across the industry: represented claimants receive substantially higher settlements than unrepresented claimants — often 3–4× more, even after attorney fees are deducted.

A personal injury consultation is free and comes with no obligation. You will learn what your case is worth, what evidence you need to preserve, and whether you should accept the initial offer the insurance company will inevitably make you.

Been in an Accident?

Call us within 72 hours. The consultation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation to hire us.

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About the Author: James R. Sterling, JD is the founding partner of Sterling Law Group. He has practiced personal injury law for 15 years, recovered over $100 million for injured clients, and is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell.

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