The first 72 hours after a crash matter for two separate reasons. Clinically, whiplash, concussion, and soft-tissue injuries often don't peak until the second day. Adrenaline masks pain at the scene, and a case can be quietly worse than it seems at the curb. Legally, gaps between the incident and the first medical visit are something insurers consistently use to minimize claims.
The simple checklist: see a provider within the first 24 to 72 hours, even if you feel okay. Document everything — photos of the vehicles and the scene, names of witnesses, the police-report number. Write down symptoms as they appear; memory blurs quickly. If you don't have an attorney yet, a member office in our network can coordinate the referral.
Most importantly: do not skip follow-up visits. Consistent care is what builds both clinical recovery and a credible record of the injury.
