What to Do in the First 72 Hours After a California Car Accident
The steps you take in the first three days often determine what your claim is worth six months later.
Most people injured in a collision do the same three things: they call their own insurer, they talk to the other driver's adjuster, and they wait to see if the pain gets better. Two of those three decisions can quietly reduce the value of a case by tens of thousands of dollars.
This guide walks through what to do — and what to avoid — in the first 72 hours after a crash in California, from documenting the scene to when (and whether) to give a recorded statement.
If you are reading this in the days after a crash, do not assume 'minor' means 'no case.' Soft-tissue and concussive injuries often present days later. Documenting the sequence now protects you if symptoms escalate.