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

Hour 1–24: Get evaluated even if you feel fine

Adrenaline masks whiplash and soft-tissue injury for up to a day. A baseline evaluation creates the medical record insurers will later ask for.

Day 2: Document everything

Photos of the car, the bruising, the dashboard — and a written timeline of symptoms. Memory fades faster than most people expect.

Day 3: Start gentle motion

Complete rest after whiplash actually slows healing. Guided, gentle range-of-motion work under a chiropractor or physical therapist is what the research supports.

When to call us

If headaches, neck stiffness, or radiating pain haven't started improving by 72 hours, schedule an evaluation. Placeholder copy for layout preview.