BuzzlineNews
Free Resource

What to Do in the First 30 Days After an Accident

A free guide from the BuzzlineNews consumer safety desk.

This helps us send you the most relevant information.

🚗Car
🚚Truck
🏍Motorcycle
⚠️Slip & Fall
🛠Work Injury
📌Other

Please select the type of accident.

An approximate date is fine if you're not sure.

Please enter the date of the accident.

Including injuries that appeared a day or two later.

🏥Yes, serious
🩹Yes, minor
❓Not sure yet
🚫No

Please choose an option.

Treatment records are one of the most important pieces of your file.

🚑ER or hospital
🩺Doctor or urgent care
🧘Chiropractor or PT
📅Planning to soon
🚫Not yet

Please choose an option.

This is often a key document in an accident claim.

✅Yes
❌No
❓Not sure

Please choose an option.

Even if you're not sure, this helps us route your information correctly.

✅Yes
❌No
❓Not sure

Please choose an option.

Adjusters often move quickly after an accident.

📞Yes
📵No
❓Not sure

Please choose an option.

Either way, the guide is yours. This just helps us avoid sending duplicate outreach.

👤No, not yet
⚖️Yes, I have

Please choose an option.

We use this to find resources available in your area.

Please enter a valid 5-digit ZIP code.

We'll use this to personalize your guide.

Please enter your first name.

Only used if you request a callback. No spam calls.

Please enter a valid 10-digit phone number.

You'll get instant access on the next screen too.

Please enter a valid email address.

We'll send follow-up information in the language you choose.

Current partners include: Alexander Shunnarah (AL) · Gordon McKernan (LA) · Morris Bart (LA) and 400+ others across 40+ states. The complete partner list is available in the app and reflects the partners currently receiving inquiries.

Please check the box to continue.

✓

Your guide is ready

Read it below or save it for later. It's yours to keep.

You're already represented. Since you've already hired a lawyer for this accident, we won't pass your information to any of our legal partners. Your guide is still yours to keep, and we've included a few questions worth asking your attorney below.
Even without an injury, timing matters. Property damage and other losses can still have deadlines. Your guide covers the steps that apply regardless of whether you were hurt.

What to Do in the First 30 Days After an Accident

BuzzlineNews Consumer Safety Desk · Reader Resource

1 Get medical attention first — even if you feel fine

Some of the most common accident injuries — whiplash, concussions, soft tissue damage — don't show symptoms for hours or days. Waiting can hurt both your health and your ability to document what happened.

  • See a doctor within 24–72 hours of the accident
  • Tell them specifically that you were in an accident
  • Keep every discharge paper, receipt, and treatment note
  • Follow the treatment plan — gaps in care are often used against claimants

2 Document everything while it's fresh

Memory fades and evidence disappears. The week after an accident is the most valuable window you have.

  • Photograph vehicle damage, the scene, and any visible injuries
  • Get names and numbers for every witness
  • Request the police report number and a copy
  • Write down what happened in your own words, same day
  • Save any dashcam, doorbell, or business surveillance footage requests in writing

3 Be careful on calls with insurance adjusters

An adjuster's job is to resolve the claim for as little as possible. That doesn't make them dishonest — it just means the conversation isn't designed to help you.

  • You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer
  • Stick to facts: date, location, vehicles involved
  • Avoid speculating about fault, speed, or your injuries
  • Don't discuss your medical history or pre-existing conditions
  • It's fine to say: "I'd like to review this and get back to you."

4 Don't sign a release or accept a quick settlement

The first offer is rarely the final one, and a signed release usually ends your claim permanently — even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected.

  • Wait until you're at maximum medical improvement before settling
  • Get the full policy limits in writing before discussing numbers
  • Understand what you're giving up before you sign anything

5 Know that deadlines are already running

Most states set a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, typically between one and three years from the date of the accident. Some claims — especially against government entities — require notice in as little as 60 to 180 days.

  • Write down your accident date and keep it somewhere you'll find it
  • Check your state's deadline — don't assume you have years
  • Government-owned vehicles and public property have much shorter windows

6 Keep one folder for everything

The single habit that separates organized claims from chaotic ones is a single place for every document.

  • Police report and accident photos
  • Medical bills, treatment notes, and imaging
  • Repair estimates and rental car receipts
  • Pay stubs if you missed work
  • A running log of every call: date, name, company, what was said
Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Cookie Policy

BuzzlineNews.com is a consumer news publication. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. This page is an advertisement for legal services. By submitting this form you consent to be contacted by the legal resource partners identified in the partner list, including by phone, text, or email. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out of texts. Unsubscribe any time at unsubscribe@buzzlinenews.com. For immediate assistance, call (888) 972-0916.

BuzzlineNews.com · 8540 NW 66th St. AP-135732, Miami, FL 33195