First 48 Hours Guide (Personal Injury)
A plain-language guide for the first 48 hours after a personal injury accident - what to document, who to call, and which mistakes to avoid.
Official source: law.cornell.edu
## What it covers
- Getting prompt medical care and keeping records of every visit. - Documenting the scene with photos, video, and notes while the details are fresh. - Collecting witness names and contact info. - Notifying the right insurance companies, and avoiding statements that hurt your claim.
## Why timing matters
What you do (or do not do) in the first 48 hours after an accident is often used later by defense attorneys to lower settlement offers. A clean record from the start protects your case even if you decide much later that you want to file a claim.
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Frequently asked questions about First 48 Hours Guide (Personal Injury)
Do I have to file a claim to use this guide?+
No. The guide is free and useful even if you never file a claim. It mostly helps you protect your health and your options.
What if it is already past 48 hours?+
Use the steps anyway. Late documentation is still much better than no documentation.
Source: law.cornell.edu