Nobody reads a checklist before a crash. You read it afterward, sitting in the driver's seat with your heart pounding and your phone in your hand. So here's the short, calm version.
At the scene
Get to safety first. If you can move your car out of the lane, do. Turn on your hazards. Call 911 if anyone looks hurt or if the situation isn't safe. Dizziness, confusion, a head injury, chest pain, or numbness are reasons to be seen at an ER, even if you feel like you can drive away.
If it's safe, take photos: both cars, the road, any damage, the other driver's plate and insurance card. Get names and numbers. Be polite and stick to facts. You don't need to say who was at fault, and "I think I'm okay" isn't a medical opinion. Depending on the situation there may be reporting requirements with the police or the DMV, and your insurer can tell you which apply.
That night
This is when adrenaline starts to fade, and you may notice things you didn't an hour ago. A stiff neck. A sore spot on your hip where the seat belt caught you. A dull headache. Take a minute to check in with yourself.
Call your insurer and report the accident. Ask them to open a claim, and write down the claim number and the adjuster's name. In Oregon that's what starts your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, which are no-fault. Your policy governs the details, so ask your agent if anything's unclear. This is general information, not legal advice.
Then start your notes. Put today's date at the top. What hurts, what you did, what you couldn't do. It sounds fussy, but you'll be glad you did it.
Day two
Stiffness often peaks here. People wake up and realize they can't turn their head or get out of bed without help. That doesn't mean something terrible has happened. It does mean your body is telling you something, and it's a good time to book an exam.
- Keep moving gently. Short walks beat lying flat.
- Skip heavy lifting and long hours at the computer if you can.
- Take photos of any bruising, including a seat-belt line across the chest or hip.
- Keep every receipt, from the tow truck to the pharmacy.
Day three
By now most soft-tissue symptoms have shown up if they're going to. If you're hurting, call or message us. We can usually verify your coverage and bill your PIP directly, so you don't have to front the cost.
If you feel fine, keep watching for a few more days and keep your notes going. Some people don't notice anything until the end of the week.
If you can't get in right away
Sometimes the first open appointment is a few days out. Keep your notes going, keep moving gently, and ask the front desk about the next available injury evaluation when you call. If your symptoms get worse in the meantime, or any of the ER warning signs show up, don't wait for the appointment.
Rest, movement, and sleep
The instinct after a crash is to lie down and not move. A day of taking it easy is fine. But if you're stiff and sore, a gentle walk around the block usually feels better than the couch. Sleep is the tricky part. A pillow that keeps your neck in line with your spine helps some people, and the first couple of nights are often rough regardless.
Small things people forget
Your car claim and your injury claim run on separate tracks, and it's easy to get the car sorted and forget you're hurt. Back up your photos before your phone does something strange. Write down the name of everyone you talk to, with the date. If you'll need time off work, tell your employer early, because wage-loss coverage has its own conditions and your policy spells them out. Getting back to driving and work after a crash covers what to expect.
Who to see, and in what order
The short answer is ER for anything scary, then a clinician who can examine your spine and soft tissue. We lay out how to choose in ER, urgent care, your primary doctor, or a chiropractor. For the record side of things, see how documentation supports your claim.
If you live in Milwaukie, Oak Grove, Gladstone, or Oregon City, we're a short drive away. Our new patient page covers what to bring, our services page lists what we offer, and the auto injury page walks through the full process.
Crash in the last few days?
Early is a good time to get checked. Book online or call, and bring your claim number if you have one.