The First 72 Hours Are Critical
After a car wreck, the first few hours are often chaotic. But it’s what happens in the next few days that can shape the rest of your recovery. Pain may begin to surface. Medical appointments get scheduled. Insurance adjusters start calling. During this short window, the decisions you make can have lasting consequences.
It’s important to document everything. Keep track of symptoms, missed work, receipts, and any communication with the other driver or their insurance. These details become essential if a claim is needed later.
Not All Injuries Are Obvious Right Away
Many people walk away from a crash thinking they’re fine. Then, by day two or three, neck pain sets in or mobility becomes limited. That’s common with soft tissue injuries, concussions, and back problems that don’t show up on initial scans.
Delaying medical care can work against you when you seek compensation. Insurance companies often argue that if you didn’t get treatment right away, the injury must not be serious. That’s why early medical attention isn’t just about health—it’s also about making sure your claim is taken seriously.
The Insurance Company Isn’t on Your Timeline
You might still be in pain or waiting on a diagnosis when the phone rings. An insurance adjuster wants to know what happened—and might already be offering a settlement. These calls often come quickly, before the real costs of the accident are known.
It’s easy to feel pressured to accept and move on. But doing so can leave you with out-of-pocket expenses for treatment or income you never recover. A Santa Cruz car wreck lawyer at Schaar & Silva can help you slow things down, understand your options, and avoid mistakes that are hard to undo later.
Real Support Means More Than Just Paperwork
A car wreck affects more than just your vehicle. It can disrupt work, relationships, routines, and peace of mind. At Schaar & Silva, every case is treated like a real story—not a file number. If you’ve been in a crash in Santa Cruz, it’s worth getting the legal support that helps you take the next steps with confidence and clarity.
