Once emergency needs are addressed, the first week after a car accident is a time to organize care, preserve evidence, and identify insurance requirements. This checklist focuses on follow-through after the scene has cleared, rather than repeating roadside instructions.

Create one accurate record

Write a short timeline while events are fresh. Separate your observations from information supplied by others. Save the police incident number, photographs, witness details, and communications without editing away unfavorable facts.

Tell treating providers what happened and describe symptoms accurately. Keep discharge instructions, referrals, follow-up appointments, and restrictions together. Ask the provider about medical questions; a claims checklist cannot determine what treatment you need.

Track practical losses early

  • Notify your employer as appropriate and save missed-work dates, payroll records, and medical work restrictions.
  • Record injury-related help actually provided at home, including who did what and when.
  • Keep receipts and bills, identifying what was paid, remains unpaid, or was submitted to insurance.
  • Request preservation of available footage or damaged-property evidence before it disappears.

Understand an insurer request before responding

Keep the claim number, adjuster details, requests, and submission dates. Cooperate with reasonable policy requirements, and obtain advice about recorded statements, broad authorizations, coverage disputes, and settlement releases. A blanket refusal to communicate with your own insurer can create a different problem.

Do not treat a short period of improvement as a reason to guess that all symptoms have resolved. Equally, do not exaggerate limitations. Accurate records help both medical care and claim evaluation.

Use focused help for the issue you face

See whether a case manager could help if care coordination is difficult, claim-specific deadlines for timing questions, and the immediate crash-scene checklist for information you still need to collect.

Talk with Logeman & Iafrate

Request a free consultation or call (734) 994-0200 to discuss your situation with our Ann Arbor office. Bring the relevant records and any insurer correspondence. Advice about your claim depends on the facts, coverage, and applicable deadlines.

General information only; this article is not legal advice for an individual case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I refuse every insurance call?

No. Your own policy may require cooperation. Get advice about the nature and scope of a request while preserving deadlines.

Should I wait for all medical bills before seeking advice?

No. Reporting, evidence, and filing requirements may need attention before treatment is complete.

‍This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney at Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. for advice regarding your individual situation.