How soon should I get checked after a car accident?

There is no universal 72-hour rule

A fixed marketing number confuses claims advice with health guidance. Someone with chest pressure needs care now. Someone without symptoms may need monitoring and medical advice based on the event. Someone with new stiffness may call for a non-emergency evaluation.

Accuracy matters more than a slogan.

If you are unsure whether something is urgent, the CDC concussion danger signs(opens in a new tab) are worth reading before you decide to wait.

When each symptom began

• At the scene.
• Later that day.
• The next morning.
• During the first normal activity that revealed a change.

Write down what you noticed and when you noticed it, in your own words. There is no need to reshape that timeline to match an insurer’s questions or an article you read online.

Related questions

Can symptoms begin two days later?

Some symptoms can be noticed after a delay. Timing alone does not diagnose the problem, so have new symptoms checked.

Should I wait for the police report?

No document is required before emergency or medically appropriate care. Add the report later.

Does faster care guarantee a better claim?

No. This site does not predict claims. Seek care based on health needs and keep accurate records.

Read delayed pain after a crash.

Return to the frequently asked questions.

Fuller guides on this topic: what to do after a Portsmouth crash and accident-focused evaluation in Portsmouth.