What to do in the first 72 hours after a car accident in Tulsa

If you were just in a car accident, the most important thing you can do in the first three days is get checked, even if you feel fine. Many crash injuries stay quiet at first, and the choices you make early can shape both your recovery and any insurance claim.

Right after the crash

Once you are safe and have exchanged information, take photos of the scene and your vehicle, and get a copy of the accident report. Write down how you feel that day, including anything that seems minor. Adrenaline can hide pain for hours.

The first 24 to 72 hours

This is the window where whiplash and soft-tissue injuries often begin to show. Watch for neck stiffness, headaches, back pain, dizziness, or tingling in the arms. If any of these appear, see a provider promptly. Early care is usually simpler than care that starts weeks later.

Why early documentation matters

When you are seen soon after a crash, your records clearly connect the injury to the accident. That helps your treatment stay on track and supports your claim if you work with an attorney or auto insurance.

How we help

At Care Family Medical and Chiropractic in Tulsa, Dr. Curtis Smith examines you, builds a plan around your injuries, and handles the documentation your claim needs. Care is drug-free and non-surgical. Call 918-836-7900 for a same-day appointment most weekdays.