The shock of a car accident doesn’t end when the wreckage is cleared. In the days that follow, many injury victims experience delayed pain, mounting bills, missed work, and pressure from insurance companies demanding answers.
If your crash happened in Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa, or anywhere in Brevard County, what you do after you leave the scene can have a major impact on your physical recovery and your legal case. Andrew Pickett Law represents Floridians who are often blindsided by how fast insurance companies move, and how quickly mistakes can be used against them.
This guide explains exactly what you should do in the days following a car accident to protect your health, your claim, and your future.
Why the Days After a Car Accident Are Legally Critical
Many people assume that if they handled things correctly at the scene, the hard part is over. In reality, insurance companies often begin building their defense within 24–48 hours of the crash.
During this period, they look for:
- Gaps in medical treatment
- Statements that can be used to minimize injuries
- Evidence that shifts partial fault onto you
Florida’s comparative negligence law allows insurers to reduce your compensation if they can argue you contributed to the accident or made your injuries worse.
What you do next matters just as much as what you did at the scene.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
Get a Full Medical Evaluation as Soon as Possible
Even if you were checked by paramedics or released from the emergency room, you should follow up with a doctor immediately.
Common injuries that worsen over time include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord and disc injuries
- Internal injuries and nerve damage
Hospitals like Holmes Regional Medical Center, Palm Bay Hospital, and Parrish Medical Center often treat accident victims, but follow-up care is essential to document ongoing symptoms.
Delaying treatment allows insurance companies to argue:
- Your injuries weren’t serious
- Something else caused your condition
- You failed to mitigate damages
Medical records are the foundation of any successful injury claim.
If you’re unsure how to protect yourself medically and legally, Andrew Pickett Law is here to guide you.
Follow All Medical Instructions and Keep Every Appointment
Once treatment begins, consistency matters.
Insurance companies closely examine whether you:
- Attended recommended appointments
- Followed physical therapy plans
- Took medications as prescribed
Missed appointments or gaps in care are often used to suggest:
- You exaggerated your injuries
- You recovered faster than claimed
- Your pain is unrelated to the accident
If treatment is difficult due to transportation, cost, or pain, document those challenges. Andrew Pickett Law regularly addresses these issues when building injury cases involving catastrophic injuries, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries.
Document Your Injuries and Daily Limitations
In the days following a car accident, symptoms often evolve. Keeping a simple injury journal can be powerful evidence.
Document:
- Pain levels and locations
- Headaches, dizziness, or confusion
- Sleep disruption
- Emotional effects like anxiety or irritability
- Activities you can no longer do
This type of evidence humanizes your case and supports claims for pain and suffering, especially in serious car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents.
Not sure what details matter? Andrew Pickett Law can help you document your recovery correctly.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
Notify Your Insurance Company — Carefully
Florida drivers are required to notify their own insurance company, but that does not mean you must provide a recorded statement right away.
When reporting the accident:
- Stick to basic facts (date, time, location)
- Do not speculate about fault
- Do not downplay injuries
- Decline recorded statements until you receive legal advice
Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to limit payouts. Even innocent comments can be taken out of context later.
Once Andrew Pickett Law is involved, insurance companies are directed to communicate through your attorney, protecting you from unnecessary pressure.
Avoid Social Media and Public Statements
One overlooked mistake in the days after an accident is social media activity.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely monitor:
- Facebook posts
- Instagram stories
- TikTok videos
- Comments from friends or family
Photos of you smiling, attending events, or appearing active can be misused to argue that your injuries aren’t serious—even if you’re in pain off-camera.
The safest approach is to:
- Avoid posting entirely
- Ask friends not to tag you
- Keep accident details private
Understand That Pain Can Increase, Not Improve, at First
Many accident victims are alarmed when pain worsens days later. This is common and medically documented.
Inflammation, muscle strain, and brain injuries often become more noticeable after adrenaline fades. This is especially true in:
- Rear-end collisions
- High-speed crashes on I-95 or US-1
- Side-impact accidents at intersections like Eau Gallie Blvd or Wickham Road
Do not assume worsening symptoms will “work themselves out.” Prompt medical evaluation strengthens both your recovery and your legal position.
Let Andrew Pickett Law help ensure your injuries are taken seriously from the start.
Keep All Bills, Receipts, and Records
Injury cases rely on documentation. Begin collecting:
- Medical bills
- Prescription receipts
- Mileage to appointments
- Medical equipment costs
- Proof of missed work or reduced hours
These records help establish economic damages and long-term financial impact. Andrew Pickett Law builds cases that account for both immediate expenses and future losses, especially in catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims.
Be Cautious of Early Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often attempt quick settlements in the days following an accident. These offers rarely reflect the true value of your claim.
Early settlements typically:
- Do not account for future medical needs
- Ignore long-term disability
- Require waiving your right to further compensation
Once accepted, settlements are final, even if your condition worsens.
Andrew Pickett Law prepares every case as if it will go to trial, giving clients leverage during negotiations and credibility if litigation becomes necessary.
When Should You Speak with a Lawyer?
The days immediately following a car accident are often the best time to seek legal guidance.
Early legal involvement allows your attorney to:
- Preserve evidence
- Coordinate medical documentation
- Prevent insurance missteps
- Identify all liable parties
This is especially important in cases involving:
- Truck accidents
- Rideshare accidents (Uber or Lyft)
- Uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Severe or permanent injuries
Andrew Pickett Law is led by former prosecutor Andrew Pickett, a trial-ready personal injury lawyer known for hands-on representation and relentless pursuit of justice.
Take Control Before the Insurance Company Does
The days after a car accident can feel overwhelming. Pain, uncertainty, and pressure from insurers can push people into decisions they later regret.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Let Andrew Pickett Law take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
Call Andrew Pickett Law today to schedule your free consultation.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
