Following up with a doctor within 48 hours of an injury is a general rule of thumb. Common ailments like whiplash can manifest their symptoms in the hours and even days following an accident. Some symptoms take time to manifest since any swelling or inflammation can mask the presence of a more severe condition. Additionally, using painkillers at home can hide your symptoms. When juggling job and family responsibilities, 72 hours could seem like a very short period to some people. Keep in mind that taking care of yourself and your health is vital. Seek medical evaluation following an accident as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. Failure to do so may damage the integrity of your claim and your ability to recover compensation for any injuries that may arise later down the line.