USPS truck ran a red and hit us broadside — first accident ever, totally lost

Please go get checked out today — both of you. Whiplash and soft tissue injuries from side-impact crashes often feel like nothing at the scene because adrenaline is doing a lot of heavy lifting. By day two or three the inflammation really sets in and people are shocked by how bad they feel. A 24-hour gap is completely normal and no doctor is going to raise an eyebrow at that. Just go. Document everything.

I got hit by a city vehicle a couple years back and the government angle does complicate things a little. There are usually shorter windows to file formal notice of a claim against a government entity compared to a regular accident. I'm not saying panic, but don't sit on this for weeks assuming it works exactly like a normal fender-bender. It doesn't always.

DO NOT give a recorded statement yet. I cannot stress this enough. Their adjuster is going to call you soon and sound super friendly and sympathetic — that call is not your friend, it's their evidence-gathering session. You are under no obligation to do that before you've even seen a doctor and know the full picture of your injuries.

A few practical things worth knowing: First, get that police report number and request a copy as soon as it's available — sometimes online within a day or two. Second, your four-year-old being checked out by a pediatrician is worth doing even if she seems fine; kids process trauma differently and having a medical record from shortly after the accident matters if anything comes up later. Third, as the other commenter said, government claims often have a formal notice requirement with a tight deadline — worth at least a free consult with a PI attorney soon just to understand your timeline.

I just want to say I'm really glad your kids are okay and that you're asking these questions now rather than later. Please take care of yourself too — it's so easy as a parent to put yourself last but your health matters here. Sending you guys good thoughts 💙

Not legal advice, but the government vehicle piece is genuinely the most time-sensitive part of your situation. Many states require written notice of a claim against a government agency within a window that can be as short as 60 days — missing that deadline can seriously hurt your options. A quick free consultation with a personal injury attorney who handles government liability would at least tell you what clock you're working with. Most won't charge for that initial call.

Three things: doctor today, no recorded statements, talk to a lawyer before you sign or agree to anything. That's it. Everything else can be sorted out but those three things matter right now.

Was the postal driver cited at the scene? And did you get witness information or is it just your word against the driver's about who had the red light? Not doubting you at all — just asking because that stuff can matter a lot and it's easier to gather now than later.