Even if you’re not sure how badly you’re hurt, prioritize documentation and medical evaluation.
Do this right away:
- Get medical care (urgent care or ER if needed) and follow up for any lingering symptoms.
- Request photos if someone else can safely do it: vehicle position, road markings, crosswalk location, lighting, and any nearby construction or debris.
- Write down details while they’re fresh: time of day, weather, whether you were using a crosswalk or sidewalk, and what the driver said.
- Identify witnesses—people near the intersection, pedestrians who saw the moment of impact, or anyone who recorded video.
Avoid these early mistakes:
- Giving a recorded statement before your injuries are fully diagnosed.
- Agreeing to a “quick settlement” before you know how your treatment plan changes.
- Relying on memory alone when insurance requests a timeline.
Local claims often hinge on whether the early record shows a consistent story—especially when injuries start mild and worsen later.


