Right after a crash, your priority is medical care. After that, the choices you make can strongly affect whether liability and damages are proven later.
Do these things as soon as you can:
- Get checked even if you “feel okay.” Some injuries—like concussions, soft-tissue trauma, and back/neck issues—can worsen over days.
- Document the scene. If you’re able, take photos of vehicle position, the crosswalk/curb area, lighting conditions, and anything that blocked visibility.
- Write down what you remember. Include where you entered the roadway, what direction you were walking, and whether you saw a signal or noticed turning traffic.
- Collect witness info. In a smaller community, it can be easier to locate witnesses early—don’t rely on memory weeks later.
Avoid common pitfalls:
- Don’t post about the accident online in a way that could be used against you.
- Don’t give a recorded statement until you understand what the insurer is trying to establish.


