What happens right after the crash can affect what gets paid later. After a pedestrian accident, prioritize these steps:
- Get medical care immediately (even if you feel “mostly okay”). In California, documenting injuries early helps connect symptoms to the crash.
- Report the incident to law enforcement if there’s any dispute about what happened or if the driver doesn’t provide clear information.
- Request the other driver’s details: name, license plate, insurance, and contact information.
- Capture scene details while you can: crosswalk position, traffic signals, lighting conditions, vehicle location, and any obstructions near the roadway.
- Write down your memory before it fades—what you saw, where you stepped into the street, and whether the driver appeared to be turning, accelerating, or distracted.
If you’re wondering whether an “AI pedestrian accident lawyer” can help you do this faster: an AI tool can help you organize notes, but it can’t gather evidence, review medical causation, or handle California insurance tactics.


