In the first hours and days, your priorities should be medical and safety—but your actions also affect your case.
Do this early:
- Get checked, even if you think you’re “mostly okay.” In pedestrian cases, symptoms can appear later.
- Write down what you remember while it’s fresh: where you entered the crosswalk/roadway, what the light/signage showed, and how the driver behaved.
- Track your expenses immediately (ER/urgent care, imaging, prescriptions, rides to follow-ups, mobility aids).
- Preserve evidence: scene photos, vehicle damage, and any nearby video you can identify.
Be cautious with the insurance process:
- Recorded statements and “quick questions” can be used to narrow or challenge your version of events.
- If you’re contacted before your treatment plan is clear, you may lose leverage without realizing it.


