The first hours after an accident often decide whether liability and injuries are easy to prove.
Do this first:
- Seek medical care immediately (even if you feel “mostly okay”). Some injury symptoms—like concussion signs or back pain—can show up later.
- Request a police report when possible. A report tied to the scene can matter when fault is disputed.
- Photograph the scene: crosswalk markings, lane layout, lighting, vehicle position, and anything that affected visibility (including glare or road conditions).
- Get witness info before people leave—especially drivers or nearby shoppers who saw the impact.
Be careful with this:
- Avoid quick statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
- Don’t accept a settlement offer before your treatment plan stabilizes.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth contacting counsel quickly, it usually is—because evidence gets lost, video is overwritten, and witness memories fade.


