The first hours can determine how strong your claim is weeks later. If you can, prioritize:
- Medical evaluation right away (even if symptoms seem mild). Some pedestrian injuries worsen after adrenaline fades.
- Scene documentation: take photos of traffic signals, crosswalk location, lighting, vehicle position, skid marks, and any hazards.
- Witness capture: get names and contact info from people who saw the impact or the moments before it.
- Avoid recorded “quick statements” without review. Insurance adjusters may ask questions that sound harmless but can be used to dispute fault or minimize injuries.
In Minnesota, deadlines matter. Evidence can disappear quickly (video gets overwritten, vehicles get moved, and witnesses forget details). Acting early helps prevent avoidable gaps.


