After a crash, it’s easy to miss details that later become critical—especially when you’re dealing with pain, swelling, or shock.
**Within the first day or two, prioritize: **
- Medical evaluation—even if you feel “mostly okay.” Some injuries (like concussions, soft-tissue damage, and back/neck issues) may not fully show up right away.
- Scene documentation. If you can, take photos of the crosswalk/curb area, traffic signals, lighting, vehicle position, and anything affecting visibility.
- Witness capture. In busy areas and event times, people often move on quickly. Get names and contact info while you still can.
- Write your timeline while it’s fresh. Note where you were walking, what you recall about the driver’s approach, and how long you were in the roadway area.
Why this matters in Cape Girardeau: pedestrian crashes often involve mixed traffic—drivers navigating intersections, turning lanes, and changing light conditions. Early documentation helps establish what a driver could and should have seen.


