In the first hours and days after a crash, your priority is safety and treatment. Then you’ll want to take actions that strengthen your case—especially in suburban settings where evidence can disappear quickly.
Do this early:
- Get medical evaluation the same day or as soon as possible. Even if pain seems minor, document symptoms and follow up.
- Record details while they’re fresh: where you were walking, what you remember about the driver’s speed or lane position, and the traffic signal status.
- Look for witnesses nearby (people leaving stores, commuters waiting at stops, or drivers who saw the moment of impact).
- Capture scene information if you can do so safely: vehicle position, crosswalk/curb location, lighting conditions, and any visible vehicle damage.
Be cautious with insurance: In New York, adjusters often request statements quickly. You don’t have to answer everything right away. What you say can affect how they frame fault.


