In the first day after a pedestrian collision, the goal is to preserve facts while you’re recovering and to avoid statements that can be taken out of context.
Focus on:
- Medical evaluation first. Even if you feel “mostly okay,” get checked. Pedestrian injuries can worsen after adrenaline fades.
- Photograph the scene if you’re able: crosswalk markings, traffic signals, lighting, curb ramps, vehicle damage, and where you were standing.
- Write down what you remember before it disappears—road name, direction of travel, weather, whether drivers appeared distracted, and what you heard/observed.
- Collect witness contact info (nearby shoppers, people on the sidewalk, anyone who saw the impact).
Be careful about giving a recorded statement to an insurer before you understand the full extent of injuries.


