You don’t need to be a legal expert to protect your case. You just need to act in a way that supports your injury record and your version of events.
Do these things as soon as you can:
- Get medical care right away (even if you “feel okay”). In pedestrian impacts, symptoms can surface later.
- Write down what you remember while it’s fresh: the weather, lighting, where you entered the roadway, and what the driver did right before the crash.
- Collect scene details: the location (crosswalk/intersection/sidewalk edge), traffic signals, vehicle position, and any obstacles like snowbanks.
- Get witness info. In Mandan, people often stop to help but may not stick around for long—get names and contact details.
- Ask for the police report number and keep copies of any crash documentation you receive.
Avoid these common early missteps:
- Giving a recorded or overly broad statement before you understand your injuries and the likely defenses.
- Relying on a quick “settlement offer” before treatment is complete.
- Assuming that because you were in a crosswalk, fault is automatically settled.


