The first hour decisions can affect what insurance companies and any future court filings can prove. If you’re able, prioritize these steps:
- Get medical attention promptly (even if you think it’s “not that bad”). Some injuries common in pedestrian impacts—like concussions, soft-tissue injuries, or back/neck trauma—may not fully show up right away.
- Report the incident. If police respond, make sure the details are recorded accurately.
- Capture scene evidence while it’s still fresh: crosswalk markings, traffic signals, lighting conditions, vehicle position, debris, and any nearby signs or construction fencing that may affect visibility.
- Identify witnesses who may be near restaurants, beach access points, bus stops, or hotel entrances.
- Avoid casual statements to insurance adjusters. What you say can be used to narrow liability or dispute injury causation.
If you’re thinking, “Can an AI tool help me understand what to do next?”—it can help you organize questions and information. But it can’t replace on-the-ground evidence review and legal judgment tied to South Carolina rules and deadlines.


