Before you worry about settlement talks, focus on steps that protect both your health and your ability to prove what happened:
- Get checked out right away (even if you think you’re “okay”). Some injuries—like concussions, soft-tissue damage, and back/neck problems—can surface later.
- Document the scene if you can do so safely: photos of traffic signals, crosswalk markings, lighting, skid marks, and your injuries.
- Write down details while they’re fresh: the direction you were walking, what the driver was doing, and anything you noticed about speed, visibility, or distractions.
- Keep every receipt and record: ER visits, imaging, prescriptions, follow-up appointments, missed work, and transportation to treatment.
In Tennessee, delays can make it harder to connect later symptoms to the crash—especially when an insurer tries to argue the injuries “must be unrelated.” The best time to preserve evidence is early.


