Right after a collision, your priorities are medical care and safety. But within the first couple days, a few actions can make a major difference:
- Get checked even if you feel “mostly okay.” Some injuries—like concussions, soft-tissue damage, and back or neck injuries—can show up later.
- Record the scene while it’s still fresh. If you can do so safely, take photos of the crosswalk/curb area, traffic signals, lighting conditions, and anything unusual (debris, damaged signage, or lane markings).
- Write down your timeline. Note how you entered the intersection/roadway, when you first saw the vehicle, and what the driver did right before impact.
- Preserve witness contact info. In Abilene, it’s common for nearby shoppers, commuters, or people waiting at nearby stops to have relevant observations.
- Be careful with insurance communications. In many pedestrian cases, an early statement can be used to narrow liability or challenge the seriousness of injuries.
These steps aren’t about “being perfect”—they’re about protecting the facts while memories and evidence are still available.


