After you’re hit, your priority is medical care. But the choices you make in the first day can strongly affect what you can recover later.
Do this right away:
- Get checked by a medical provider even if you think you’re “fine.” Some injuries show up later.
- Report the incident and make sure the crash is documented (including crosswalk/signage conditions, lighting, and weather).
- Save everything: photos of the scene, your clothing/injuries (if safe), vehicle damage, and any video you can still access.
- Write down details while they’re clear: time of day, what lane you were near, what signal (if any) you were using, and any witness names.
Avoid these common missteps:
- Saying “I’m okay” to anyone involved before you’ve been evaluated.
- Posting details online that don’t match your medical timeline.
- Giving a recorded statement to an insurer before you understand what they’re trying to establish.
If you’re dealing with the stress of insurance calls and missed work, that’s normal—just don’t let pressure replace documentation.


