What you do immediately after a pedestrian crash can make or break your documentation.
Right away (if you’re able):
- Get medical care even if symptoms seem minor. Some injuries show up later.
- Report the crash so there’s an official record. This matters if the driver disappears or insurance later downplays what happened.
- Capture scene details: traffic signals, crosswalk markings, street lighting, vehicle position, and anything that could show visibility (rain, glare, darkness).
- Write down witness info while it’s fresh—especially people who may have been near transit stops or businesses.
If the driver left the scene:
- Treat it like an urgent evidence problem. In Washington, timing and documentation are crucial when trying to identify the responsible party.
- Don’t wait to tell your lawyer—hit-and-run cases often depend on what can be traced quickly (videos, license plate fragments, dashcam footage, and witness statements).


