If you are able, call 9-1-1, report the crash and get medical care. Preserve the information you can by taking pictures or video. Understand your options before signing any insurance paperwork or accepting a settlement. You do not have to figure everything out at the scene—and you should never put gathering evidence ahead of your safety.
Being hit by a car can leave you hurt, frightened, and unsure what comes next. You may be wondering how you will get treatment, what to say to the insurance company, or how to manage time away from work.
You do not need every answer immediately. Start with your health, then take the next steps one at a time. The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy can help you understand your legal options after a pedestrian accident and guide you through the next steps.
Get to Safety and Call for Help
Call 911 to report the crash and request emergency medical assistance. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions. If someone is seriously injured, avoid moving them unless there is immediate danger.
If you have already left the scene, focus on getting medical attention and obtaining any available crash report information. Not having photographs or witness names does not mean you should give up on finding out what happened. Often times business or shopping centers have cameras that may have captured the accident.
Get Checked, Even if You Can Walk
Being able to stand up or walk away does not tell you the full extent of an injury. Seek prompt medical evaluation and explain that a vehicle struck you. Tell the provider about your symptoms, and report new or worsening symptoms promptly.
Follow your treating provider’s recommendations. If transportation, cost, or scheduling makes it difficult to attend appointments, let the provider know rather than quietly going without care.
Your treatment should be guided by your medical needs—not by pressure to resolve an insurance claim.
Save What You Can Without Putting Yourself at Risk
If you are able to do so safely, collect:
- The driver’s name, contact information, vehicle details, and insurance information.
- Witness names and contact information.
- Photographs of the scene, traffic signals, vehicle damage, and visible injuries.
- The responding agency’s name and any crash report number provided.
Afterward, keep medical bills, receipts, insurance correspondence, and records of missed work together. Write down what you remember about the crash while it is fresh. Stick to what you actually recall rather than guessing about details.
If your injuries kept you from collecting evidence, that is understandable. An attorney can help assess what information may still be available, including witness accounts or nearby camera footage. Recordings may be overwritten, so identifying potential sources early can be useful.
Be Thoughtful About Insurance Conversations
An insurance call may come while you are still in pain or waiting for answers about your injuries. You have no legal requirement to speak with them just after the crash. You should meet with a personal injury attorney before giving any answers or statements to any insurance company.
Before providing a recorded statement or signing a release, consider getting legal guidance about the request and any applicable obligations. Before accepting a settlement, make sure you understand what you are agreeing to and whether important questions about your treatment and recovery remain unanswered.
Keep Track of How the Crash Affects Your Life
The aftermath is not limited to medical appointments. You may need help getting dressed, caring for children, traveling to work, or completing tasks you previously handled on your own.
Keep brief, factual notes about:
- Symptoms and their effect on daily activities.
- Appointments and treatment-related expenses.
- Work missed or changes to your job duties.
- Help you need at home or with transportation.
The goal is not to exaggerate your experience. It is to avoid losing track of real difficulties while you are focused on getting through each day.
Get Advice About Your Specific Situation
You may have questions about who will pay your bills, whether you have a claim, or what happens if the driver blames you. Those questions require a review of the facts, applicable law, and available insurance coverage—not a one-size-fits-all answer.
A personal injury attorney can review the circumstances, identify evidence that should be preserved, and explain the next steps and applicable deadlines. Look for someone who listens to your concerns, explains decisions clearly, and keeps you informed.
The Bottom Line: Your Recovery Comes First
After a pedestrian crash, you should not have to choose between getting care and trying to understand an unfamiliar claims process.
Get medical attention. Preserve the information you have. Ask questions before making lasting decisions. If you are unsure what to do next, speak with a personal injury attorney about your circumstances so you can make informed choices while focusing on your recovery.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy to discuss your situation and understand your legal options. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
This post provides general information, not legal or medical advice. Every crash is different, and the applicable rules depend on the facts and jurisdiction.
