What Steps Should Pedestrians Take After an Accident to Protect Their Rights?
Every year, thousands of pedestrians are injured in accidents that can turn their lives upside down. The moments after such an incident are often filled with pain, confusion, and fear—especially when you’re unsure what to do next. It’s overwhelming to deal with medical treatment, insurance calls, and legal questions when you’re just trying to recover.
At G. Aldrich Law, we understand how traumatic these situations can be, and we’re here to support you through the legal process. With offices in Woodland Hills and Lakeport, G. Aldrich Law proudly helps injured pedestrians across Northern and Southern California.
If you've been hit by a car or injured in any kind of pedestrian accident, taking the right steps immediately afterward can make a huge difference in protecting your legal rights and getting the compensation you deserve.
Reach out to us today if you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health comes first. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional. Symptoms from accidents can appear hours or even days later, and having medical records from the start helps support your case.
Visit a doctor promptly: Seek emergency care if necessary or schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Document injuries: Make sure all injuries are recorded in detail, including cuts, bruises, or pain that may develop later.
Follow medical advice: Keep track of treatments, prescriptions, and follow-up visits for your records.
Prompt medical care protects your health and strengthens the foundation of any personal injury claim.
Report the Accident
Reporting the accident establishes an official record, which is crucial for any legal or insurance process. Even if the driver admits fault, official documentation protects your rights.
Filing a police report promptly also helps preserve evidence that might otherwise be lost. Witness statements, photos, and officer notes can be critical in proving liability and supporting your claim.
Call the police: Request a report at the scene to record the incident formally.
Provide clear information: Give accurate details about the location, time, and circumstances.
Request a copy of the report: Keep this for your personal injury records and any legal discussions.
Filing an official report assures that your side of the story is documented, which can be critical for supporting your case.
Gather Evidence
Collecting evidence right after the accident provides a detailed account of what happened. Evidence strengthens your position and can help clarify details later if disputes arise.
Photographs and videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries can serve as powerful documentation. Gathering this information promptly assures an accurate representation of the accident for your case.
Take photographs: Capture injuries, vehicle damage, traffic signs, crosswalks, and the surrounding area.
Collect witness information: Names, phone numbers, and statements can support your account.
Preserve clothing or belongings: Items damaged during the accident may be relevant evidence.
By gathering evidence, you create a record that supports your personal injury claim and protects your rights in potential legal proceedings.
Witness statements can provide valuable perspectives on how the accident occurred. Collecting contact information and written accounts from anyone present helps corroborate your version of events.
Communicate Carefully With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may reach out after an accident. Being cautious with your communication prevents misunderstandings or unintentional admissions.
Instead of handling these conversations alone, direct insurers to your attorney. This assures all communication is accurate, protects your claim, and reduces stress during an already difficult time.
Provide only factual details: Stick to what happened without speculating or assigning blame.
Avoid discussing settlement amounts: Don’t agree to payouts before consulting a lawyer.
Keep records of all interactions: Save emails, letters, and call notes for your personal files.
Clear and careful communication helps prevent issues that could compromise your personal injury claim.
Keeping a detailed timeline of events after the accident further supports your case. Recording dates, conversations, and medical appointments provides clarity and strengthens your claim.
Document Your Recovery and Expenses
Keeping detailed records of your recovery and related expenses is essential for a personal injury case. This documentation demonstrates the impact the accident had on your life.
Photographs, medical records, therapy notes, and receipts can all serve as powerful evidence. Organized documentation strengthens your case and supports fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Track medical bills: Include treatment, medication, therapy, and related costs.
Record lost wages: Note any time off work due to injuries.
Maintain a recovery journal: Document pain, emotional stress, and limitations on daily activities.
Proper documentation supports compensation claims and highlights the full extent of the accident’s effect on your life.
Photographs of injuries, property damage, and the accident scene offer concrete evidence. Visual records can corroborate your account and make your personal injury claim stronger.
Avoid Sharing Details Publicly
Social media posts or conversations about the accident can be used against you in legal proceedings. Protect your rights by keeping information private.
Limiting what you share online helps prevent insurance companies or opposing parties from misinterpreting your words or photos. Staying cautious assures your case remains strong.
Limit online posts: Avoid posting about injuries, insurance claims, or the incident.
Photos of daily activities or travel can be used to argue that you're not as injured as you claim. Adjusters and opposing attorneys may monitor your accounts to find anything that weakens your case.
Talk to lawyers before discussing: Only share details with professionals who handle your case. Your attorney can advise you on what to say and what to avoid, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters. Speaking without legal guidance could unintentionally hurt your claim.
Inform family and friends carefully: Ask them not to share information publicly. Remind them that even supportive posts or updates can be misinterpreted or used against you. Keeping accident-related conversations private helps maintain the strength of your case.
Maintaining privacy prevents misinterpretations that could affect your personal injury claim.
Limit discussions about the accident to your lawyer and necessary medical personnel. Sharing details with others can unintentionally create statements that may be used against you.
Avoid posting images or comments on social media related to the accident. Even casual posts can be misinterpreted and weaken your position during legal or insurance proceedings.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions Carefully
One of the most overlooked steps after a pedestrian accident is following through with treatment plans. If you skip appointments or don’t follow your doctor's recommendations, insurance adjusters and defense attorneys may argue that you weren’t really hurt—or that you made your injuries worse.
Compliance with medical care is so important because:
It shows you’re committed to getting better.
It prevents complications and setbacks.
It protects the credibility of your injury claim.
It helps establish long-term damages, if needed.
Always communicate openly with your medical providers, and let your attorney know about any challenges accessing care. If cost is an issue, your attorney may be able to help you explore options.
Contact a Dedicated Personal Injury Law Firm
After a pedestrian accident, you're not just dealing with physical injuries—you're also dealing with lost income, stress, and sometimes long-term disability. It’s a lot to handle alone. That’s where having the right legal support makes a difference.
At G. Aldrich Law, we’ve helped many injured pedestrians in Woodland Hills, Lakeport, and across Los Angeles County, Lake County, Colusa County, Riverside County, and other Northern and Southern California communities. We’re here to help you protect your rights, understand your options, and fight for compensation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.