Getting injured while walking down the street is a situation no one plans for. But accidents involving pedestrians happen more often than people think, and they can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of how to respond. Whether you were hit at a marked crosswalk or sideswiped near a sidewalk, the steps you take immediately afterward can affect your recovery, both physically and legally.
In Washington, pedestrians have specific protections under state law. But even with those protections, taking the right actions after an injury can help keep you safe, support your case, and set up a clearer road to justice. It’s not always easy to think clearly in the moment, so having a mental checklist ahead of time makes a big difference. If you or someone you care about gets hurt while walking, here’s what to do.
Ensure Safety First
The first few minutes after a pedestrian accident can feel like a blur. You may be in shock, hurting, or trying to make sense of what just happened. In that chaos, your safety comes first.
If you’re able to move without causing more damage to your body, try to get out of the street and away from any traffic. Many intersections stay active even after a crash, so shifting to a sidewalk or curb gives you a better chance to avoid further harm. But if you’re badly hurt or unsure, it’s safer to stay where you are and wait for first responders.
Don’t try to shake it off and walk home. Even small injuries can get worse without treatment. Always call 911 or have someone nearby make the call. Make sure to tell the dispatcher you were hit as a pedestrian so they understand you might need an ambulance.
It can also help you stay calm to remember that help is on the way. Don’t argue with the driver or worry about the details yet. Instead, take a few deep breaths, listen to your body, and try to stay still until trained medical workers arrive.
Gather Evidence
Once you’re out of immediate danger and emergency medical help is on the scene or if your injuries are minor enough you should begin gathering details. This can be one of the most useful things you do after a crash, especially since you may forget the smaller moments as time passes.
Here’s a list of what to collect if you’re physically able:
– Take photos of the scene, including your injuries, location signs, crosswalk lines, damaged clothing, and any visible parts of the driver’s vehicle
– Note the license plate, make, model, and color of the car involved
– Ask for contact details from anyone nearby who saw what happened
– Jot down the time, date, and exact location of the collision
– Record what the driver said to you or others, if anything
– Look around for cameras on nearby buildings or traffic lights and mention them to police
You don’t have to do all this alone. If there’s someone with you or a passerby willing to help, ask them to snap pictures or take notes. Even one saved photo or a witness name can strengthen your case later. The goal here isn’t to turn into an investigator. It’s just to hold on to helpful info that might get lost after the scene clears.
Report the Accident
Once you’ve collected evidence, the next step is to report the accident. Inform the police and ensure they arrive at the scene. Their presence will help create an official record of the incident, which is important if you need to file a claim later. Share all the details and observations you’ve noted, and if there are any witnesses, encourage them to speak with the officers as well.
A police report serves as an objective account of what happened, and it can include helpful details like witness statements and driver information. Remember to ask for a copy of this report for your records. It can be a key piece of evidence if questions arise about what occurred. In Washington, official documentation can go a long way when proving your side during insurance claims or legal actions.
Seek Medical Attention
Health should always be a top priority, even if you think your injuries are small. After the incident, get a full medical check-up as quickly as possible. Some injuries don’t show up right away. Others might seem minor but get worse in the days that follow. A doctor can identify these early and help you get proper care.
Keep all records from your medical visits, including doctor notes, prescriptions, and images like X-rays. These are useful if you file a claim and help show the full impact of your injuries. Following through with treatment is part of taking care of yourself. That means attending follow-ups, physical therapy, or anything else your doctor recommends.
If you skip appointments or ignore medical advice, it could make things harder for your recovery and your case. Staying on top of your health shows that you’re taking the incident seriously and doing your best to heal properly.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Washington
After dealing with the immediate impact, it’s smart to talk to a pedestrian accident attorney in Washington. Trying to figure out insurance paperwork, medical bills, and legal deadlines is a lot to juggle when you’re already in pain. An attorney can help make sense of the process.
Attorneys make sure no one takes advantage of you, and they work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. That includes missed wages, hospital costs, and the pain you’ve been through. They understand Washington’s traffic and liability laws and how they apply specifically to pedestrian injury claims.
A pedestrian accident attorney handles the hard conversations for you. That means dealing with insurance companies, gathering more evidence if needed, and sticking to timelines so nothing important gets missed. They are on your side from start to finish and are focused on getting the fairest outcome possible.
Protect Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident
The days and weeks following an accident can feel overwhelming. You may be hurt, stressed, or unsure of what steps come next. But every step you take matters—from the moment you call 911 to the decision to speak with an attorney.
Taking the right actions gives you a better chance at recovery and fair support for what you’ve gone through. It opens the door to treatment, accountability, and a sense of control during a hard time. Leaning on legal professionals helps make the process more manageable and gives your case the attention it deserves.
No matter how small the crash may seem at first, don’t overlook the long-term effects. Your health, your peace of mind, and your future comfort are all tied to how you respond. Taking the right steps protects you in more ways than one.
If you were hurt while walking in Washington, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Speaking with a pedestrian accident attorney in Washington can help you better understand your rights and take steps toward fair compensation. The team at Odegard Law is here to guide you through every part of the process so you can focus on healing.