To every client.

Getting hit by a vehicle is disorienting, painful, and frightening all at once. In those first moments, most people are just trying to make sense of what happened. That's completely understandable. But the decisions made right after a pedestrian accident can have a lasting impact on any injury claim that follows.

Our friends at Polchinski & Smith Personal Injury Lawyers discuss how often injured pedestrians unknowingly take steps that end up hurting their case. Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer early on can make a significant difference in how your claim unfolds. Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do.

Leaving the Scene Without Documenting Everything

One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving the scene too quickly. If you're physically able, take photos of the vehicle that hit you, the surrounding area, traffic signals, crosswalks, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Get the driver's insurance and contact information. If witnesses stopped, ask for their names and numbers.

Once you leave, that evidence is gone. Other drivers move on. Witnesses scatter. The scene changes. Documentation gathered in the immediate aftermath is often the most valuable.

Refusing or Delaying Medical Attention

Some people feel okay at first and decide to skip the ER. Adrenaline is real, and it can mask pain from serious injuries like internal bleeding, head trauma, or spinal damage. Hours or even days later, those injuries can surface in full force.

From a legal standpoint, a gap in medical treatment gives insurance companies room to argue that your injuries weren't serious or weren't caused by the accident. Seeing a doctor right away creates a clear, documented link between the accident and your condition.

Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters often reach out quickly after an accident. They may seem friendly and sympathetic. They may tell you the recorded statement is routine. It isn't. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you.

You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. Politely decline until you've spoken with an attorney.

Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Early settlement offers from insurance companies are rarely fair. They're designed to close the claim quickly and cheaply, before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or your long-term medical needs.

Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, that's typically the end of it. You can't go back for more money if your recovery takes longer than expected or if complications arise. Take your time, and don't let anyone pressure you into signing anything.

Making Public Statements About the Accident

Posting about the accident on social media seems harmless, but it can seriously damage your case. Even a casual photo or a comment like "I'm doing okay" can be taken out of context and used against you.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid posting photos, videos, or updates related to the accident
• Don't discuss fault, injuries, or the driver publicly
• Keep your social accounts private during the claims process
• Ask family and friends not to post about the accident either

Insurance companies and defense attorneys do look at social media. What you share can and does come up.

Assuming Fault Is Already Decided

Pedestrians don't automatically win claims just because they were on foot. Fault is determined based on the facts, witness accounts, traffic laws, and sometimes expert reconstruction of the accident. In some states, if a pedestrian is found partially at fault, their compensation can be reduced or barred depending on local laws.

Don't assume your case is open and shut, and don't assume it's hopeless either. The specifics of what happened matter enormously.

Waiting Too Long to Take Action

Every state has a statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Waiting too long to act can mean losing your right to pursue compensation entirely, regardless of how serious your injuries are.

If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, connecting with an attorney sooner rather than later gives you the best chance of protecting your rights and understanding your options. Reach out to a qualified attorney to discuss what happened and what steps make sense for your situation.