First steps after a pedestrian collision
After a Crosswalk Pedestrian Crash
30-second answer
Get medical care. Save the exact crossing, signal display, vehicle path, witness details, and likely camera locations. Keep original photos, clothing, devices, report numbers, and insurance messages. Do not enter traffic to recreate the scene.
Reviewed by Arta Wildeboer, California attorney (Bar #286995) · Updated
Do this now
- 1Get appropriate medical care and save discharge instructions, treatment records, bills, and work or activity restrictions.
- 2Write down the exact intersection, corner, crossing direction, vehicle direction, point of impact, date, time, and report numbers.
- 3Record what the pedestrian and traffic signals displayed, including any countdown, without asking witnesses to agree on one version.
- 4Identify nearby business, home, transit, parking, dashcam, and traffic-camera locations and the person or agency likely to control each one.
- 5Save original photos, video, location data, clothing, shoes, damaged items, driver and vehicle information, witness contacts, and every insurer message.
Avoid this
- Do not enter traffic, trespass, block a crossing, or stand in a vehicle lane to recreate a sightline.
- Do not assume a visible camera recorded or retained the collision, and do not tell witnesses what they should remember.
- Do not sign a release, broad authorization, or settlement check until you understand whose rights and claims it affects.
Save these
- Exact intersection, corner, crossing path, point of impact, date, and time
- Pedestrian signal, countdown, traffic light, turn arrow, and witness recollections
- Wide and close scene photos, sightlines, lighting, weather, and obstructions
- Nearby camera locations, likely custodians, and relevant time windows
- Original photos, video, messages, location, fitness, transit, and device data
- Shoes, clothing, mobility devices, bags, and other damaged physical items
- Driver, vehicle, plate, owner, insurer, and employer or app information
- Medical records, bills, restrictions, report numbers, insurance messages, and proof of delivery
Common questions
Does being in a crosswalk automatically decide fault?
No. Crosswalk type, signal instructions, timing, visibility, driver conduct, pedestrian care, causation, and other evidence may matter. California law preserves duties for both drivers and pedestrians.
Should I go back and photograph the driver's view?
Not if doing so would be unsafe. Do not enter traffic or block a crossing. Record the location and possible obstructions so a lawful investigator can consider safer documentation.
Can I ask a business to save its camera footage?
You may identify the business and make a focused preservation request. Do not assume video exists or that a request forces disclosure. Retention and legal access depend on the system and process.
What if the driver says I stepped out suddenly?
Save the statement without arguing. Preserve signals, timing, sightlines, witnesses, cameras, vehicle path, and original device records. An early accusation is not the final fault decision.
Is a police report the same as a DMV SR-1 or insurance claim?
No. They are separate records or procedures. Completing one does not necessarily complete another. Check the current requirements that apply to the collision.
Want more detail?
Read the full explanation
Hit by a Car in a Crosswalk? What California Pedestrians Should SaveOfficial resources
- California Vehicle Code section 275: Crosswalk definition (opens in a new window)
- California Vehicle Code section 21456: Pedestrian-control signals (opens in a new window)
- California Vehicle Code section 21950: Duties in crosswalks (opens in a new window)
- Judicial Council of California: 2026 Civil Jury Instructions (opens in a new window)
- California DMV: Accident reporting (SR-1) (opens in a new window)
- California Highway Patrol: Collision guidance and report requests (opens in a new window)
Questions about your situation?
Talk with Arta Wildeboer
A short guide cannot account for every fact. A free consultation can help you understand the next step without pressure.