I Got Hit by a Car While Walking, What Should I Do Next?

Key Takeaways

• Drivers must remain at the scene and report accidents involving injuries.
• Medical evaluation should occur promptly, even when injuries appear minor.
• Evidence collection, including photos and witness details, strengthens a claim.
• No-fault insurance may cover initial medical expenses regardless of fault.
• Early settlement offers often fail to reflect long-term financial losses.

After a pedestrian accident, confusion often sets in within seconds, and knowing where to start is not always obvious. If you got hit by a car while walking, the moments that follow can feel disorienting, whether you are dealing with pain, shock, or uncertainty about what comes next. How you respond in the hours and days after the collision can have a real impact on your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation.

At O’Brien & Ford, our Buffalo Pedestrian Accidents Lawyers, guide injured pedestrians across Buffalo through each step after a collision, focusing on safety, proper documentation, and your rights under New York law.

Immediate Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Car While Walking

Knowing what to do in the moments after a pedestrian accident can shape the outcome of any insurance claim or legal case. Most people never expect to be in this situation, and the steps that matter most are rarely obvious when shock and pain are pulling your attention in every direction. Here is what to prioritize from the time of the collision forward:

Move to a Safe Location

Traffic conditions after a pedestrian accident can remain dangerous, so if movement is possible, carefully get out of the roadway and reach a sidewalk or curb. Staying in an active traffic lane, even briefly, increases the risk of a secondary collision, particularly on busy Buffalo streets.

Related reading: Everything You Need to Know About Car Rollover Accidents

Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible

Once you reach safety, focus on your health. Adrenaline commonly masks serious injuries like internal bleeding or head trauma, and symptoms that seem minor at the scene can worsen significantly within hours. Seeking medical attention promptly not only protects your wellbeing but also establishes a record that becomes important if you later pursue a claim.

Call the Police and File a Report

Contact law enforcement as soon as immediate safety and medical needs are addressed. Under New York law, reporting a crash is mandatory when injuries occur. As outlined by the New York City Police Department, officers document the scene, identify those involved, and prepare an official report that may play a critical role in determining fault.

Avoid Discussing Fault

While waiting for police or medical assistance, avoid apologizing or making any statements about responsibility, even to bystanders. A casual remark made at the scene can surface later in insurance disputes and weaken your position in ways that are often difficult to anticipate or reverse.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are able, photograph the vehicle, road conditions, crosswalk markings, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. These details help establish how the accident occurred, support your account of events, and preserve critical facts before conditions at the scene change.

Collect Driver and Witness Information

Along with photographs, make sure to obtain the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle description. Witness statements can strengthen your claim considerably, particularly when fault is disputed, and independent accounts often carry significant weight during an investigation.

Keep Records of Your Injuries

Medical documentation forms the foundation of a pedestrian accident claim. According to the New York State Department of Health, all health care practitioners and facilities must allow patients access to their health records, so request copies of every diagnosis, treatment note, and imaging result from the start. Thorough records help connect your injuries directly to the accident and support your compensation efforts.

Report the Incident to Your Insurance Company

With initial documentation in place, notify your insurance provider so a claim can be opened and benefits can begin processing. In New York, no-fault coverage can apply even to pedestrians, helping cover medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. Legal guidance can help clarify what to share before going further.

Document Medical Expenses and Lost Wages

As treatment continues, keep copies of every medical bill, receipt, and any employer documentation related to missed work. Rehabilitation, medication, and ongoing appointments add up quickly, and accurate financial records help demonstrate the full scope of what the accident has cost you.

Speak with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

A lawyer can evaluate your evidence, clarify liability and insurance coverage, handle all communications with insurers on your behalf, and protect your interests at every stage of the process, giving you the space and peace of mind to focus on your recovery without added stress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After Being Hit by a Car While Walking

Even after taking the right steps at the scene, certain missteps in the days and weeks that follow can quietly undermine your case. If you were hit by a car while walking, avoiding these common mistakes can protect both your recovery and your claim:

• Skipping Medical Treatment: Some injuries develop gradually after a pedestrian accident. Delaying care can worsen your condition and create gaps in the documentation needed to support your claim.
• Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies: Adjusters may request recorded statements early in the process, often to limit liability. Speaking without legal guidance first can create unnecessary risks.
• Posting About the Accident on Social Media: Photos, comments, or location tags can be misinterpreted and used against you during negotiations or litigation.
• Downplaying or Denying Your Injuries: Minimizing symptoms leads to gaps in medical records. Consistently reporting pain and limitations helps establish the true extent of your injuries.
• Accepting a Low Settlement Too Soon: Early offers rarely account for long-term costs. Treatment and lost income often extend beyond estimates; accepting too quickly can leave significant compensation unclaimed.

When in doubt, consulting with a pedestrian accident lawyer before making any decisions can help you avoid these pitfalls and give your case the strongest possible foundation from the start.

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer After Being Hit by a Car

After searching “i got hit by a car while walking,” many Buffalo residents quickly realize how a pedestrian accident can disrupt daily life, from medical treatment to financial stability. At O’Brien & Ford, we provide focused legal support designed to protect injured pedestrians and build strong claims under New York law. Our team works to handle insurance communications, gather and preserve evidence, assess liability, and pursue compensation that reflects the true cost of your injuries.

Call 716-222-2222 today to schedule a free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer who can review your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your options moving forward.

Chris O’Brien

Chris O’Brien is a nationally recognized personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience fighting for accident victims in Western New York. A founding partner at O’Brien & Ford, he has helped recover millions for clients and built a reputation as a top trial lawyer and educator. Chris is a Diplomate of the National College of Advocacy, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and was named one of Western New York’s Top Ten Lawyers by Buffalo Business First. He lives in Amherst with his family and their Bernedoodle, Moose.

Years of experience: 33 years
Practice areas: Personal Injury Law, Car Accidents
Location: Buffalo, New York