Pedestrian Hit by a Car: First Steps and Who to Call

Being hit by a car as a pedestrian can cause serious injuries, and the first hours after the crash often shape both your recovery and any later claim. This guide explains the steps to take, in order, and why medical care comes first. It is general information. It does not replace advice from a doctor, the police, or a licensed attorney in your state.

Get medical care first

Your health comes before everything else. Pedestrians can have injuries that are not obvious right away, including head injuries, internal bleeding, and fractures. If you have severe pain, confusion, trouble breathing, or any loss of consciousness, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor the same day if you can. Some symptoms appear hours or days later, and an early record of your condition is useful if you later need to explain what happened.

Do not try to move a seriously injured person unless the scene is unsafe. If you are the one hurt, ask someone nearby to stay with you until help arrives.

Call the police and get a report

Ask for police to respond, even if the driver offers to settle things privately. Ask for the report number and the name of the officer. A police report is one of the first records an insurer will ask for, and it helps keep the facts organized. If you cannot make the call yourself, ask a witness to do it.

Traffic tickets and crash reports can be handled by different offices. The USAGov courts page explains that county and municipal courts may handle traffic infractions and other violations of local law, while state courts handle other matters. Knowing which court is involved helps you understand where a ticket would be resolved, but a ticket does not decide the injury claim.

Document the scene

If you are able, gather the information that is easiest to lose:

1. Photos of the location, the vehicle, the traffic signals or crosswalk markings, and the weather and lighting.
2. The driver's name, phone number, insurance information, and license plate. If the driver refuses to share, write down the plate and a description of the car.
3. Names and contact details for witnesses, including people who saw the car before the crash.
4. The exact location, such as the nearest intersection, crosswalk, or address.
5. A written note of what you remember, made as soon as you can, while the details are still clear.

Keep your own words factual. Do not guess at speed or blame, and do not sign a statement you have not read.

Keep track of your treatment

Keep every medical record, bill, prescription receipt, and appointment note. Write down missed work, time off from your usual activities, and any help you need at home. These records show how the injury affected your daily life, and they can be important later when a lawyer or insurer reviews your claim.

If you are not able to work for a while, keep pay records or a letter from your employer. Gaps in treatment are sometimes used to argue that injuries were not serious, so try to follow the plan your doctor gives you and tell them about every new symptom.

Your insurance

Find out what coverage applies. The driver's liability insurance may cover your injuries if the driver is at fault. Your own health insurance may cover emergency care and follow-up treatment. If you have auto insurance, check your policy for medical payments coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, or personal injury protection in your state. A lawyer can explain how these sources fit together.

Be careful with early calls from insurers. Keep those conversations brief. You do not have to accept a quick offer, and you should not sign a release before you know your full medical situation.

When to call a lawyer

Many people call a lawyer once they understand that the injuries are serious, the driver has no insurance, the insurer is disputing fault, or the medical bills are growing. Some people call one soon after the crash just to learn their options. Either approach can make sense.

When you call, ask about the lawyer's experience with pedestrian crashes and their work in the local courts. Ask how they handle evidence such as dash camera footage and nearby surveillance video, which may be overwritten. Ask how they are paid and get the fee terms in writing. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, but terms vary, so read the agreement carefully. Confirm the lawyer's license with the state bar.

For an overview of how these claims are handled, see personal injury claims and car accident claims. If cost is a concern, the USAGov legal aid page lists programs that offer free legal advice and help people with low incomes find an attorney.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a police report to make a claim?

A report is helpful and often requested, but it is not the only evidence. Witness information, photos, and medical records also matter. If no officer came to the scene, tell the lawyer or insurer about that as soon as possible.

What if the driver fled the scene?

Report it to the police immediately and write down everything you remember about the vehicle. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply in some situations, so check your policy and speak with a lawyer.

Can I still claim if I was partly at fault?

In some states, your recovery may be reduced by your share of fault. In others, the rules are different. Ask a lawyer how your state treats shared fault.

How soon should I see a lawyer?

Earlier is usually better, because evidence can disappear and some deadlines are short. Ask a lawyer about your deadline as soon as you can.

Related: car accident claims, personal injury overview, and guides on legal topics.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.