Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in San Mateo
Struck While Walking? Start With These Steps.
The moments after a car hits you are frightening and confusing. Here’s a clear order of what to do in San Mateo, from getting out of danger to getting a lawyer on your side, if you’re able to do it.
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A Plan Helps When Everything Feels Out of Control
A pedestrian accident happens in seconds. One moment you’re crossing the street; the next you’re on the ground, and the driver who wasn’t paying attention is standing over you. Because a person on foot has little or no protection, the pedestrian almost always ends up far more hurt than the driver.
What you do next protects two things: your health, and your right to hold the negligent driver accountable. Not everyone can do every step. If you were taken straight to the hospital, that’s the right call; we can gather much of the rest later.
If you can, work through the steps below in order. Then let an attorney take it from there.
What to Do, in Order
Check yourself and get out of danger.
Take stock of your body, then move out of traffic if you can do it safely. If you can’t move, stay put and wait for help.
Check on the people around you.
Others may be hurt too. Stay calm, and keep any conversation with the driver short and polite.
Call 911, even if you feel fine.
Adrenaline can mask internal bleeding, broken bones, and brain trauma. Paramedics can check you, and a police report will prove helpful later.
Get the driver's information.
Name, phone number, license plate, and insurance. Don’t argue about what happened; just collect the facts.
Photograph the scene and gather witnesses.
Capture where the car hit you, the crosswalk or roadway, speed limit signs, and anything else that shows what happened. Get names and numbers from anyone who saw it.
Go to a hospital or doctor the same day.
Ask that every cut, burn, bruise, and area of pain be recorded. Then write down your own account of the crash while it’s fresh.
Why These Steps Protect Your Compensation
Your medical record proves your injuries
A same-day doctor’s report is the foundation for recovering your medical bills, and it stops the insurer from claiming your injuries came from somewhere else.
Prompt treatment protects the claim's value
If you wait, the driver’s side may argue your injuries got worse because you didn’t get care, which can reduce what you recover.
Photos and witnesses prove fault
The at-fault driver’s liability insurance pays only when their negligence is shown. Scene evidence and witness accounts do that.
The police report supports every other source
Your own uninsured motorist coverage, if the driver fled or had too little insurance, and any other responsible party’s coverage all start from a clear record of what happened.
After the First Day: Where We Come In
One of the most important steps after a pedestrian accident is getting legal representation early. Once you call us, we take over the work that protects your claim so you can focus on getting better.
We collect the evidence you couldn’t: witness statements, camera footage, the police report, and photographs of the scene before it changes. We review your medical records to make sure your injuries are fully documented and connected to the crash. And we handle the insurers, who often start calling within days and ask questions meant to limit what they pay.
There are usually many reasons a pedestrian accident happens, and the driver’s insurer will look for ones that point at you. We look for the ones that point at the driver, and build the claim from there.
Legal Points to Know After a Pedestrian Accident
The driver must stop and help
California requires drivers involved in a crash to stop, exchange information, and render aid. Leaving the scene of an injury accident is chargeable as a felony (Vehicle Code 20001).
Delay can be used against you
If you put off treatment, the defense may argue your injuries worsened because of your own inaction, and ask that your damages be reduced.
Partial fault doesn't end your claim
Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, your recovery is reduced by any share of fault, not eliminated.
Two years for a lawsuit, six months for a government claim
Most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years, and claims against a government entity within six months. Uninsured motorist claims carry their own shorter notice requirements.
What Our Clients Say
From start to finish Jimin has been on my case and very informative about where they are in the process of things... every time it seems like I thought about…
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I really needed a attorney when I got involved in a very strange car accident. Many other law office refused because 2 big insurance companies were against to me so…
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After a San Mateo Pedestrian Accident: FAQs
What's the very first thing I should do after being hit?
Check yourself for injuries and get out of the path of traffic if you can safely move. Then call 911.
Should I call the police if the driver wants to handle it privately?
Yes. A police report is an important record of what happened, and a private deal rarely covers injuries that show up later.
I felt okay at the scene. Do I really need a doctor?
Yes. Adrenaline can hide serious injuries like internal bleeding or brain trauma. A same-day exam protects your health and documents the link between the crash and your injuries.
What photos should I take?
The spot where you were hit, the car and its damage, the crosswalk or roadway, traffic and speed limit signs, and your injuries. If you can’t take them, ask someone nearby to help.
Why should I write down what happened?
Memories fade quickly, especially after a traumatic event. A written account made soon after the crash helps you and your lawyer later, in settlement talks or in court.
What if I couldn't do any of these steps?
That’s common, and it doesn’t ruin your claim. Many people go straight to the hospital. We can often find witnesses, footage, and records afterward, so call as soon as you can.
When should I call a lawyer?
As soon as you’ve gotten medical care. An attorney can gather evidence before it disappears and deal with the insurers for you.
Get Your Free, Confidential Case Review, 24/7
Once you’ve seen a doctor, the next step is a call to us. We’ll handle the evidence and the insurers from here. We respond fast, 24/7, in English, Spanish, or Korean. Your consultation is free and confidential. No fee unless we win.
Call (408) 256-2871Free Case Review
Solution Now Law Firm
1253 Park Ave
San Jose, CA 95126
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