Jones Injury Attorneys | January 22, 2026 | Personal Injury
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries because people on foot have little protection against moving vehicles. In the aftermath of a crash, confusion and shock can make it difficult to think clearly. However, the actions a pedestrian takes immediately after an accident can affect both physical recovery and any future insurance or legal claims.
Understanding the right steps to take helps protect your health and preserve important evidence.
Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention
After a pedestrian accident, personal safety should be the first concern. If you are able to move, get to a safe area away from traffic. Avoid standing in the roadway, as secondary accidents can occur. If you are seriously injured or unable to move, remain where you are and wait for emergency responders.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not feel hurt right away. Adrenaline can mask symptoms of serious injuries, including concussions or internal trauma. Seeing a doctor promptly helps identify injuries early and creates a clear medical record tied to the accident.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
In New Mexico, drivers are required to remain at the scene of accidents that result in injury or death and promptly report the crash to law enforcement. Police should be called to the scene of any pedestrian accident involving injuries. When law enforcement arrives, they will document the scene, gather statements, and create an official accident report.
When speaking with police, describe what happened as accurately as possible, but avoid speculating or admitting fault. Determining responsibility in pedestrian accidents can be complex, and fault is not always immediately clear. The police report typically includes the driver’s insurance information, witness details, and the officer’s initial observations.
Document the Scene and Collect Evidence
If you are physically able, gathering evidence at the scene can make a significant difference. Use your phone to take photos or videos of the vehicle involved, the surrounding area, traffic signals, crosswalks, skid marks, and road conditions. Visual evidence can help establish how the accident occurred and preserve details that may change once the scene is cleared.
Collect the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Witnesses can provide independent accounts of the accident, which may help resolve disputes about what happened. Evidence gathered at the scene often becomes critical if the driver later changes their version of events.
Be Careful About What You Say
After an accident, emotions run high, and it is natural to want to apologize or explain yourself. However, statements made at the scene can be misunderstood or used against you later. Avoid admitting fault or making guesses about how the accident occurred.
When speaking with police or insurance representatives, stick to the facts. It is okay to say you are unsure about certain details. You are not required to provide recorded statements to insurance companies immediately, especially while you are still recovering and gathering information.
Keep Records During Your Recovery
Once you leave the scene, continue documenting your recovery. Keep copies of medical bills, treatment records, prescriptions, and any recommendations from healthcare providers. Track time missed from work and note how your injuries affect daily activities. This information helps demonstrate the full impact of the accident on your life.
Pedestrian accidents often result in long-term or ongoing medical needs. Maintaining organized records can prevent delays and disputes during the claims process.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Jones Injury Attorneys
A pedestrian accident can change your life in an instant, but taking the right steps afterward can make a meaningful difference. Prioritizing your safety, seeking medical care, documenting the scene, and keeping thorough records all help protect your well-being and clarify what happened.
If you need help after an accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contact Jones Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers.
We proudly take cases in all of New Mexico.
Jones Injury Attorneys – Arroyo del Oso Office
8205 Spain Rd NE #111-B, Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 578-2620
Available: 24/7
Jones Injury Attorneys – Downtown
1011 Lomas Blvd NW #106, Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 375-2700
Available: 24/7