Pedestrian hit by a truck while crossing the street — completely lost on what happens next

I was hit as a pedestrian two years ago — different circumstances but similar chaos afterward. The most important thing I did early on was write down everything I could remember while it was still fresh, even tiny details. Dates, what the intersection looked like, what the officer said at the scene. You'll thank yourself later. And yes, get a lawyer — most do free consultations and work on contingency so you don't pay anything upfront.

Please don't skip the physical therapy even if you're feeling a little better. Cracked ribs and a shattered collarbone can leave you with long-term mobility issues if you don't do the rehab properly. Also keep records of every single appointment, every prescription, every time you had to call out of work. All of that becomes important documentation down the road, not just for your health but for any claim you file.

Whatever you do, do NOT talk to the other driver's insurance company without representation. I know they might sound friendly and like they just want to 'get things resolved quickly' — that's the whole play. They want a recorded statement from you while you're still medicated and confused so they can use it to minimize your payout later. Don't give them anything.

Worked in claims for years. When an adjuster calls you this early after a serious pedestrian accident, they are not calling to help you. They're calling to lock in a low number before you understand the full scope of your injuries. With a collarbone fracture and a concussion, you may not even know the full picture yet medically. Soft tissue and neurological stuff can take months to fully show up. Seriously, talk to an attorney before you talk to anyone from that insurance company.

A few practical things: First, call that detective back — you want to get a copy of the police report as soon as it's available. It documents the other driver's fault and is a key piece of evidence. Second, if there were any traffic cameras or business cameras near that intersection, those recordings get overwritten fast — sometimes within 30 days. An attorney can send a preservation letter to make sure that footage isn't lost. Third, most personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning no fees unless they win, so cost shouldn't be a barrier to at least getting a consultation.

Not legal advice, but as a general matter — pedestrian cases where the victim had the right of way tend to be strong liability cases. The combination of lost wages, medical bills, and future treatment costs can add up significantly, and insurance companies know that. That's precisely why they want to reach you before you have representation. A free consult with a PI attorney costs you nothing and at minimum gives you a clearer picture of your options.

I just want to say — please take care of yourself first. You went through something genuinely traumatic and you're dealing with all this legal and financial stress on top of recovering from serious injuries. Is there anyone who can help you make some of these calls? Even just having someone sit with you while you sort through it can make it less overwhelming.

Three things, in order: 1) Call the detective back and get that police report number. 2) Stop talking to any insurance company until you've at least done one free attorney consult. 3) Start a folder — paper or digital — with every single medical document, bill, and communication. Do those three things this week and you'll be in way better shape than most people are at this stage.

I know it doesn't feel like it right now, but the fact that you had the walk signal works strongly in your favor. You weren't jaywalking, you weren't distracted — you were doing everything right. That clarity of fault is actually a meaningful thing when it comes to how these cases get handled. You're not powerless here even though it probably feels that way.