Reconstruct the walking route while details are fresh
A pedestrian may leave the scene for treatment without collecting driver information or photographs. When safe and practical, write down the route in the pedestrian's own words and identify another person who can gather basic scene details without interfering with responders.
- Starting curb, destination curb and intended direction
- Crosswalk location or nearest intersection
- Signal indication remembered by the pedestrian or witnesses
- Vehicle description, plate and driver information actually obtained
- Names and contact details for independent witnesses
Document visibility and personal items
Use wide views to show the relationship between the curb, crossing, lanes and vehicle. Then preserve details that may change, including lighting, parked vehicles and carried items.
- Pedestrian signal, traffic signal, signs and crosswalk markings
- Street lighting, shadows, parked vehicles and sight obstructions
- Vehicle position and visible damage when safely observable
- Shoes, clothing, bag, phone and other damaged property
- Storefront, transit or residential camera locations facing the area
Build the San Jose agency file around the location
Save the officer's agency and incident information. A precise street, cross street, corner and walking direction can help distinguish this event from other calls when you follow the agency's official report process.
The DMV SR-1 process is separate from obtaining an SJPD or CHP collision report; review the official criteria rather than assuming someone else completed it.
- Exact corner, side of street and travel direction
- Responding-agency name and incident reference
- Date, approximate time and vehicle description
- Report request confirmation and separate DMV record
Organize treatment, transportation and property records
A pedestrian file may have extensive medical and transportation records but no vehicle-repair folder. Keep each category distinct so bills, explanations of benefits and damaged-property records are not mixed together.
- Care instructions, visit summaries and appointment log
- Medical bills and insurance explanations of benefits
- Mileage, rides or other transportation to care
- Damaged clothing and personal-property replacement records
- Missed-work dates and employer or self-employment records