What if I was Hit by a Car while Jogging? 5 Ways to Protect Yourself

Jogging is defined as running at a slower or more regular speed for exercise. 

Many LA locals use jogging as a form of exercise. Jogging brings many benefits, including building muscle strength and promoting weight loss. 

When out jogging, it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings, as there is a great risk of pedestrian accidents. A pedestrian accident occurs when the jogger is unintentionally hit by an automobile, resulting in injury. 

Data suggests that an average of 4,672.3 pedestrian accidents occurred in Los Angeles County over the last three years. This average is 354 percent higher than the number two county on the list (San Diego).

In fact, adding the other counties in the top five is still about 50 percent lower than the LA County total.

For runners who plan on jogging, there are a few ways you can help avoid a pedestrian accident:

• Run against traffic – jogging southbound with traffic coming northbound can help you see oncoming cars as opposed to them driving behind you.
• Stay on sidewalks or running paths – veering off into the street can increase your chances of being hit.
• Wear brightly colored clothing – this can increase your visibility to drivers, especially at night.
• Look both ways before crossing the street – you’ve probably heard this since you were a child, but it still holds true for jogging. Looking both ways can help you identify any vehicles.
• Stay distraction free – your focus should be on jogging. Don’t listen to music or talk on the phone, as it could turn your attention away from a nearby car.

There are a number of reasons why a car may hit someone jogging:

• Distracted driving – drivers not focused on the road ahead may accidentally hit a jogger in their path.
• Drunk driving – drunk drivers lose cognition, and may not be as reactive to a jogger in their presence.
• Speeding – driving fast in crowded areas can increase the chances of hitting a pedestrian.
• Not obeying traffic signs – drivers who plow through stop signs can miss an incoming jogger.
• Lost drivers – drivers who are unfamiliar with their surroundings, or looking for something, are lacking the awareness of potential joggers around them.

If you were hit by a car while jogging, try following these steps:

• Call 911. Get yourself to safety. Even if you don’t feel injured, seek medical attention.
• Get the driver’s information, such as their insurance, driver’s license, etc. 
• If you’re well enough to do so, take photos and videos of the scene. Capture any pertinent information, like a stop sign the driver went through, for example.
• Speak with any witnesses to the incident. If you are in a business district, ask the shop owners for security footage.
• Consult with a Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney. You may be entitled to compensation.

At C&B Law Group, our LA injury attorneys have the passion to help you following a jogging accident. 

Recovering from a jogging accident can be a financial burden, and succumbing to injuries can keep you out of your jogging shoes for an extended period of time.  

Jogging accidents can result in a number of injuries, including:

• Wrongful Death 
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or other damaging head injuries
• Back injuries like chronic back pain
• Neck injuries like a broken neck
• Other broken bones
• Fractures 
• Scarring or disfigurement from deep cuts
• Long term spinal cord injuries 
• Internal bleeding or scarring
• Harm to vital organs like your kidneys, spleen, or liver.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Our team of North Hollywood personal injury attorneys will work to assist you in recovering damages such as:

• Loss of wages
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering

You shouldn’t have to live in constant agony or economic hardship following a jogging injury.

Reach out to the Southern California injury attorneys at C&B Law Group to learn more about how you can receive a free consultation.