Walking and jogging outside are great ways to get exercise and fresh air. However, this often means crossing and walking alongside busy roads and highways. While there are steps you can take to stay safe as a pedestrian, getting hit by a car is a risk that is inherent to walking on and near roads.
Here are some steps you should take if a vehicle strikes you as a pedestrian in New York.
Get to a safe location
If you are able to do so, move to a safe location on the side of the road. This way, you are no longer at risk of a motorist who is not expecting a person to be laying in the road potentially running over you.
Contact the police
Whether the driver who hit you stopped or if this is a hit-and-run incident, you want to call the police to make a report of what happened. If this was a hit-and-run, give the police the best description of the vehicle that you can. Be truthful about the events that occurred, even if you were crossing at a location without a crosswalk or wearing earbuds that might have made you less aware of your environment.
Seek medical attention
You want to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the incident, even if you do not feel hurt. There is always the potential for hidden injuries that you do not see or feel right away.
If a car hits you while walking, take steps to ensure the best possible outcome for yourself.