When Jogging Turns Tragic: The Seriousness of Runners Being Hit By Cars

Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the United States. It’s inexpensive, requires minimal equipment, and can be done almost anywhere. But for all its benefits, running—especially on streets and near traffic—carries serious risks. Every year, hundreds of runners are struck by cars, often with devastating or fatal consequences.

“Runners have every right to feel safe on our streets. When negligent drivers ignore traffic laws or fail to yield, the consequences can be tragic. We’re committed to holding careless motorists accountable and helping injured pedestrians recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward.” — John J. Malm, Naperville pedestrian accident lawyer

In this blog, we explore the dangers runners face, the most common causes of runner-vehicle accidents, key safety tips, legal rights for injured runners, and what to do if you or a loved one has been hit by a car while jogging.

How Often Are Runners Hit by Cars?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,522 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2022, the highest number in over four decades. While not all pedestrians are runners, joggers are a significant portion of the pedestrian population, especially during early mornings or evenings when visibility is lower and traffic patterns can be unpredictable.

Here are some key statistics that reflect the danger runners face in pedestrian accidents:

A 2022 analysis by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) found that pedestrian deaths increased by 77% between 2010 and 2021, compared to a 25% increase in all other traffic deaths.
An estimated 104,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2020.
A study published in the Journal of Transport & Health found that runners often experience “close calls” with vehicles, with nearly 40% reporting at least one near-miss in the past year.

Joggers are especially vulnerable to serious accidents due to their location—often on shoulders, sidewalks, or crosswalks—and their focus on pace, rhythm, or even music, which may limit situational awareness.

Common Causes of Runners Getting Struck by Cars

1. Distracted Driving

Drivers using cell phones or other distractions may not notice runners, especially in areas without dedicated pedestrian infrastructure. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives in 2021.

2. Low Visibility

Many runners prefer to jog during the early morning or after sunset. Reduced visibility during these times increases the likelihood that a driver may not see a runner until it’s too late—especially if the runner isn’t wearing reflective gear.

3. Failure to Yield

Drivers often fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, even though they are legally required to do so. This is particularly dangerous for runners who are crossing with the light or in marked zones.

4. Impaired Driving

Alcohol and drugs severely impair a driver’s ability to recognize and respond to pedestrians. In 2021, 19% of pedestrian fatalities involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

5. Runner Distraction

Not all accidents are solely the driver’s fault. Runners who wear headphones, check phones, or ignore traffic signals can contribute to their risk of being struck by a car while running.

Where Do Runner-Vehicle Collisions Occur?

Runners can be struck by vehicles almost anywhere, but certain environments pose a greater risk:

Urban areas: According to NHTSA data, 83% of pedestrian deaths occur in urban settings.
Arterial roads: These roads are designed for high-speed traffic and often lack sidewalks or pedestrian crossings.
Intersections: While crosswalks offer some protection, drivers making right or left turns often fail to look for crossing pedestrians.
Rural roads: Despite less traffic, rural roads can be hazardous due to narrow shoulders, high vehicle speeds, and poor lighting.

Legal Rights of Runners Hit by Cars

When a driver hits a pedestrian, the law generally presumes that the driver has a duty to yield and exercise due care. In Illinois and many other states, runners injured by negligent drivers may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Disability or disfigurement
Emotional distress
Wrongful death (in fatal cases)

Even if the runner was partially at fault—for example, by jaywalking or wearing dark clothing at night—they may still recover damages under comparative fault laws. In Illinois, a plaintiff can recover damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the accident.

Insurance Considerations for Injured Joggers

If a runner is hit by a car, several insurance policies may come into play:

Driver’s liability insurance: Covers bodily injury caused to others, including pedestrians.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: If the driver flees the scene or lacks sufficient insurance, the injured runner may be able to claim under their own auto policy.
Health insurance: Can initially cover medical treatment, but providers may later seek reimbursement from any settlement.

What To Do If You’re Hit While Running

If you are struck by a vehicle while jogging—or if you’re helping someone who has been—take the following steps:

Call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, getting emergency services on the scene is critical.
Get medical attention. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, may not be immediately visible.
Document the scene. Take photos of the crash site, the vehicle, your injuries, and any visible skid marks or signs.
Get witness information. If bystanders saw the accident, get their names and contact details.
Do not admit fault. Even an apology can be misconstrued as an admission.
Consult a personal injury attorney. An experienced Naperville pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your rights, gather evidence, and deal with insurance companies.

How Runners Can Protect Themselves from an Accident

While you can’t control drivers, you can reduce your risk by taking proactive steps:

Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially during dawn, dusk, or night runs.
Run against traffic if you’re on the roadway—this lets you see oncoming vehicles.
Avoid distractions like headphones or phones.
Use sidewalks or trails whenever possible.
Obey all traffic signals and cross at designated crosswalks.
Make eye contact with drivers at intersections to ensure they see you.

Contact the Experienced Illinois Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

Running shouldn’t be a life-threatening activity, but for too many people, it becomes just that. Distracted and reckless drivers pose a constant threat to runners, often with devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been struck by a car while jogging, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and take immediate action to preserve evidence and protect your claim.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we help injured joggers across Illinois fight for justice. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a pedestrian accident can take. Let us help you hold the negligent driver accountable and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.