Jogging is one of the most popular ways Canadians stay active, but it also comes with risks when sharing roads, intersections, and crosswalks with motor vehicles. Even when runners follow traffic laws and remain alert, a distracted, speeding, or negligent driver can cause a devastating collision in a matter of seconds.
If you’ve been hit by a car while jogging, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Your priority should always be your health, but the actions you take in the hours and days following the accident can also affect your ability to recover compensation. Understanding what to do after the collision can help protect both your well-being and your legal rights.
An experienced pedestrian injury lawyer can also help you understand your options if your injuries were caused by another person’s negligence.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seek medical care as soon as possible. Some injuries, including concussions, internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, and certain fractures, may not produce severe symptoms immediately after the accident. Adrenaline can temporarily mask pain, making injuries appear less serious than they actually are.
Prompt medical treatment ensures:
- Your injuries are properly diagnosed.
- Necessary treatment begins immediately.
- Medical records document the connection between the accident and your injuries.
- Potential complications are identified early.
Medical documentation is also one of the most important pieces of evidence in any injury claim.
Call the Police
Whenever a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the accident should be reported to the police. The responding officers will typically:
- Document the accident scene.
- Record statements from those involved.
- Speak with witnesses.
- Prepare an accident report.
- Gather information about the driver.
The police report may later become valuable evidence if there is a dispute about how the accident occurred.
Gather Information If You Are Able
If your condition allows, try to collect as much information as possible before leaving the scene. Important details include:
- The driver’s name and contact information
- Driver’s licence information
- Insurance details
- Vehicle licence plate number
- Contact information for witnesses
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Photos of your injuries
- Road conditions
- Traffic signals or signs nearby
If you’re unable to gather this information because of your injuries, ask someone you trust or the responding police officers for assistance.
Avoid Discussing Fault at the Scene
After an accident, emotions often run high. Even if you think you may have contributed to the collision, avoid making statements such as:
- “I’m sorry.”
- “I didn’t see the car.”
- “It was my fault.”
At the scene, it is often impossible to know exactly what happened. There may be factors you are unaware of, including speeding, distracted driving, traffic signal violations, or other driver errors.
Determining legal responsibility requires a full investigation.
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan
Your recovery should remain your primary focus. Attend follow-up appointments, complete recommended rehabilitation, and follow your healthcare provider’s advice regarding medications, physiotherapy, or specialist care.
Consistent treatment not only supports your recovery but also documents the ongoing impact of your injuries. Gaps in treatment can sometimes make it more difficult to demonstrate the seriousness of your condition.
Keep Records of Your Expenses
A pedestrian accident often creates financial losses beyond your initial medical bills.
Keep copies of:
- Medical receipts
- Prescription costs
- Physiotherapy invoices
- Transportation expenses
- Lost income documentation
- Rehabilitation costs
- Assistive device purchases
Maintaining organized records makes it easier to calculate the full value of your claim.
Understand That Injuries Can Worsen Over Time
Many joggers initially believe they escaped with only minor injuries. However, symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, dizziness, back pain, or joint stiffness may develop several days after the collision.
Psychological injuries can also appear later, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Fear of returning to outdoor exercise
Continue monitoring your health and report any new symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Accident Benefits May Be Available
In provinces such as Ontario, pedestrians injured in motor vehicle accidents may qualify for statutory accident benefits regardless of who caused the collision.
These benefits may help cover:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Income replacement benefits
- Attendant care
- Other eligible benefits depending on your circumstances
Depending on the facts of your case, you may also have the right to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional compensation.
Be Careful When Speaking With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the accident. Before providing recorded statements or accepting any settlement offer, remember that early offers may not reflect the full extent of your injuries or future losses.
If your condition worsens later, you may have limited options after accepting a settlement. Understanding your legal rights before making important decisions can help protect your interests.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer?
Not every accident results in litigation, but obtaining legal advice early can be beneficial.
Consider speaking with a lawyer if:
- Your injuries are serious.
- You require ongoing medical treatment.
- You cannot return to work.
- Liability is disputed.
- The insurance company denies or minimizes your claim.
- You are unsure what compensation you may be entitled to receive.
An early consultation can help you understand your options before important deadlines or settlement decisions arise.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Every pedestrian accident is different, but compensation may include damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Future care expenses
- Out-of-pocket costs related to your injuries
The value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, recovery time, financial losses, and the long-term impact the accident has on your daily life.
Protect Your Rights From the Beginning
Being struck by a vehicle while jogging can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Acting quickly by seeking medical care, preserving evidence, and understanding your legal rights can make a significant difference in your recovery and your claim.
A pedestrian injury lawyer can help investigate the accident, gather medical evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of your injuries. Getting legal advice early also helps ensure that important deadlines are met and that no aspect of your claim is overlooked.