I was hit by a car while walking? What you need to know

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (https://www.nhtsa.gov/) reports that almost 5,000 pedestrians die in motor vehicle-related accidents each year.

Whether on a sidewalk, crosswalk, running or jogging, pedestrians are very vulnerable to significant injury if they are hit by a car.

If injured by a vehicle, a pedestrian may recover damages for the injuries if the accident was caused by the negligence of the driver.

However, responsibility lies with both pedestrians and motorists to follow the rules of the road and exercise reasonable care. Both drivers and pedestrians have general rights and responsibilities or duties.