BOWLING GREEN, Warren County, Ky., Sept. 22, 2026 — A man using a wheelchair was hurt on Monday afternoon, September 21, when he was reportedly struck by an SUV in the parking lot of a McDonald's on Scottsville Road, according to a Bowling Green Fire Department dispatch report.
The crash was reported shortly after 4 p.m. at the McDonald's at 3080 Scottsville Road, where the pedestrian was reportedly hit by a silver GMC Acadia. Bowling Green Fire, EMS crews, and Bowling Green Police responded to the scene.
The man was awake and breathing when crews arrived, according to the dispatch report. The extent of his injuries has not been released, and he was taken for medical evaluation, though his condition has not been publicly updated.
No further details about how the crash happened have been released. The investigation is ongoing, and Bowling Green Police have not said whether any citations are expected.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
How Pedestrian Crash Investigations Move From the Scene to a Final Report
Police work at the scene of a pedestrian crash starts with the basics: getting medical help to the injured person and securing the area so officers can measure skid marks, photograph the vehicle's position, and look for anything that shows how fast it was moving or where the driver's line of sight was. In a parking lot setting, this can include checking surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Officers typically interview the driver, any witnesses, and, when possible, the pedestrian, though that may not happen right away if injuries require immediate hospital care. A full crash reconstruction, when needed, can take investigators several weeks because they compare physical evidence with statements and sometimes vehicle data before drawing conclusions about fault or contributing factors.
Names are usually withheld until an agency confirms notification of next of kin or, in less serious injury cases, until a formal report is filed. That delay isn't a sign that anything is being hidden. It's standard practice meant to ensure families hear the news directly from police rather than from a report that's made public first.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 24 percent of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were struck by hit-and-run drivers in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do immediately after being hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian?
Get medical attention even if injuries seem minor, since some, like internal injuries or concussions, aren't obvious right away. Try to get the responding officer's name and report number, and if possible, note details about the vehicle and driver before leaving the scene.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way once they've entered a marked or unmarked crosswalk, but drivers turning into or through parking lots and driveways are also required to yield to pedestrians already in their path.
What can drivers do to watch for pedestrians in parking lots?
Slowing down near entrances, checking mirrors and blind spots before pulling forward, and staying off phones while maneuvering through lots all help drivers spot pedestrians, including those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, before it's too late to react.
What injuries are common when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle?
Common injuries include fractures, head and neck trauma, and injuries to the hips or legs, depending on the vehicle's speed and point of impact. Wheelchair users can also face an increased risk of injury if the chair is damaged or overturned in a collision.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Bowling Green, KY
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crash should call 911 right away and wait for police and EMS to arrive rather than trying to move an injured person. If you're able, take photos of the scene, including vehicle positions and any visible damage, before things are cleared away.
Follow up with a medical provider in the days after the crash, even if you were checked out at the scene, since some injuries take time to show symptoms. Keep a copy of the police report once it's available, and hold onto any medical records or bills related to the crash for your own reference.
