Available 
MELVILLE, Suffolk County, N.Y., Sept. 14, 2026 — A man was seriously injured on Sunday morning, September 13, after he was struck by a vehicle while standing outside his own car on the Long Island Expressway near Exit 49, authorities said.
Authorities said the chain of events began around 6 a.m. when a 27-year-old driver traveling in the HOV lane reportedly struck the center median. The driver got out of his vehicle and was standing nearby, apparently looking at the damage, when he was hit by another vehicle, according to authorities. The second driver, reportedly 28, remained at the scene.
The man struck by the vehicle suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. His condition has not been released.
The crash prompted a shutdown of multiple lanes on the Long Island Expressway for several hours while emergency crews responded and officers worked the scene, authorities said. Traffic in the area was significantly disrupted during the morning commute.
Authorities said the events leading up to the pedestrian being struck remain under investigation. No further details have been released.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk When Stopped on a Highway Shoulder or Median
People standing outside a disabled vehicle on a highway are exposed in a way most drivers do not think about until it happens. Unlike a pedestrian on a sidewalk, someone checking damage after hitting a median has no barrier, no lighting made for foot traffic, and often only seconds of warning if another vehicle drifts toward them.
Early-morning hours increase the risk. Visibility is lower, traffic is often moving at highway speed, and a stopped car or a person standing near the roadway can be hard to see until a driver is very close. Fatigue and reduced attention during commute hours can also play a role.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 84 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas in 2023. That statistic reflects pedestrian deaths broadly, not highway incidents specifically, but it points to how much roadway design and surrounding conditions shape outcomes for people on foot near traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a vehicle's speed change how badly a pedestrian is hurt?
Yes. Higher speeds mean less time for a driver to react and greater force at impact, which generally leads to more severe injuries.
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
Most occur in urban and suburban settings, often near roadways, intersections, or shoulders rather than in rural areas, according to federal crash data.
Are pedestrian crashes more common after dark?
Nighttime and low-light hours see a higher share of pedestrian crashes, largely because visibility drops for both drivers and people on foot.
What should someone do if they're hit by a car?
Call 911 immediately, avoid moving unless necessary, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may not appear for hours.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Melville, NY
If you're involved in or witness a pedestrian crash, call 911 right away and stay as safe as possible, away from moving traffic if you're able to move. Anyone injured should be seen by medical personnel at the scene or at a hospital, even if the injuries do not seem serious at first, since some symptoms take hours to appear.
If your vehicle breaks down or is disabled on a highway, staying inside with hazard lights on until help arrives is generally safer than standing near live traffic. Reporting the crash accurately to the police and keeping any documentation, such as photos or witness information, can help once an investigation begins.
