A wheelchair user hit by a car faces the same dangers as anyone on foot, plus a few that come from traveling on wheels at seated height: missing curb ramps, broken sidewalks that push people into the street, and drivers who are not looking low enough.
When the Sidewalk Ends, the Street Becomes the Route
For people who use wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices, a gap in the sidewalk is more than an inconvenience. A federal technical assistance document from the Departments of Justice and Transportation says that without curb ramps, sidewalk travel in urban areas can be dangerous, difficult or even impossible for them.
Without ramps, the document adds, these individuals are forced to travel in streets and roadways. A missing ramp at one corner can put someone in a traffic lane for an entire block.
Other common barriers include cracked or heaved pavement, utility poles in the middle of the path, cars parked across the sidewalk and construction zones with no accessible detour.
Crossings and Curb Ramps on U.S. Streets
Crossings are where people using mobility devices and drivers meet most directly. Curb ramps let people with mobility disabilities get onto sidewalks and pass through center islands in streets.
Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, state and local governments must make sure people with disabilities have access to pedestrian routes in the public right of way.
DOJ and DOT also explain that resurfacing a street from one intersection to another counts as an alteration under the ADA, which triggers the duty to provide curb ramps where walkways meet the resurfaced street.
At the crossing itself, NHTSA’s advice for everyone on foot applies: cross at crosswalks or intersections, not mid-block.
Being Seen at Seated Height
A person seated in a wheelchair or on a scooter sits lower than most adults on foot. That can put them below a driver’s line of sight, especially from a taller vehicle, and makes them easier to miss when a driver is backing out of a driveway or parking space.
FHWA points out that most people assume that if they can see a car’s headlights at night, the driver can see them too, and that is not always true. Its advice from a nighttime visibility article is to wear reflective materials that outline the human form and carry a flashlight. Reflective tape on the chair frame, spokes or back of the seat follows the same idea.
Drivers share the job. NHTSA asks drivers to look out for pedestrians everywhere, to be extra cautious when backing up and to take extra care at night or in bad weather. Our guide to pedestrian safety and accident prevention covers more habits for drivers and people on foot.
Common Hazards and What Can Help
This table pairs common hazards with practical steps that may reduce the risk.
| Hazard | Why it raises the risk | What may help |
|---|---|---|
| Missing curb ramp | Forces travel in the street | Plan a route with ramps; report the gap to the city |
| Broken or blocked sidewalk | Can tip a chair or force a detour into traffic | Report it; use the sidewalk across the street if it is clear |
| Driveways and parking lots | Drivers backing up may not see a seated person | Pause behind vehicles with reverse lights on |
| Dark or rainy conditions | A seated person is harder for drivers to spot | Reflective materials and a light on the chair |
| Roads with no sidewalk | Shared space with moving cars | Travel facing traffic and as far from it as possible |
What to Do if a Wheelchair User Is Hit by a Car
These steps protect both your health and the device you depend on.
- Get medical care. Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and get checked even if injuries seem minor.
- Photograph everything. Take pictures of the scene, the vehicle, the curb or ramp, and every part of the chair or scooter that was damaged.
- Keep the damaged device. Do not throw away a broken chair or scooter. Save repair or replacement estimates and receipts.
- Get names and contacts. Collect the driver’s information and the names of any witnesses.
- Request the police report. It records the people, vehicles and the officer’s account of what happened.
Our article on who pays your medical bills after a crash is a good next read if bills are piling up.
Reporting a Dangerous Sidewalk or Crossing Across the U.S.
Reporting a barrier can help prevent the next crash. The ADA Title II primer says public entities with 50 or more employees must name at least one employee to coordinate ADA compliance and have a grievance procedure.
That ADA Coordinator is the point of contact for people with disabilities who want to file a complaint with the city, county or state agency. Include the exact location, photos and a short description of the barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheelchair Users Hit by Cars
What should a wheelchair user do after being hit by a car?
Get medical care, photograph the scene and the device, collect witness names and request the police report.
Why are wheelchair and scooter users hard for drivers to see?
They sit lower than most people on foot, which can put them below a driver’s line of sight, and visibility drops further at night.
Who can I tell about a missing curb ramp?
Contact the ADA Coordinator for the city or county. Public entities with 50 or more employees must name one.
Should I keep my damaged wheelchair after a crash?
Yes, if you can. Keep the device and save repair or replacement estimates, since they help show what the crash cost you.
Free Help After a Crash Involving a Mobility Device
A crash that damages your body and your chair or scooter can upend daily life. At Local Accident Reports, we offer free assistance to connect you with a professional to get a free case review on your case.
If you have any doubts, you contact our team at 888-657-1460. We are here to help you however we can.
Last reviewed: November 2026
This post was reviewed by Hernán Beresnak, Lead Editor, Local Accident Reports.
Content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Local Accident Reports is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. See our full disclaimer at https://localaccidentreports.com/disclaimer/ .
