HIT BY CAR WHILE WALKING ON ROAD?
Twentypedestrians were hit and killed by motorists each day in the United States last year.(Estimates compiled by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)). That totals 7,485 people for the year.That is the highest number of pedestrian fatalities recorded in the past forty years. It is truly surprising how frequently cars hit people walking on the street.
The GHSA’s preliminary data indicates there were 2.32 pedestrian deaths per billion vehicle miles traveled in 2021. Hopefully, last year’s numbers were an anomaly. The Covid-19 pandemic was the likely cause. The pre-pandemic average was 1.9. Not surprisingly, the number of pedestrian injury cases increased as well.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data indicates ‘the percentage of speeding-related pedestrian crashes involving children more than doubled in the previous three years.’
CAUSES OF PEDESTRIAN CAR ACCIDENTS
Speeding is cited as a major contributing factor in rising pedestrian death tolls. According to the GHSA, ‘The risk of death for pedestrians increases the faster the vehicle is traveling. It goes from 10% at 23 mph to 90% at 58 mph.’ Of course, distracted driving is a frequent cause. Also, impairment of either the driver or the pedestrian is a common factor.
Earlier this year, theInsurance Institute for Highway Safety found an alarming trend. Pickup trucks and SUVs are significantly more likely to be involved in pedestrian fatalities than smaller cars. The heavier weight and reduced visibility of big and tall vehicles is cited as a contributing factor to pedestrian fatalities. Of course, anytime a car hits a person, there is likely to be a serious injury. The Minnesota Department of Transportation also has several articles on pedestrian car accidents. There are also specific laws regarding a pedestrian’s rights and duties while walking on the road.
INJURY LAWYER PAM ROCHLIN
Pam Rochlin is a top rated injury lawyer with 25 years’ experience. She has represented numerous innocent people who were hit by a car. If you were hit by a car while walking on a road or crossing the street, call us for a free consultation. The insurance issues can be complicated. However, we will take the time to answer your questions and make sure you understand everything. The primary focus of our lawyers is to get you the compensation you are entitled to. Our lawyers handle cases throughout Minnesota.