pedestrian accidents

In 2005, 4,881 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States.

According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), there were 64,000 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes in 2005. On average, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic accident approximately every 2 hours and injured in a traffic collision every 8 minutes.

Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 83 percent of all non-vehicle occupant fatalities in 2005, with bicyclists accounting for 13 percent, and skateboard riders, roller skaters, etc, accounting for the remaining 3% of deaths from traffic crashes.

Pedestrians are more likely to be killed in an accident in urban areas and cities, in non-intersection locations, where there is a greater volume of pedestrian activity, than in rural areas. We might make the assumption that adults are the only pedestrians killed in these traffic collisions. However, children age 15 and younger accounted for 8 percent of the pedestrian fatalities in 2005 and 28 percent of those injured.

Why are so many pedestrians injured or killed? Negligent vehicle drivers are a major factor in pedestrian collisions.

One of the most common causes of a pedestrian accident is a motorist who is driving at an excessive speed. At these higher speeds, the driver of a motor vehicle is much less likely to see a pedestrian in the roadway. It is even less likely that they will be able to avoid hitting that pedestrian once they do see one. According to the U.K. Department of Transportation, a pedestrian hit at 40 miles/hour has an 85 percent chance of being killed! When a pedestrian is hit at 30 miles/hour, the likelihood goes down to 45 percent, while at 20 miles/hour, the fatality rate is only 5 percent.

Drivers of motor vehicles are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing streets in marked or unmarked crosswalks in most situations. They should drive slowly and be prepared to stop when they are driving on roads that are known to have pedestrians. This is especially important at intersections where drivers are turning onto another street and a pedestrian is in their path. The pedestrian has the right to finish crossing the street before the motor vehicle turns onto the street. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Pedestrians can be seriously injured and killed by distracted, negligent, arrogant, careless or inattentive motorists. Drivers of motor vehicles are often distracted while talking on their cell phones, driving at excessive speeds, driving without enough sleep, and even driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If you have been injured by a motor vehicle while walking, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages from those that have injured you. If you are family member of a pedestrian that has died due to the negligence of a motorist, you deserve to be compensated for your loss. Consider hiring a pedestrian accident attorney who will understand your situation and has the knowledge and experience necessary to get you the compensation that you deserve.

Please review our state by state listing of pedestrian accident lawyers and contact a pedestrian crash attorney today.

For more information on pedestrian accidents, please visit our Pedestrian Accidents Frequently Asked Questions page.

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