Why Are Pedestrian Deaths Up Nationwide?

 Posted on March 26, 2019 in Personal Injury

On March 22, a man in a wheelchair was fatally injured when he was struck by a motor vehicle in Pueblo. The accident occurred when the 55-year old man attempted to cross at the intersection of Highway 50 and Club Manor Drive. As police continue to investigate the exact cause of the accident, it is clear pedestrian collisions are an issue across the country. 

If you or a member of your family are injured after being struck by a motor vehicle, reckless or negligent actions by the driver may be to blame, and you should seek legal assistance immediately. 

Pedestrian Fatalities a Major Traffic Safety Issue 

Here in the United States, thousands of pedestrians are fatally injured in collisions involving motor vehicles each year. According to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 129,000 American pedestrians are hospitalized for injuries every year.

Car accidents involving pedestrians can occur for a variety of reasons, but there are a few common factors that play a role in a large percentage of pedestrian fatalities. Alcohol can be a factor in pedestrian deaths, due to either the driver or pedestrian having a significant blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the collision. According to the CDC, around 48 percent of all pedestrian fatalities involve a drunk driver or inebriated pedestrian. Additionally, a majority of pedestrian-car accidents occur at non-intersections, at night, or in urban areas. If you choose to walk at night or in a highly populated area, wear bright and reflective clothing, and follow all traffic laws. 

While safety precautions such as extended sidewalks and lit crosswalks are designed to lower the number of pedestrian collisions, pedestrian fatalities are at a 28-year high in the U.S. According to a study conducted by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 6,227 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle collisions throughout 2018. The number of fatalities marked a 4 percent increase over 2017 and the highest pedestrian fatality mark since 1990. 

Contact a Fort Collins Pedestrian Accident Lawyer 

Due to the fact that pedestrians have no protection in the event of a motor vehicle collision, the injuries can be incredibly severe and even fatal. If you or a loved one are struck by an automobile, Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. is here to fight for your rights as an accident victim and for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To schedule a free initial meeting with an experienced Larimer County personal injury attorney, contact us today at 970-225-2190. 

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html

https://www.npr.org/2019/02/28/699195211/pedestrian-deaths-reach-highest-level-in-decades-report-says

https://www.kktv.com/content/news/Victim-in-wheelchair-hit-by-car-507552421.html