Pedestrian accidents occur far too often in the United States. They happen frequently, and their results are fatal. A pedestrian accident is not one to be taken lightly. If you or someone you love has been a victim of a pedestrian accident, it may be in your best interest to reach out to professional legal counsel in order to receive proper help with your injury. Do not hesitate to reach out to Cohen & Cohen, a personal injury law firm that has won numerous pedestrian accident cases and has been a trusted firm for residents of Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, and surrounding areas.
Statistics on Pedestrian Accidents in the United States
First of all, it is important to clarify what exactly is a pedestrian accident. Legally speaking, a pedestrian accident typically refers to an incident in which a person walking on foot is hit by a moving automobile or other motor vehicle, and in the collision suffers an injury. Most Americans both use their cars and walk along streets to get places which unfortunately means these incidents occur far more frequently than we would like to admit. The statistics below are including to help paint the very serious issue of pedestrian accidents.
- According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Motor Vehicle Safety Study, forty-eight percent of pedestrians that die, die as a result of a driver who is driving under the influence.
- Pedestrians who are sixty-five years of age or older make up approximately nineteen percent of pedestrian deaths.
- In 2015, thirteen percent of all pedestrians were injured to some degree as a result of automobile traffic.
- Of the pedestrians that suffer fatalities, seventy-one percent die when crossing at non-intersections versus nineteen percent that die at a pedestrian intersection.
Injuries that Can Result from a Pedestrian Accident
The injuries that result from a pedestrian accident vary in their severity depending on various factors, especially how fast the car is going at the time of impact. While every pedestrian accident case is different, there are some general commonalities in regards to injuries among each pedestrian accident case. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head trauma
- Broken bones
- Fractured bones
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord damage
- Abrasions and bruising
- Death
These injuries not only result in emotional distress, but they can also lead to overwhelming medical bills. Pedestrian accidents can cause hospitalization, long-term medical care, and even physical therapy. It is no surprise that medical expenses in the United States are costly. If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about the financial burden an injury can have.
What Are Typically Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can be as a result of both the pedestrian and the driver. While pedestrians have the right of way in most states, with the increase of smartphone usage, many pedestrians have become distracted. Some of the common causes of pedestrian accidents include speeding, driving under the influence, distracted pedestrians, distracted drivers, and reckless driving.
If you or someone you know believes you have suffered from a pedestrian accident, contact Cohen & Cohen and we will set you up with an expert pedestrian lawyer on our team.
