Pedestrian Accidents: Here’s What You Should Know
Michael Babboni
Personal Injury
Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe injuries. A collision between a vehicle and a person can lead to more devastating damages.In the United States, 6,205 pedestrians have died in 2019. That is one pedestrian death in every 85 minutes.
While everyone becomes a pedestrian at one point, some individuals are more likely to be injured in an accident. Here are some of the most important findings reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
• 46% of fatal pedestrian crashes involved an alcohol-impaired driver or pedestrian
• 17% of children (ages 14 and younger) who died in traffic crashes were pedestrians
• 23% of pedestrian traffic fatalities or 659 were 55 to 59 years old
• 21% of all pedestrian fatalities were individuals 65 and older
• 48 is the average age of pedestrians who died in traffic crashes
Various factors can be associated with pedestrian accidents. Aside from age and intoxication, there are speed and location. Speeding increases the likelihood of an accident taking place. It can also lead to more severe injuries in the event of a pedestrian accident.
Based on reported incidents, most accidents tend to occur in urban areas. Around 82% of pedestrian fatalities happened in urban areas. There were also more accidents at locations without nearby intersections. About 73% of fatalities were not in an intersection. Only 18% happened at intersections. The other 9% were at other locations.
Common Causes
While accidents can happen due to various reasons, there are common things causing pedestrian accidents. In most cases, it is a result of someone’s negligence.
While technological advancements offer many advantages, it also comes with drawbacks. The use of smartphones, for example, has increased the possible distractions to drivers. Simply answering a phone call, sending a text message, or checking social media while driving can lead to an accident. That means the risk of a pedestrian or traffic accident has also become higher.
Other common causes include:
• Driving while intoxicated
• Speeding
• Ignoring traffic rules
• Driving while fatigued
• Drivers not seeing pedestrians at night
What You Should Do
Getting hurt as a pedestrian can cause severe injuries. While it may be a confusing time, it is important to know the right steps to take to ensure your safety and that you will get proper compensation.
The first thing you have to do is to call 911 if possible. Wait for the arrival of emergency services. Then, take photos of the scene of the accident. Check for injuries and take pictures of them too. If you can, get the information of witnesses and the liable party.
Once the ambulance arrives, get the necessary treatment in a hospital. Then, ask for copies of your medical records.
Note that these steps are to be taken assuming that you can move around and conduct these actions. If you incur severe injuries, your priority is to get to the nearest hospital. In such a case, witnesses may be the ones to call for help.
Hiring a Lawyer
Another step you should take is to get legal advice from a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can help you determine who is liable for your injuries. They can also help prove negligence on the part of the liable party. Additionally, they can figure out how much compensation is suitable for the damages you have incurred due to the accident and negotiate with the liable person’s insurance company. With the right lawyer, you can also get legal representation if the case is taken to court.
Statute of Limitations
When it comes to personal injury claims after a pedestrian accident, you need to remember the statute of limitations. In Florida, you can only take legal action against the person at fault of the accident within four years from the date of the incident. After that, you lose the right to sue.