In 2022, more than 7,500 pedestrians died nationwide.
Walking has become an increasingly dangerous activity in Connecticut and states across the county.
According to a recent Forbes article, pedestrian deaths have increased by 77 percent since 2010. By comparison, there has been an increase of 25 percent for all other traffic-related fatalities. The Governors Highway Safety Association states that 2022 was the most dangerous year for pedestrians since 1981, with more than 7,500 pedestrian fatalities recorded across the nation that year.
Pedestrians are vulnerable to severe injury or death in the event of a collision. Unlike drivers and passengers in vehicles, people on foot have no crash protection in accidents and often take the full brunt of the impact. That's why it's crucial for drivers to avoid distractions, be mindful of their speed, be extra careful in areas with high pedestrian traffic, and always check for people crossing when turning.
Insights into pedestrian accidents
A GHSA report called Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State provides insight into trends over the years involving pedestrian accidents. Data shows Connecticut experienced 1.71 pedestrian fatalities for every 100,000 people in the state. According to the report, New Mexico was the most dangerous state for pedestrians in 2022, which saw 4.4 pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people.
Among other insights in the report:
- Fatal pedestrian accidents tend to occur more often at night.
- SUVs and light trucks cause more severe injuries to a person on foot in a crash.
- The majority of pedestrian deaths in accidents occurred in an area where there is no sidewalk.
What are the main causes of pedestrian accidents?
Some of the common factors in pedestrian accidents include:
- Distraction: A driver looking at a cell phone or distracted in some other manner might not see a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
- Drunk driving: Drivers who are impaired will have a slower reaction time. They might not respond appropriately if a pedestrian is crossing a street or walking alongside the road.
- Speeding: Drivers who go too fast don’t give themselves enough time to react to a pedestrian using the road. A speeding vehicle also will increase the severity of injury in the accident.
Jonathan Adkins, chief executive officer of the GHSA, tells Forbes that pedestrian accidents are preventable. Measures to keep people on foot safe include:
- Better designed infrastructure.
- Lower speeds.
- Addressing risky driving behavior that puts people on foot in danger.
What to do if you're hit by a car
If you are struck by a car, report the accident to the police. Seek immediate medical attention. Get contact information from the driver. And obtain insurance information from the driver.
Seeking medical help is critically important. Even if you don’t think you were injured or the injury seems minor, it’s essential to have a doctor check you out. Some injuries get worse with time.
An insurance claim can be complicated in a pedestrian accident. You may need compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may need to pursue a wrongful death claim.
How a pedestrian accident lawyer can help
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize or outright deny pedestrian accident claims by disputing the severity of injuries, questioning liability, or suggesting that the pedestrian was at fault, all as strategies to protect their financial interests.
A pedestrian accident attorney can deal with the insurance company, aggressively advocate for your best interests, and fight for the compensation you deserve. At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli, we work with clients to create a sound legal strategy that seeks full compensation for their losses.
To see how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation. We will listen to you and help you decide the best path forward. There’s no obligation when you contact us, so reach out today. Tell them you mean business!