Pedestrians are injured and killed in accidents every day across United States. Most of these incidents occur when one or both parties involved are not practicing due caution. Contributing factors include failure to yield right-of-way, ignoring traffic warnings, drunk driving and negligent driving. These collisions often lead to serious injuries or death.
A Common Occurrence in the United States
- On average a pedestrian is injured every 8 minutes, and killed every 111 minutes.
- In 2005, some 4,881 pedestrians were killed by a motor vehicle.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
- 40 percent of injuries occur when the pedestrian is first struck by the vehicle.
- 32 percent of injuries occur when the pedestrian hits the ground.
- 26 percent of injuries happen when the pedestrian strikes some other object.
When Are Pedestrian Fatalities Most Common?
About half of all pedestrian fatalities occur during the weekend, suggesting a direct correlation with recreational activity. In 2005, pedestrian weekend fatalities broke down to:
- 17 percent on a Friday
- 18 percent on a Saturday
- 14 percent on a Sunday
The greatest number of these deaths — 45 percent — occurred between between 6 p.m. and midnight.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a major contributor to pedestrian accidents. Fifty percent of all fatalities occur when either the motorist or the pedestrian has been drinking. About 20 percent of pedestrians who are killed in a car crash are legally intoxicated.
Children
A large number of pedestrians killed or injured in car crashes are children.
- 25 percent of all children killed in car crashes between the ages of 5 and 9 were pedestrians.
- Children under the age of 16 are the most likely victims of these accidents.
- One-fifth of all traffic accident victims 16 and under are pedestrians
Senior Citizens
The other most vulnerable group to serious injuries is the elderly, who are slightly less
likely to be hit by a car, but considerably more likely to die from a collision.
- About 16 percent of all pedestrian fatalities involve senior citizens.
- Only 6 percent of all pedestrian accident injuries involve the elderly.
- 35 percent of pedestrian deaths of people 70 years old and older occurred at intersections.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a pedestrian accident, please contact the experienced Washington personal injury lawyers at the Bernard Law Group for a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your case. As a victim, you may be able to receive compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and even long-term care. Call us today to find out how we can help.
Pedestrian Accidents Lawyers in Bellingham, Tacoma, and Kirkland
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED AS A RESULT OF A WASHINGTON PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT – CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
