Since their low point in 2009, pedestrian fatalities have increased every year. Pedestrian accidents are an obvious danger to all of us. After all, almost everyone is a pedestrian at some point during their day. In 2020 alone, approximately 55,000 pedestrians suffered injuries in traffic-related incidents. Additionally, 6,516 pedestrians were killed in 2020. While the number of injuries decreased from 2019, the number of fatalities increased.
No one expects to be hit by a car in a pedestrian accident while walking down the street. Nevertheless, it happens every day. You need an attorney who understands how traumatic the aftermath of a pedestrian accident is for victims and their families. Our years of experience handling personal injury claims give us the knowledge necessary to fight for the compensation you deserve. If you suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, contact a pedestrian injury lawyer at Silva Injury Law to discuss your case.
What Are Common Injuries From Being Hit By A Car?
The sheer size of a passenger vehicle, when compared to a person, is overwhelming. The discrepancy increases even more in a car accident that involves a truck or other large vehicle. As a result, pedestrians often suffer devastating injuries after getting hit by a car. Some common injuries include:
- Leg injuries,
- Broken bones,
- Sprains and pulled muscles,
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI),
- Skull fractures,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- A concussion, and
- Scrapes and bruises.
In too many cases, pedestrian accidents result in death. If you are hit by a car, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. You may not realize the extent of your injuries right away. That is why it is crucial to consult with a medical professional who can determine the extent of your injuries.
What Are The Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can occur for a wide variety of reasons, such as:
- Excessive speeding,
- Distracted driving,
- Drunk driving,
- Poor light conditions,
- Inclement weather conditions,
- Ignoring traffic signals; and
- Failure to obey a stop sign.
The speed of the vehicle can make a big difference in what injuries the accident victims suffer. Obviously, a pedestrian is more likely to die in an accident where the vehicle was speeding at the time of the crash.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Commonly Occur?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020, approximately 82% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas, while only 18% occurred in rural areas. It might come as a surprise, but 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur at locations that are not intersections, including:
- Shoulders or roadsides,
- Parking lots,
- Bicycle lanes,
- Sidewalks,
- Medians, and
- Walking trails.
During the fall and winter months, the highest percentage of pedestrian fatalities happened between the hours of 6:00 PM and 8:59 PM. However, during the spring and summer months, more pedestrian fatalities occurred from 9:00 PM to 11:59 PM.
States with more pedestrian traffic like New Jersey, New York, and California record some of the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities. New Jersey sees the highest percentage of total fatalities who were pedestrians with 29.6%.
How Can Silva Injury Law Help Me After A Pedestrian Accident?
Our team of personal injury lawyers has handled a variety of different types of pedestrian accident cases. We have seen almost every scenario possible in a pedestrian accident. If you hire one of our pedestrian accident attorneys, we can assist you by:
- Preparing your personal injury case as if you will proceed to trial,
- Negotiating with the opposing party on your behalf,
- Collecting evidence about the collision,
- Obtaining the police report for the crash, and
- Gathering information about the damages you incurred due to the accident.
We know that the financial cost of suffering an injury in a pedestrian accident can create significant and unnecessary stress for you and your family. Let our team help you get back on your feet. We will not rest until you get the compensation you deserve for your losses. If you or a loved one suffered injuries as a pedestrian, contact Silva Injury Law today to discuss your case.
Find Out How We Can Help
At Silva Injury Law we promote healing through compassionate advocacy. With each case tailored to the individual, we look our for your best interests by evaluating your unique circumstances. Contact us today for a FREE in person or remote consultation.