According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 5,987 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2016. This staggering statistic suggests that there is one crash-related pedestrian death every 1.5 hours. In addition to these yearly fatalities, close to 29,000 pedestrians were taken to emergency rooms for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2015. Studies from the CDC have also shown that pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a car accident than passengers traveling in a vehicle.
At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, our dedicated team of lawyers knows firsthand how devastating pedestrian accidents can be. With more than 50 years of experience assisting clients with pedestrian accident cases, we know which legal strategies to implement so that our clients can pursue maximum compensation for their injury damages. Below, we explain some of the situations and hazards that pedestrians need to be aware of to avoid serious injury.
Left-Hand Turns
Although it is supposed to be safer to use signaled crosswalks, pedestrians are still vulnerable to being struck by negligent or distracted drivers. Cars making left-handed turns strike three-times as many pedestrians as cars turning right. This often happens because drivers are to busy looking at cars passing through the intersection and fail to see the people crossing the street.
Improper Lane Use
Most pedestrian accidents occur in the road, with two-thirds of these accidents taking place on city streets. Unfortunately, some bike riders fail to abide by the law and choose to ride on the sidewalk. This can result in collisions with pedestrians or even force pedestrians off the walkway and into oncoming traffic.
Electronic Distractions
Drivers aren’t the only ones who should avoid texting; pedestrians should too whenever they are walking around busy areas and near roads. From listening to loud music through headphones to looking down at a cellphone, a substantial amount of pedestrian accidents occur while passengers are distracted by electronic devices and exiting vehicles near the roadway.
Have you or a loved one suffered a serious injury due to a pedestrian accident? If so, give us a call at (800) 462-7160 to set up your free case review with an attorney at our law firm. We're available 24/7 to discuss your case.
