In 2020, it was reported that pedestrian deaths had numbered 6,590 in the previous year; an alarming 5% increase from 2018 to 2019. In fact, the number was the highest number of recorded deaths for over 30 years. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reported that pedestrian deaths accounted for 17% of all traffic related deaths, up from 12% only 10 year earlier. Why are these types of incidents increasing so rapidly, and what can you do if you have been affected?
Pedestrian Deaths By the Numbers
The GHSA reports indicate that in the last decade:
- pedestrian deaths involving passenger cars increased by 53%
- pedestrian deaths involving SUVs increased by 81%
- pedestrians are killed at a rate of 2 per 100,000 people, which is the highest rate since 1997
- most fatalities occur on local roads and away from major intersections
- 76% of the accidents occur at night, 20% during daylight, and 4% at dusk.
- the sharpest increase in death rate was at night, with those incidents increasing by 67%.
Why Are These Accidents On the Rise?
Although officials are still studying the reasons for such a rapid increase in pedestrian accidents, they have identified some likely related causes. Drugs and alcohol have always been a factor in these incidents, both on the part of the driver and the pedestrian. The fact that the accidents happen on local roads points to the fact that poor lighting likely plays a significant role. But both of these causes have not necessarily changed in the last decade. There are, however, two potential causes which are newer to the scene in the last decade.
- Smartphone use has increased over 400% since 2009. This is the likeliest causality for the increase in deaths, as smartphones represent a major distraction while driving. Whether speaking on the phone, texting, checking a GPS or changing a song, distracted driving is on the rise due to smart phone use.
- More drivers are choosing SUVs over passenger cars. Because pedestrians are twice as likely to die if hit by an SUV than a sedan, the fact that more SUVs are on the road is also a possible explanation.
If You Were Injured as a Pedestrian
If you or a family member was injured after being hit by a car or SUV, you will not receive compensation for your injuries unless you are successful in proving that the driver was at fault. This typically takes the form of negligence, which is defined as the failure to act reasonably under normal circumstances. Negligent driving may include driving while intoxicated, speeding, running a stop sign or red light or not paying attention to the road (for instance, looking down at a phone). In a pedestrian accident case involving serious injuries, the victim may be confused following the incident, and the driver may blame the pedestrian for being at fault. Therefore it is important for you to retain the services of a personal injury attorney who can help you to obtaining all accident reports, find and Interview any witnesses, preserve evidence, look for any nearby video footage and consult with experts.
Once fault and liability is determined, your attorney can turn their focus to your compensation. Injured pedestrians can typically be reimbursed for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. When traumatic injuries or wrongful death is involved, experts will be brought in to estimate and document any future damages, such as the family’s loss of future income, or the cost of future medical treatments.
Probinsky & Cole are Sarasota-based personal injury attorneys who specialize in car accident cases of all kinds. If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t take chances on your own. Call us today.
