According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DoT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) a pedestrian is any person on foot, walking, running, jogging, hiking, sitting or lying down who is involved in a motor vehicle collision. Each year, some 4,000 pedestrians are killed in traffic accidents across the United States, and an additional 70,000 are injured. It’s hard to wrap your head around just how physically and emotionally devastating these crashes can be when they are just facts on a page. But as car accident lawyers, we know that the affects can be severe and long lasting, not just for the individuals involved, but for entire families and communities. The unfortunate reality is that pedestrian accidents happen with incredible frequency, and they can occur anywhere, and to anyone.
On average, there is a car accident-related pedestrian fatality every two hours, and a pedestrian injury every 8 minutes. Our lawyers believe that education is one of the most efficacious methods of traffic accident prevention, and that the more people know, the more they can do to keep themselves safe before a pedestrian accident and take care of their families after an accident. What follows are a few things that everyone should know about pedestrian accidents. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
Serious and Life Altering Traumatic Injuries-Perhaps the most notable difference between car accidents and pedestrian accidents is that a man or woman struck by a vehicle has absolutely no protection. Much like bicycle and motorcycle accidents, pedestrians have no seat belts, no airbags and no steel frames or crumple zones to dissipate the impact of a collision, and this leaves them susceptible to serious internal injuries and paralysis. These injuries can prove a physical and mental hindrance for the remainder of one’s life, and this is why seeking compensation is so crucial after an accident.
Who is Most at Risk?-Older adults and children are at high risk when it comes to pedestrian car accidents. Roughly one in every five children killed in automobile accidents between the ages of 5 and 9 were pedestrians, and the elderly account for nearly 20% of all pedestrian victims.
What Are Some Other Risk Factors?-Living in a city, such as Chicago, substantially increases your likelihood of being involved in a pedestrian accident. Because of the bustling streets and wealth of pedestrians, it is incredibly important to be alert when walking or driving in a city. Make sure to cross where you are designated to do so, and ensure that others do the same. Another serious risk factor that often goes unacknowledged is alcohol impairment. We have all heard of the dangers associated with drunk driving, but drinking and walking can be very hazardous as well. Don’t increase your chances of becoming a victim, and stick with friends to watch out for one another when walking, especially at night. (The Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
Our lawyers have been representing clients in Chicago and the greater Illinois area for more than 20 years, and we have the experience you need to fight and win your personal injury lawsuits. We hope that these tips will help keep you and your loved ones a little safer this fall.