Pedestrian-auto accident study shows major increase in deaths

When a Louisiana pedestrian is hit by a car, lifelong problems can result. Medical expenses, the inability to work, the possibility that the person will need to be cared for in the short or long-term, and even death can occur. Pedestrians are in such jeopardy when there is an accident, it is important to keep track of how these crashes happen and to try and find a way to reduce their frequency. Unfortunately, even with technological advances and the ability to study trends to come to a solution, the number of fatal pedestrian accidents is at its highest total since 1990.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a study into the number of pedestrian accidents that have led to death. In 2016, there were close to 6,000 pedestrian deaths across the nation. Not only is this the most since 1990, but it is also a 46 percent increase since 2009. This is a significant amount more than the 11 percent total increase in traffic fatalities in that same time frame. The president of IIHS has come to certain conclusions as to why there has been so drastic a rise.

Many of the pedestrian deaths victim have happened in the dark on streets that are well-traveled by motor vehicles. In many instances, people will cross in the middle of the street and not use the crosswalk. The increase in speed limits is also believed to be a factor. The faster a vehicle is going, the harder the impact and the more likely it is that the pedestrian will suffer fatal injuries. Distracted driving is believed to be a problem. Car companies are trying to develop technology to make pedestrians safer, but not everyone has this in their vehicles yet.

For people who have been injured in a pedestrian-auto accident or have had a loved one die because of this kind of crash, the aftermath can be terrible. The emotional, personal and financial impact can leave the family in dire straits, not knowing where to turn. While a legal filing for compensation will not reverse time, it can help with finances and other issues. One of the keys to a successful filing is the investigation into the accident. A law firm that has experienced in car accidents can help with every aspect of a case and filing a lawsuit.

Source: cnbc.com, “Safety advocates sound alarm over surge of pedestrians killed by cars,” Phil LeBeau, May 8, 2018