Pedestrian Accidents Resources
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed November 03, 2023
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When pedestrian accidents occur, they can have disastrous consequences. You may have a legal claim for damages if a vehicle crashes into you or a loved one. It depends on several things.
First, there are specific steps you need to take to protect your legal rights. Second, you must seek medical attention immediately after the accident to ensure you are okay. Finally, consult with a personal injury lawyer so they can help file your claim and pursue the other driver for damages.
This article will highlight:
- Pedestrian accident statistics
- What you need to do after your pedestrian accident
- What to look for when seeking legal advice
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Virtually everyone is a pedestrian at one point or another. Even if you're walking to your car after a shopping expedition at the mall, you're at risk of being struck by a car or SUV. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 7,000 pedestrians died in motor vehicle accidents in 2020. Unfortunately, the number of pedestrian accidents doesn't seem to be decreasing.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 73% of pedestrian deaths occur in cities. They also tend to happen at places other than intersections. While most pedestrian accidents involve negligent drivers, that isn't always the case. Sometimes, it's the pedestrian who is at fault.
What To Do Immediately After Your Pedestrian Accident
There are specific steps you need to take in the moments and days following your auto accident. What an injured pedestrian does immediately after the accident will determine whether they'll recover damages from the defendant.
If you follow the steps outlined below, you'll increase your chances of collecting damages:
- Always call 911 after your traffic accident, no matter how minor the incident may have been.
- Ask the driver for their insurance information.
- Regardless of whether you think you're hurt, go to the hospital for medical treatment.
- Contact a personal injury attorney to help file your initial auto insurance claim.
You must reach out to an attorney sooner rather than later. You only have a certain amount of time to file your claim. This is because every state has a “statute of limitations." This law dictates how long you have to sue the other party.
In Florida, for example, you have four years from the date of your accident to file suit. In Minnesota, however, you only have two years to file your lawsuit. Keep in mind these filing deadlines are different for wrongful death cases. If your loved one died after a pedestrian accident, you must check your state's statute of limitations.
Types and Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The most common types of pedestrian accidents involve driver negligence or a distracted pedestrian. Sadly, many of these cases also involve those in wheelchairs and strollers. Because there is nothing to protect the victim from the impact of the motor vehicle, pedestrian injuries in these cases are often quite severe.
The most common causes of pedestrian accidents include the following:
- A distracted driver
- Drunk driving
- Failure to use the crosswalk
- Speeding
- Lack of reflective clothing
Every case is unique. Your pedestrian accident lawyer will have to review the evidence in your case and determine if you have a legal claim. If you can prove negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
How Can Your Attorney Prove Negligence?
To recover damages, a pedestrian accident victim must prove the other motorist was negligent. This requires you to prove four things:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- They breached this duty of care
- You were injured or suffered a loss
- The driver's breach caused your injuries
The hardest part of any negligence claim is demonstrating that the defendant breached their duty of care. There are several ways you can do this.
If your attorney can prove that you had the right of way at the time of the accident, it will go a long way toward establishing a breach of duty. The same is true if you prove the defendant violated one of the local traffic laws.
You can find this information in the police report. This is one of the main reasons an experienced attorney will tell you to call 911 after your accident.
What Damages Can You Recover?
You hire a pedestrian accident attorney because you want compensation for your serious injuries. Your attorney can help file a personal injury claim against the driver's insurance. Your personal injury attorney can negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party's insurance carrier. If this isn't possible, they'll have no problem filing a lawsuit on your behalf.
The plaintiffs in most pedestrian accident cases typically demand some or all of the following:
- Medical bills
- Future medical care
- Property damage
- Pain and Suffering
- Punitive damages
The amount of money you recover from the motorist who hit you will depend on the specific facts of your case. For example, someone suffering a traumatic brain injury will likely recover more than someone who only suffered broken bones.
Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children
Sadly, many pedestrian accident cases involve children. Kids don't have the maturity that adults have when crossing the street. They might assume that drivers will stop for them no matter what.
If a motor vehicle strikes your child, then your child may be entitled to damages. There are several links to helpful resources regarding child safety at the end of this article. There, you'll find out how best to keep your children safe. It also discusses some statistics for child injuries in motor vehicle accidents.
Where To Find Help With Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
If you or a family member were injured while walking near a roadway, seeking legal help as soon as possible is in your best interests. Below, you'll find links to several pedestrian accident resources on roadway safety, filing an insurance claim or personal injury claim, and getting the legal help you need.
See Pedestrian Accidents FAQ and Pedestrian Accidents on Interstate Highways to learn more.
- American Traffic Safety Services Association - The ATSSA is an international roadway safety organization representing the highway safety industry.
- CDC: Alcohol Involvement in Pedestrian Fatalities - This is a study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighting the involvement of alcohol in fatal pedestrian accidents.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety / Highway Loss Data Institute: Pedestrians and Bicyclists - This contains information about pedestrian accidents and deaths, with fatality statistics, state laws, and status reports.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - The NHTSA has information about automobile accidents and how often they occur in the U.S.
- NHTSA's Pedestrian Safety Page - You can use this safety guide to help show that the other driver failed to exercise reasonable caution.
- Federal Highway Safety Administration's Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Page - This is a collection of facts, tips, and data on pedestrian accidents and safety.
- Safe Kids USA - Pedestrian Safety - This provides resources on how to prevent your child from being injured in a pedestrian accident.
- National Center for Safe Routes to School - This is the site for an educational and advocacy group dedicated to advancing safety programs for children in regard to safe walking and biking routes to schools.
Have You Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Get Legal Help
When a motor vehicle hits a human being, the results are devastating. The last thing you want to do is deal with medical expenses, insurance companies, and lawyers, but if you or a loved one are a pedestrian accident victim you'll want a strong advocate. Don't wait to contact a local car accident attorney today and schedule your free case evaluation.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf
- Accident and injury claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
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