Pedestrian Injuries
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Pedestrian Injury Lawsuits
Injuries resulting from pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes on public roadways are termed pedestrian-motor vehicle traffic (PMVT) injuries. 4,749 pedestrians were reported to have been killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2003. These deaths accounted for 11% of the 42,643 motor vehicle deaths nationwide that year. An estimated 70,000 pedestrians were injured or killed in motor vehicle collisions.
Speeding is a major contributing factor in crashes of all types. In 2003, speeding was a contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes. Speeding has serious consequences when a pedestrian is involved. Fatal pedestrian collisions occur more often during periods of darkness.
If you or a family member has suffered from a pedestrian motor vehicle injury, our firm has the experience and expertise to represent your interests and can help recover any damages that resulted from the incident.
We all know how something as simple as taking a walk on your lunch break or after a long day at work can be. Walking improves your cardiovascular and mental health, lessens your carbon footprint, and reduces traffic congestion. Unfortunately, walking around out there as a pedestrian can sometimes be dangerous.
Pedestrian Injury Facts
Statistics show that most Washingtonians walk every day whether for recreation or as a means of getting to work. As a matter of fact, 25-30% of the state’s population use walking as their primary means of transportation. Bicyclists and those on foot made up nearly nineteen percent of all traffic fatalities from 2013 to 2017, as well as almost twenty-three percent of serious injuries, according to The Washington State Safety Commission.
Most pedestrian injuries yield face, neck, and head injuries. Common examples are skull damage, concussions, broken bones, shoulder displacements, deep cuts/lacerations, and vertebrae injuries. Other pedestrian injuries affect the abdominal area or chest, legs and feet.
Avoiding Pedestrian Injuries
- When out and about on a walk, be sure to stay where drivers can clearly see you, and wear reflective clothing at night (most pedestrian accidents occur between 6 PM and 12 AM). It’s also a good idea to carry a flashlight—just be careful not to shine it into any oncoming vehicles, as doing so can make it more difficult for motorists to spot you. Stay on the sidewalk at all times, unless there is some debris or irregular paving that would cause you to quickly sidestep it.
- Be careful when crossing the street! Just like your parents always told you, always look both ways prior to crossing the street, even if you don’t see or hear any vehicles around. They can pop up quickly and catch you off guard.
- Keep an eye on the kids. Children often get fidgety, as any parent or caregiver can confirm. Do not let small children walk alone. Kids need your guidance and support to learn how to become safe pedestrians themselves, so please set a good example
- Stay in crosswalks and make use of signalized intersections whenever possible. In Washington State, every intersection is a legal crosswalk, but that doesn’t mean that every driver will obey the law, so always be aware of your surroundings.
- Obeying traffic signals is an important part of being a responsible pedestrian. Listen and look out for traffic officers and pay close attention to the directions they provide
- This may sound like a silly one, but do not drink and walk. Alcohol impairs judgment and with your guard down out there, you’re far more likely to be at risk of a pedestrian-vehicle crash. Use public transportation or call someone for a ride if you find yourself out and inebriated before walking home while under the influence.
Even when you obey all of the rules as a pedestrian, accidents do happen. If you or a loved one find yourself in need of help after an accident, don’t hesitate to contact Jacobs & Jacobs at 1-866 289-4357. For over 127 years, we’ve represented thousands of accident and injury victims throughout the Puget Sound Region and all of Washington State