Who is most at risk of being hurt in a pedestrian accident?

On Behalf of | Sep 18, 2019 | Auto-Pedestrian Accidents |

According to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 6,000 people lost their lives in pedestrian-vehicle accidents in the United States in 2016. Almost 130,000 more victims suffered injuries in collisions with vehicles. By these statistics, pedestrian crashes kill an individual every 90 minutes in our country. Residents of Florida know all too well that these often preventable collisions occur in the Sunshine State, but it is often individuals from certain demographic groups that are more likely to be harmed in crashes with cars.

For example, older individuals are more likely to become pedestrian accident victims than their younger adult counterparts. Older individuals may stay in crosswalks longer and may move slower than younger adults, making them less likely to be able to avoid vehicles when they cross their paths. Similarly, children are also more likely to be hurt and killed in pedestrian accidents than younger adults. Children can be erratic and may move into traffic without considering the dangers, putting them in the path of oncoming traffic.

As is the case for other forms of motor vehicle accidents, intoxication can play a major role in these wrecks. Drunk drivers are more likely to misjudge speed and distance, and they may not be able to identify pedestrians in a crosswalk. These impairments can significantly increase the likelihood of a pedestrian accident that causes serious injuries and/or death.

Pedestrian accidents can leave victims with serious injuries, and they claim thousands of lives every year. Legal support can assist individuals and their families after they have been forced to bear the burdens of these tragic incidents. To learn more about auto-pedestrian accident victim rights and legal options, readers can contact their trusted personal injury attorneys.

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