Pedestrian Death Rate Continues to Increase
2018 Data Indicates Rising Pedestrian Death Rate
Sometimes the most reliable way to get from point A to point B is to travel by foot. Unfortunately even this most basic form of transportation has become even more dangerous over time. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the total number of pedestrian deaths across the United States has reached a 28 year high.
The GHSA issued a report that showed their statistical analysis regarding the state of pedestrian safety across the country and its findings are anything but good. The report determined that about 6,227 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2018. That would make the total a 4 percent increase from 2017's total and the highest fatality rate for pedestrians in the country since 1990. Overall, pedestrian deaths have risen a total of 35% since 2008 according to a statement from GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins.
Why are Pedestrians Being Killed in Vehicle Collisions?
There is no single factor that can account for the massive amount of people getting killed by cars while walking the streets. Like with most major issues plaguing our country, it is a collection of smaller factors working together to create an environment where something like this can happen. Pedestrian accidents seem to be the exception when it comes to transport fatality rates since there has been progress with reducing fatalities among other road users in the past few years.
SUV and Truck Popularity Increases Chance of Pedestrian Death
Pedestrians are always likely to suffer severe injuries when they are involved in a collision with a vehicle. However, the increasing popularity of vehicles like SUV's and trucks increases an already high chance of death when they collide with a pedestrian. SUV's and trucks tend to be much larger and heavier than sedans and similar passenger vehicles which increases the force in which a pedestrian is hit with and the surface area that can hit the pedestrian.
There has been a 50 percent increase in the number of SUVs involved in pedestrian deaths since 2013. At the same time, non-SUV passenger cars had a 30 percent increase of involvement in pedestrian deaths over that same time period. SUV's are a growing percentage of the makeup of registered car types in this country and are likely to cause more significant injury. The majority of cars involved in pedestrian fatalities are still non-SUV passenger vehicles but SUV's are steadily closing the gap.
Distraction and Pedestrian the Pedestrian Death Increase
Driver distraction is already one of the leading causes of car accidents across the country and it naturally causes plenty of pedestrian accidents as well. Driver distraction can be defined as when a driver loses focus on the important task of paying attention to the road in lieu of another act or behavior. Of all the forms of distracted driving, the most famous and the most damaging is texting while driving. The thing with pedestrian accidents is that pedestrians as well can be distracted and may walk onto the road and be hit.
Texting and driving is no longer the only thing that is putting pedestrian and driver's alike at risk for a collision. Smartphone use, in general, has evolved over time to include social media, web browsing, and many other apps that can distract both drivers and pedestrians leading to an accident and likely death for the pedestrian.
Florida and the Nationwide Pedestrian Accident Fatality Increase
Only a handful of states account for more than half of all the pedestrian fatalities in the country. California, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, and of course Florida make up this list of state's particularly hazardous for pedestrians. Florida may not contribute the most pedestrian deaths to the total (California has the most) but it certainly is a hotspot where there should be a concern. The Fort Lauderdale-Miami and Orlando metropolitan areas are some of the worst cities when it comes to pedestrian accident rates and naturally pedestrian deaths.
Seeking Compensation for a Wrongful Pedestrian Death
The loss of a loved one is possibly one of the most difficult events to cope with in an individual's life. When that loved one passes away because of someone's negligent behavior it makes it all the more hurtful. When a loved one passes away because a driver or other liable party was negligent then you may be able to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. By proving a liable party's negligent behavior like drunk driving or illegal maneuver caused a loved one's death, a plaintiff may be able to reach a settlement that can cover funeral expenses, lost income potential, loss of consortium, etc. However, when undertaking a wrongful death claim, it is advised that you enlist the assistance of an attorney.
Consult an Experienced Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
Pedestrians continue to be struck and killed every day in the United States. Pedestrian fatalities happen in every city, state, and every income level and ethnicity. Not everyone struck by a vehicle dies. Many live, but are left with chronic pain and suffering for the rest of their lives. Their injuries may lead to them losing their jobs, or seeing their family income decline as family members take time off to care for them. They may experience a reduced quality of life because their injuries keep them from the activities they love. And, of course, the emotional trauma being struck by a car stays with victims long after broken bones, cuts, and bruises heal.
Every Floridian deserves to be able to walk around their community without the fear of being struck by a speeding, drunk, or distracted driver. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA is staffed with highly experienced attorneys ready to assist Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater residents who have been injured in pedestrian accidents, and the families of those who have been tragically killed. We fight to recover compensation for our clients, including lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
If you or someone you love has experienced injury or death as the result of a careless driver, call (727) 451-6900 or contact us online today for a free consultation. Out Lawyers are happy to sit down with you and discuss the details of your case as well as what legal options are available. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA has the resources and experience that you will need to successfully recover the settlement that you deserve.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900
https://www.dolmanlaw.com/pedestrian-accident-lawyer/florida/
Matthew Dolman
Personal Injury Lawyer
This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits. Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.
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