Walking is great for the body and environment, but it can also be extremely dangerous. In fact, thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed in accidents each year. Even worse is that
pedestrian accidents are often caused by a negligent, drunken, or reckless driver. What can victims do to protect themselves, what sort of compensation might they be entitled to, and where can they find assistance? The following information explains.
Devastating Statistics
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration estimates that one pedestrian is injured in a traffic accident every eight minutes. On average, that amounts to about 70,000 injuries each year. Even more concerning is the number of pedestrian deaths – about one every two hours, or nearly 5,000 per year. That means pedestrian deaths account for almost 15 percent of all road fatalities every year. Statistics like this are not just concerning, they are outright devastating – not just to victims, but also their loved ones.
Examining the Impact
While the exact impact of a pedestrian accident will vary from one case to the next, there are some common consequences that victims and their families may experience. For example, those that suffer from an injury may have costly medical bills and they may miss time at work. In some instances, victims are injured so severely that they experience short-term, long-term, or even permanent disability.
When a victim is killed, their families lose the companionship of a loved one. The family may also lose the income of a provider, which can place them at risk for accident-induced poverty. There may also be final expenses that the victim’s family must cover. Examples might include medical bills, burial costs, and other final expenses.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents
Although it might be impossible to completely eliminate the risk of an accident, pedestrians can protect themselves and reduce the risk while they are out and about. Start by following the rules of the road. Cross only at designated intersections, follow traffic signs, and walk on the sidewalk whenever it is available. If no sidewalk is present, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic. It is also suggested that you avoid using electronic devices while walking and that you wear bright or reflective clothing to increase your visibility.
Pursuing Compensation After an Accident
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, contact Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC for assistance. Our
Rolling Meadows pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to your best interests, and we will fight for the most compensation possible. Schedule a personalized consultation to learn more. Call 847-934-6000 today.
About the Author: Attorney Ken Apicella is a founding partner of DGAA focusing in the areas of personal injury, employment, insurance coverage disputes, and civil litigation. Ken earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1999. He has been named a SuperLawyers Rising Star and a Forty Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch. Ken has written and lectured for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education and regularly serves as a moderator at Northwest Suburban Bar Association's Continuing Legal Education seminars.
Sources:
http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/18/us/new-york-times-square-car-pedestrians/index.html
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812124
https://www.cdc.gov/features/pedestriansafety/
http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/data/factsheet_crash.cfm
