Pedestrian accidents are a serious safety threat across the United States. Every year, countless individuals are injured or killed while simply walking on public roads. While the dangers of pedestrian accidents are present nationwide, certain states pose a significantly higher risk to those on foot.
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we have a team of specialized pedestrian accident lawyers ready to help you defend your rights. We understand the physical, mental, and financial struggles that victims of pedestrian accidents go through, and we’re in your corner. Please contact us online or call (800) 320-HELP for a free consultation.
Quick Guide to Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian accident occurs when a vehicle strikes a person walking on a public road or sidewalk. Unlike accidents involving other vehicles, pedestrian accidents are uniquely dangerous due to the inherent vulnerability of pedestrians.
Without the protection of a metal frame or airbags, pedestrians are exposed to the full force of an impact. This often results in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even fatalities. Pedestrians have a limited ability to avoid collisions compared to drivers, putting them at particular risk.
Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents
The impact of a pedestrian accident can be devastating, causing a wide range of injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening.
Common injuries sustained by pedestrians struck by moving vehicles include:
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises: These are the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents, often caused by the impact of the vehicle or the road surface.
- Sprains and strains: These soft tissue injuries occur when ligaments or tendons are stretched or torn beyond their normal limits.
- Broken bones: Serious fractures can occur in any bone but are most common in the legs, arms, and ribs due to the direct force of the impact.
- Internal bleeding: This is a serious injury that can be difficult to diagnose immediately. Symptoms can include severe pain, swelling, dizziness, and weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms after a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
- Head trauma: This can range from a mild concussion to life-threatening brain injuries. More serious head injuries can cause coma, bleeding in the brain, and permanent neurological damage.
- Spinal cord injuries: These can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and other permanent disabilities depending on the severity and location of the injury.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs can have a lasting impact on cognitive function, memory, speech, and motor skills.
- Amputations: Amputation surgery may be necessary to remove a severely damaged limb.
These injuries can lead to long-term medical complications, disability, and even death. It’s vital to seek medical attention right away after a pedestrian accident, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. You may have injuries you’re not aware of, and your medical records will be crucial for obtaining compensation.
Most Dangerous States for Pedestrians
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ranks states based on the pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 people who live there. According to their data from 2021, the ten most dangerous states for pedestrians are:
- New Mexico: 4.82
- Louisiana: 3.98
- Florida: 3.75
- South Carolina: 3.66
- Arizona: 3.41
- Mississippi: 3.19
- Delaware: 2.89
- Georgia: 2.83
- California: 2.82
- Texas: 2.77
These states combine urban sprawl, heavy traffic, and high speed limits, which create a perfect recipe for pedestrian accidents. Many of these states also enjoy warmer climates, which may lead to more pedestrian activity.
Risk Factors for Pedestrians Make Certain States More Dangerous
Research indicates that pedestrians are at the greatest risk in areas that combine high traffic speeds with a large volume of pedestrians, like shopping centers near major roads. Other potential risk factors that make an area more dangerous for pedestrians can include:
- Lack of sidewalks: Forces pedestrians to walk on the road, increasing risk.
- Poorly designed intersections: Confusing layouts or inadequate visibility can lead to accidents.
- Insufficient crosswalks: Makes it difficult for pedestrians to safely cross the street.
- Poor lighting: Reduces visibility for both pedestrians and drivers, especially at night.
- High speed limits: Increases the severity of injuries in case of a collision.
- Heavy traffic volume: More vehicles on the road increase the risk of accidents.
- Large number of turning vehicles: Intersections with high traffic volume and complex turning movements are more dangerous.
- Presence of large vehicles: Trucks and buses have larger blind spots and can be more difficult to see.
These factors, along with individual driver behavior, can cause pedestrian accidents. To improve pedestrian safety, it’s most important to set and enforce safe speed limits that give drivers more time to react to pedestrians. Improving infrastructure like lighting and crosswalks can also make public spaces safer to enjoy on foot.
Compensation for Pedestrians Harmed in Traffic Accidents
Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to financial compensation for the injuries and losses suffered.
- Medical expenses: Costs associated with treatment, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from work due to injuries.
- Future earning capacity: Potential income loss if the injury causes long-term disability.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged personal belongings.
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional discomfort caused by the injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities that were previously enjoyed.
Determining the exact amount of compensation for a pedestrian accident claim can be complex and involves various factors, including the severity of injuries, the impact on the victim’s life, and local laws. An experienced personal injury attorney can assess your case and help you receive fair compensation.
Call the Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at WHG
If you’ve been harmed in a pedestrian accident, your number one priority is recovery. The additional stress of obtaining the compensation you need can be overwhelming. An experienced personal injury lawyer is a crucial ally in these times.
Personal injury lawyers can help by:
- Investigating the accident, and gathering evidence to prove fault and liability.
- Building a strong case, collecting medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement.
- Litigating the case and representing you in court if necessary.
- Providing support and guidance through a complicated legal matter.
By leveraging our expert knowledge and resources, the pedestrian accident lawyers at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia help victims obtain the compensation they deserve with minimal stress. We understand the physical, mental, and emotional toll these accidents take, and we’re here to advocate for your rights.
Let WHG’s skilled personal injury lawyers take the lead in your case. We offer our services to clients across the country, as accidents don’t only happen in the most dangerous states for pedestrians. Don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Please contact us online or at 1-800-320-HELP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?
After a pedestrian accident, your first priority should be seeking medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. After that, collect whatever evidence at the scene you can and contact law enforcement to create an accident report. You should also get in touch with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as you can.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim?
The statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident claim varies from state to state. In Florida, for instance, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim.
Contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident to make sure you’re in full compliance with any time limits.
What if I was potentially at fault for my pedestrian accident?
Don’t panic. You could still be entitled to compensation, even if you think you were partially at fault for your accident. Comparative negligence laws exist in many states, including Florida, which allow victims to recover damages even if they were partially at fault.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can assess your case and determine the best way to proceed.
