Buffalo, NY pedestrian accident attorneys explain what you need to know

Pedestrian accident fatalities nationwide reached a 30-year high last year, according to the latest statistics compiled by the Governors Highway Safety Association. It wasn’t just 2019 that saw a sharp increase in the number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities. The number of pedestrian fatalities has increased by more than 60 percent since 2009.

Why are there so many more pedestrian fatalities? How many pedestrians were killed in accidents in 2019? What are common causes of pedestrian accidents? You can find the answers to these questions and more in this month’s blog, as well as tips to avoid a pedestrian accident and how much pedestrian accident claims may be worth.

How many pedestrian fatalities were there in 2019?

The Governors Highway Safety Administration recently released the estimated pedestrian fatality statistics for 2019. Last year, the GHSA estimates that 6,590 people died in pedestrian accidents. That figure represents a 4.8 percent increase or 307 more deaths compared to 2018, when there were 6,283 pedestrian fatalities.

These increases are small compared to what has happened in the past decade. Since 2009, pedestrian fatalities have increased by 60.3 percent or 2,481 fatalities since 2009, when there were just 4,109 pedestrian fatalities nationwide. In contrast, all other traffic fatalities have increased by only 2 percent nationwide during the same time period.

Which states have the most pedestrian fatalities?

As part of the GHSA study about pedestrian fatalities, the organization released a state-by-state comparison for pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2018 and the first half of 2019. Based on those statistics, the 5 states with the most pedestrian fatalities were:

• California – 519 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2019, compared to 454 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2018.
• Florida – 368 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2019, compared to 359 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2018.
• Texas – 313 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2019, compared to 297 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2018.
• New York – 120 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2019, compared to 112 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2018.
• Georgia – 116 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2019, compared to 137 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2018.

What are common causes of pedestrian accidents?

The GHSA cites several reasons why pedestrian accidents continue to increase at an alarming rate. Part of it has to do with the increased sales of SUVs and other light trucks instead of passenger vehicles. These larger vehicles weigh more and often cause more serious injuries and fatalities. Warmer weather in 2018 and 2019 may have also been a factor. The GHSA also cited other reasons for the number of pedestrian accidents:

• Distracted driving, especially due to cellphones
• Texting while driving
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving

What are some safety tips to avoid a pedestrian accident?

If you are crossing the street or walking along a road, there are several things you can do to stay safe and hopefully avoid a pedestrian accident, including:

• Try to walk in areas with sidewalks and good lighting.
• Be alert at all times while walking along a road.
• Avoid looking at a cellphone while walking.
• Avoid walking after dark along a road, especially if it’s not well-lit.
• Wear bright clothing so drivers can see you while walking along a road.
• Always look both ways before crossing the street.

Even some of the safest pedestrians sometimes become victims of pedestrian accidents. When that happens, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention, then talk to an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible.

How much is a pedestrian accident claim worth?

There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to pedestrian accident claims. Each case is different. Some are worth a few thousand dollars. Others are worth a few million. The bottom line is you or your family should be financially compensated for all your pedestrian accident-related expenses, now and in the future. These expenses may include:

• Emergency medical care
• Ambulance fees
• Surgical procedures
• Follow-up medical care
• Physical therapy
• Replacement income if you cannot work during your recovery
• Lost future income if you cannot return to work due to your pedestrian accident injury
• Funeral expenses in cases of fatal pedestrian accidents
• Pain and suffering in certain circumstances

To learn more about pedestrian accidents and how an attorney can help you, contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced New York pedestrian accident lawyer at the Law Offices of James Morris in Buffalo, New York. We have decades of experience handling complex cases.