Despite the continuing decline in the number of traffic accident fatalities, the number of pedestrian fatalities is still rising in Virginia and in the nation. After representing pedestrians injured in vehicle accidents for 30 years, I see clear patterns in the causes of the accidents and in the kind of injuries and cause of death resulting from them. I’m of the opinion that understanding the facts of pedestrian accidents might make us more aware and alert as vehicle drivers. Knowing about the injuries and fatalities may help us to count the cost of these accidents.
Virginia Pedestrian Accidents: 2018 – 2019
The following chart shows the number of pedestrian accidents, injuries. and fatalities in the last two years.
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Causes of Pedestrian AccidentsAs reported by the National Transportation Safety Board, the following are factors in accidents involving a pedestrian injury: · Drunk drivers · Distracted drivers · Drug-impaired drivers · Jaywalking · Poor visibility at night · Poorly designed roads or intersections · Weather conditions. Further, most pedestrian fatalities occur in urban settings. Of all fatal pedestrian crashes, 18 percent occur at intersections, 72 percent at non-intersections, and 10 percent at other locations (roadsides, shoulders, sidewalks, median crossing islands). [Source: NTSB Special Investigation Report: Pedestrian Safety, September 2018. NTSB/SIR-18-03 B2018-101632]
Most Common Pedestrian InjuriesThe most common pedestrian injuries can occur regardless of the pedestrian’s activity at the time of the crash. The impact of a car may cause the pedestrian to fall to the ground, to veer into an object nearby, or to be thrown on the hood or into the windshield of the vehicle. The most common injuries are: · Pelvic injuries · Broken bones · Lacerations · Internal bleeding Common Pedestrian Accident Locations· Hit-and-run roadside accidents · Intersection accidents · Backing accidents · Left-hand turn accidents · Crosswalk accidents · Failure to yield accidents · Parking lot accidents |
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The old adage says “forewarned is forearmed.” I hope this will help you protect yourself and others.
Call Altizer Law, P.C.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident and through no fault of your own, call Altizer Law, P.C. Bettina Altizer and her team of experts will help you evaluate the amount of any financial damages that you may be entitled to under Virginia Law. Pedestrian injuries are often serious and require a longer recovery time. We understand that when you are injured, it’s about the money.
