Hitting pedestrians while driving a car is unfortunately not uncommon
Hitting a pedestrian while driving a car is unfortunately not uncommon and may result in serious injuries and fatalities. Even a driver traveling at a low speed of 10 miles per hour can severely disable a pedestrian in a crash.
The U.S.’s roadways can pose a very dangerous threat to pedestrians. Statistics show that 5,000 pedestrians are killed annually, and 64,000 are injured in accidents that involve motor vehicles. NHTSA’s statistics for the year 2009 show pedestrian fatalities represented 12.1% of the people killed in traffic crashes.
11% of motor vehicle fatalities involve pedestrians
The National Highway Traffic Association and the Insurance Institute report that 11% of motor vehicle fatalities involve pedestrians. In terms of motor vehicle fatalities, pedestrian death is second only to occupant death. Statistics show that on average, every 8 minutes a pedestrian is hurt in a traffic accident and that on average, every 2 hours, a pedestrian is killed.
Children under the age of 16 are most likely to be struck by a motor vehicle
When involved in a motor vehicle collision at 40 mph a pedestrian has an 85% chance of death. There is a 45% chance of death at 30 mph, and a 5% chance of death at 20 mph. The most vulnerable for pedestrian accident related injuries are young children and elderly. Children under the age of 16 are most likely to be struck by a motor vehicle. While elderly pedestrians are struck less frequently than children they are more likely to die after being struck.
It’s important to know what to do immediately after an accident involving a pedestrian and a car, regardless of if you are the driver or the pedestrian. Remaining calm and speaking to the right parties can minimize liability. Drivers and pedestrians should learn the basic rules of fault, how injuries and damages will be compensated, and most importantly, how to avoid such accidents in the first place.
Personal Injury Attorneys PLLC
Website
