Are pedestrian accidents common?

A pedestrian accident happens when a vehicle collides with a human being. Not long ago the story of a pedestrian accident made national headlines when a Broadway star, her family and friends were struck by a moving car and two children and an unborn baby lost their lives in the incident. The devastation inflicted on families and victims through pedestrian accidents is great but for some readers of this Kentucky personal injury blog questions may arise regarding just how common these tragedies really are.

Generally, pedestrian accidents are relatively common. One report suggests that around 5,000 fatal pedestrian accidents happen each year. That amounts to more than 13 pedestrian accident deaths each day throughout the United States.

The same report claims that more than 76,000 individuals were hurt in pedestrian accidents during the 2012 calendar year in the United States, which works out to more than 200 injury victims each day in the country from collisions with vehicles. Many of those fatal and injured parties resided right here in Kentucky.

Individuals can take precautions to minimize the changes of being involved in pedestrian crashes by paying attention to their surroundings, being visible to vehicles and crossing streets and roads in appropriate locations such as crosswalks. However, it is up to drivers to avoid distractions as well and to meet their duties of care when they get behind the wheels of their vehicles.

A pedestrian accident can be a devastating and fatal event in the life of a Kentucky family. Though no lawsuit can return a deceased victim to their loved ones, litigation based on personal injuries and may provide victims and survivors with the compensation they need to protect themselves and their futures. Speak with a Kentucky pedestrian accident lawyer if you or someone you love have been injured by a negligent vehicle.