It’s one thing when you get into a car accident with another vehicle. They happen all the time on today’s busy and often distracted roadways, whether it’s a minor fender-bender, a head-on collision, or something in between. But it’s something entirely different when you’re involved in pedestrian accidents.
A pedestrian accident is when a moving vehicle hits a person. And they happen way more than you might think—often with deadly consequences. The Governors Highway Safety Association reported 7,148 people in the United States were struck and killed in pedestrian accidents in 2024. While that may not seem like a very large number, the same report confirmed that pedestrian deaths are increasing at a rate far faster than overall traffic fatalities.
Here are a few more noteworthy statistics from the GHSA:
- One in four pedestrian deaths is the result of a hit-and-run crash.
- Light trucks accounted for 54% of pedestrian fatalities.
- More than three-quarters of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark.
- Nearly two-thirds of pedestrian deaths occurred in locations without a sidewalk in 2023.
Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way
This is a key point to remember if you cause one or more pedestrian accidents or are the victim of one. It doesn’t matter whether the driver claims they didn’t see you crossing the street. Perhaps they would have if they were paying attention. As a result, a personal injury claim can almost always be filed and defended.
Here are some of the more common ways pedestrian accidents happen:
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Distracted or drunk driver
Pedestrian accidents often wouldn’t happen if the driver weren’t distracted or drunk. A few examples include texting or looking at your phone, eating or drinking while driving, reading a book while driving, switching radio stations, and getting something from the back seat. By the same token, alcohol and drugs can severely impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, coordination, and focus. As a result, they may not see a pedestrian at a crosswalk, in a parking lot, or along road shoulders.
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Speeding
When you speed, you reduce your ability to stop in time and greatly increase the severity of injuries when a pedestrian is struck. Speeding drivers are less likely to see pedestrians crossing the street and more likely to lose control, especially in residential areas, school zones, or downtown corridors.
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A driver failed to stop or yield
Many times, pedestrian accidents are caused by a driver who ignores crosswalk laws and basic stop signs or traffic signals. All it takes is turning or failing to yield the right-of-way without first checking for pedestrians. The next thing you know, someone is hurt, and you’re at fault.
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Backing up accidents
The most common areas for pedestrian accidents are parking lots, driveways, and loading zones. Simply put, drivers reverse out of their parking spots without checking their mirrors or blind spots.
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Hazardous road conditions
While not always a viable defense for pedestrian accidents, rain, fog, ice, snow, and high winds can significantly reduce visibility and traction, making it harder to stop or react in time. Wet or icy roads increase stopping distances, while fog and heavy rain can obscure other vehicles, traffic signals, and road markings. Poor lighting, uneven pavement, potholes, faded crosswalk markings, and other factors can also contribute to pedestrian accidents.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!
As mentioned above, automobile accidents can occur for various reasons. One or many of the drivers involved could be suffering from fatigue, distracted driving, or drug and alcohol use. In other instances, icy road conditions can lead to an accident that no one intended. That said, fault will likely be assigned to someone. At Keys Law Offices, we are dedicated to representing victims of automobile accidents. Our experienced team understands the intricate legal issues involved in car accident cases and knows how to investigate and litigate them to secure the compensation our clients deserve.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Our staff is always available. Call us today!