A shocking study from the International Transport Forum confirms the dramatic and dangerous trend of distracted driving and pedestrian deaths. The study focused on traffic deaths between 2010-1016, and while just five of the 29 studied countries experienced an increase in traffic deaths during that time, the U.S. had the largest rate of increase at 13.5 percent.
A Forum associate said there were two main factors behind the increase in traffic deaths: more vehicles on the road and distracted driving.
In this issue, the Alaska personal injury lawyers with Barber & Associates will talk more about the rise in pedestrian deaths.
Are pedestrian deaths really on the rise?
According to the Forum’s study, they are. In fact, in addition to having the largest rate of increase of traffic deaths during the studied timeframe, the U.S. also experienced the largest jump (39.2 percent) in pedestrian deaths.
Pedestrians are especially vulnerable in times of accidents with vehicles. Common injuries from such accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries (dislocations, sprains, lacerations, bruises, etc.)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Emotional trauma stemming from the mental devastation resulting from being hit by a vehicle
Who is at fault for pedestrian accidents?
Each case is different, but it’s vital to keep in mind that drivers and pedestrians share responsibility while on the road.
The driver assumes a certain level of responsibility when they receive their license to use care while driving. Likewise, pedestrians also have a duty to use reasonable care, for their own safety and that of others. If a pedestrian contributes to the cause of an accident, they could be found responsible for negligence.
How do pedestrian accidents happen?
There are a host of reasons behind pedestrian accidents. Here are the most commonly reported causes.
- Using cell phones and texting while driving or walking while crossing intersections.
- Drivers not watching for pedestrians as they run through crosswalks.
- Motorists running traffic signals.
- Crosswalks that are not marked properly or do not accurately take logical traffic flows into account.
- Driving or walking in public while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you’ve experienced a pedestrian injury, call the Alaska personal injury lawyers at Barber & Associates.
While you’re recovering from injuries sustained from a pedestrian injury, the last thing on your mind should be having to fight to cover your medical treatment or make up for lost wages or decreased earning potential.
Here at Barber & Associates, we’ll carry the burden of helping you satisfy your financial obligations, and aggressively fight to make sure you’re compensated for your pain and suffering.
For a free consultation, call us at 907-276-5858 or email us.