A pedestrian accident in Missouri can cause catastrophic injuries and death. The increasing number of ways in which drivers’ attention can be diverted from the road along with the time-tested dangers place pedestrians in jeopardy of suffering injuries and death in motor vehicle accidents. While the risk was inherently understood as a part of life, new research shows that the number of pedestrian fatalities has risen at a troubling rate. This should be a concern for everyone. It is also wise to understand all the problems – financially, physically, personally – that can result from a pedestrian accident and that a legal filing can help with recovering a sufficient amount in compensation.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) conducted a study that indicated the number of pedestrian fatalities on U.S. roadways has risen to its highest level since 1990. Fatalities rose by 4 percent from 2017 to 2018. Even though there was improvement in many states, these numbers are troubling. GHSA used preliminary data from the first half of the year and came to its totals. Its estimate is that more than 6,200 people died in pedestrian accidents over the full year.
Pedestrian fatalities had risen in the decade from 2008 to 2017. A positive development is that other traffic fatalities reduced by 6 percent. The percentage of pedestrians who died in the context of total fatal accidents rose by 4 percent. While states that are more heavily populated like California, Florida and Texas are part of the five states that had nearly half the pedestrian fatalities in the U.S., that does not mean everyone else is safe. The dangers that spark pedestrian accidents are nationwide.
These dangers include the number of people who have smartphones and are tempted to use them behind the wheel, the rising number of people who are driving light trucks instead of passenger vehicles, and that more people are walking rather than driving, making for a larger number of pedestrians on the road. These numbers should be concerning to everyone. When there are pedestrian-motor vehicle accidents, there is an overwhelming likelihood that the pedestrian will suffer the worst of it and have major injuries. These frequently result in a fatality. Those who have been affected by a pedestrian accident whether they suffered injuries or lost a loved one must remember the importance of legal advice. A law firm that has experience in investigating all types of motor vehicle accidents can be of assistance when filing a claim for compensation.