You may be able to file a claim if you were injured by a negligent driver while walking. Many pedestrian accidents end in fatality here in Central Alabama, and it’s true everywhere else. The number of pedestrian fatalities has been going up since 2009 with no discernible end in sight.

The Ghsa On Pedestrian Deaths In 2019

The Governors Highway Safety Administration made a preliminary analysis of 2019, the latest year for which traffic death data is available. Though the data only extended to June 2019, the GHSA was able to estimate that 6,590 pedestrians died last year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is to release complete data later in 2020.

If the number is accurate, though, it represents a 5% increase from 2018. Moreover, compared to the 4,109 pedestrians who died in 2009, it marks a 60% spike. It’s also the highest number of pedestrian deaths seen since 1988.

States With The Most Pedestrian Deaths

The GHSA found that 47% of the fatalities in 2019 arose in five states that, taken together, compose nearly one-third of the U.S. population: Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arizona and California. As for the highest fatality rates per 100,000 people, they were found in Florida, New Mexico and Hawaii. Vermont, Wisconsin and Idaho had the lowest rates.

Possible Reasons For This Trend

Only pedestrian deaths have been increasing so quickly; all other traffic deaths rose just 2% between 2009 and 2018. The GHSA brought up several possible reasons for this. One is that more drivers are being distracted by their phones. Another is that there are more SUVs and light trucks on the road because these vehicles in particular can leave pedestrians with serious, sometimes fatal, injuries.

Filing A Claim With Legal Guidance

Pedestrian accidents that involve a catastrophic injury can form the basis for a personal injury claim. You may want a lawyer to handle each step of the filing process since you need to dedicate your time to your physical recovery. A lawyer might hire third parties to investigate the crash and prove the driver’s negligence.