What are the leading causes of pedestrian accidents?

Around 6,000 pedestrians die per year while walking along our nation’s streets, after being hit by vehicles. If you doubt the danger for a pedestrian who is hit by a car, consider some statistics from 2022: 8,000 pedestrians were killed on the nation’s roads, and 140,000 were treated for injuries. Four times as many people died as survived their injuries.

Specific sectors of society are more vulnerable: Those who do not drive themselves, be it for age or economic reasons such as children, the elderly and lower-income families. The elderly make up 20% of all pedestrian deaths, and one in five of all child deaths is due to being hit by a vehicle.

As a pedestrian, you can do a few things to protect yourself: Use the crossings, do not cross the road while using your phone or headphones, walk on the sidewalk, not the road and do not be walking around drunk or drugged.

However, it is important to remember that most accidents are not the fault of the pedestrian. Much of the United States, including Seattle, seems to have forgotten about pedestrians when town planning. Too much has been designed only with cars in mind, and when authorities have taken measures to make towns safer for pedestrians, they have not gone far enough, or the measures taken have not worked.

Driver negligence is what causes most pedestrian accidents in Seattle and elsewhere: not stopping at a crossing, turning left without looking, distracted driving, speeding or driving under the influence. When someone steps into their car, they need to remember just how dangerous the ton or more of metal they are driving can be to people walking along the street.

Matthew D. Dubin

Matt Dubin has spent more than 20 years honing his skills as one of the top personal injury lawyers in the State of Washington. In his career, Matt has focused on protecting consumers from dangerous household products, medical mistakes, roadway accidents, and many other causes of injury. Matt has recovered nearly $20 million on behalf of his clients.

Education

• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington – J.D.
• Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – B.A.

request free consultation call us at (206) 800-8000