The worst car crashes might not be the ones where several vehicles hit one another. Incidents in which a car hits a pedestrian could be far worse. Internal injuries and head trauma may lead to the pedestrian’s death, and there are many tragic examples of such things occurring in California each year. In the aftermath, many will wonder if the occurrence was avoidable. Many times, it was.
Facts surrounding fatal pedestrian accidents
A review of several facts surrounding fatal pedestrian accidents paints a clearer picture of why such accidents happen. Understanding the broader picture seems necessary, as 2019 saw a 51% increase in pedestrian fatalities since 2009, a year where fatalities were at their low point.
Although dark rural roads present hazards, urban areas have more pedestrians. Likely, the combination of a large population and heavy traffic factor into the reasons why. Senior persons suffer the highest number of pedestrian fatalities, as an older person may be less likely to survive severe injuries.
Negligence and fatal pedestrian accidents
Not surprisingly, negligence plays a frequent role in fatal motor vehicle accidents. When speed limits are too high, the risk of pedestrian accidents increases. While a local municipality could lower those limits, a driver may choose to speed far above whatever the posted limits are. Such negligent driving could result in an otherwise avoidable collision.
Intersections remain dangerous places, especially when drivers fail to signal their turns. A pedestrian might not know a vehicle intends to turn, so they enter the intersection. A careless driver could continue on his or her way and hit the person.
Pedestrian accidents may leave people fighting for their lives, and survivors could suffer significant life-changing injuries. Car accident victims might find it necessary to file a lawsuit or pursue an insurance claim to recover their losses.