Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that in 2010 overall fatalities from traffic accidents decreased in the United States while pedestrian accidents increased. Statistics published by this federal agency, along with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, have shown that pedestrians rank as the second largest fatality group in traffic accidents after vehicle drivers and their passengers. According to these agencies, approximately 5,000 pedestrians die every year in accidents and another 64,000 are injured. The majority of these accidents involve motor vehicles of some type. Speeding is known to be a major contributor to all types of traffic accidents and when it is involved in a pedestrian accident, tragic results can occur.

At higher speeds, the driver of a car often cannot stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian. The risk for death by a pedestrian struck by a vehicle driven at a speed of 40 miles per hour is as high as 85 percent. At 30 miles per hour, the chances of a pedestrian dying when hit by a car are 45 percent. A pedestrian involved in a traffic collision has a much higher chance of injury or death than drivers or passengers of cars who are belted and surrounded by the steel frame of their vehicle. These types of accidents frequently take place at crosswalks and intersections.

Get Experienced Legal Help from a Tempe Pedestrian Accident Attorney

In the case of injury or death from a traffic accident in the Tempe, Arizona area, injury victims or the family survivors of an individual who has been killed will need proper legal representation. According to personal injury law, they are eligible to pursue financial compensation for damages from negligent drivers, auto equipment manufacturers, or governmental agencies responsible for road maintenance and proper signage. All of these can be a factor in determining liability. At the Knowles Law Firm, you can work with a Tempe personal injury attorney who is experienced in knowing and applying all of the legal factors involved in your case. The firm will investigate and prepare your injury or wrongful death claim in order to maximize your financial recovery.

Contact a Tempe pedestrian accident lawyer at Knowles Law Firm, PLC today.