Walking from place to place is an excellent form of exercise. However, motorists have to share the road with pedestrians, which is unsafe. The human body was not meant to survive being hit by a large object weighing thousands of pounds. Because of this, many pedestrian accidents result in fatality. Those who survive often have catastrophic and even permanent injuries.
Pedestrian accidents are a major issue in Washington State. Pedestrian fatalities in the state account for as many as 14% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents. In 2021, there were 2,211 pedestrian accidents, with 142 being fatal and 1,950 involving injuries.
In 2022, there were an estimated 130 pedestrian deaths in Washington State. This is down from the 144 deaths in 2021. However, the 2022 count is still above the 101 deaths in 2019.
Another grim statistic is that between 2010 and 2021, pedestrian deaths rose by 77%. All other traffic deaths rose by 25% during that same period. This means pedestrian accidents are three times as deadly as all other crashes.
Causes of Pedestrian Crashes
Pedestrians have the right of way at intersections, whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked. However, not all motorists yield or stop.
There are several reasons for this. Many drivers are distracted. They are too busy texting, reading, eating, grooming, changing the radio station, or dealing with passengers. They are not focused on the road and end up hitting pedestrians. Drivers may be speeding or not following traffic signs and signals. Some are under the influence or driving recklessly, so they’re not paying attention to pedestrians.
But it’s not always the driver’s fault. Pedestrian behavior can also contribute to these accidents. Pedestrians can avoid these accidents by paying attention to the road. They should also follow the rules of the road and not dart out in front of vehicles. Also, pedestrians can be proactive by making themselves more visible to others. They should wear high-visibility clothing and carry a flashlight.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
A pedestrian can suffer various injuries in a crash, including the following:
- Soft tissue damage. This includes strains, sprains, dislocations, lacerations, and tears. This type of injury can result in severe pain and scarring.
- Broken bones. Pedestrians frequently fracture their hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and legs in accidents. These types of injuries are often very painful, resulting in long-term problems.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Head and brain injuries can be life-altering. A forceful blow to the head can inflict severe damage to multiple parts of the body.
- Spinal cord injury. Thousands of spinal cord injuries occur in pedestrian accidents every year as well. An injury to the spine is serious and can result in paralysis or death.
Contact Us Today
Pedestrian accidents are often severe. Unfortunately, the number of crashes is climbing, making Seattle’s streets unsafe.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, seek legal help from the Seattle personal injury lawyers at Premier Law Group. We’ll help you understand your legal rights and your rights to compensation. Schedule a free consultation today by calling or texting (206) 880-7437 or completing the online form.