Research from the National Highway Safety Administration outlines some of the primary causes and factors associated with the majority of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian accidents include any situation in which a person is running, hiking, jogging, walking, or lying down when he or she is involved in a motor vehicle crash.
According to statistics analyzed by this organization, the majority of pedestrian accidents happen in urban areas. More pedestrian accidents happen at non-intersections when compared with intersections. The majority of pedestrian accidents happen at night with the highest total percentage of accidents happening between 6 P.M. and 8:59P.M. Approximately 26% of accidents occurred during this particular timeframe.
Depending on the speed the vehicle was going, pedestrian accident injuries can range from minor to severe. Those who have been seriously injured experience problems like broken bones, fractures, internal bleeding, and head trauma.
The average age of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents was 46. The average age for other individuals injured in other kinds of traffic crashes was 36. More than two thirds of pedestrian accident victims were male and alcohol involvement for the pedestrian or the driver in a traffic crash resulting in a fatality reported in at 49% of the cases. Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe injuries that make it difficult for the injured individual to move on with his or her life.
In the event that you are involved in a pedestrian accident either as a driver, eyewitness, or pedestrian, there are a few important steps you should take, including:
- Contact the police immediately to initiate their response and emergency medical help
- Move any debris or people out of the line of traffic, if possible
- Speak calmly to any individuals who appear to be seriously hurt or going through shock, waiting until medical personnel arrive before attempting to move them
Following these steps can help stop a bad situation from getting worse. Once police arrive, they can take over management of the accident scene. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in California, contact a California personal injury attorney as soon as possible.