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GHSA estimates an alarming 6,590 pedestrian deaths in 2019

On Behalf of | May 20, 2020 | Family Law

If you were involved in an accident as a pedestrian, you may be wondering how you can seek compensation. Whether the accident occurred in Georgia, South Carolina or another state, you have options.

Nationwide, many claims arise because of pedestrian accidents because these accidents are on the rise. Sadly, a significant portion of these accidents are fatal. Pedestrian fatalities have been steadily climbing since 2009 after seeing a decline that lasted two decades.

GHSA report on pedestrian deaths in 2019

There’s data on pedestrian fatalities for the first half of 2019 but not the second half. Using this incomplete data, the Governors Highway Safety Administration made a preliminary study of traffic deaths in that year and estimated that 6,590 pedestrians died. Assuming that the number is accurate, it marks a 5% increase from 2018 and a 60% increase from 2009 when 4,109 pedestrians were killed.

The last time pedestrian fatalities were this high was 1988. This spike has not been equaled in other types of accidents. Between 2009 and 2018, all other traffic deaths rose 2% according to the GHSA.

SUVs and distracted drivers to blame

The question is what’s causing this rise in pedestrian fatalities, and the GHSA report gives a few possible answers. Distracted driving is becoming more common with drivers being especially prone to use their phones on the road. Warmer weather is also encouraging more people to go out either for a drive or for a walk.

Light trucks and SUVs are becoming more popular, too, accounting for 69% of all new vehicle purchases in 2019 compared to 48% in 2009. Pedestrians are twice as likely to die in a crash with a large SUV than in a crash with an ordinary vehicle.

Personal attention from a lawyer

Pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries that lead to a personal injury claim. You may want a lawyer to take on your case while you focus on your physical recovery. The lawyer may give you personal attention, determine how much you’re eligible for in compensation and work to negotiate for a reasonable settlement with the other side.

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