According to a 2018 report on pedestrian traffic fatalities by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas on segments of the road where there are no intersections.
They also commonly occur on shared paths, driveways, medians, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, parking lanes, and roadsides. The NHTSA also reports that the majority of fatal pedestrian accidents happen at night.
Areas Where Most Pedestrian Accidents Occur
On average, a pedestrian died every 84 minutes in a traffic crash in 2018, according to the NHTSA. Many of these accidents occurred at night or when other factors limited visibility.
These accidents were most likely to occur in areas such as:
Urban Areas
The NHTSA reports that 81 percent of all fatal pedestrian accidents occurred in urban areas in 2018. The main reason for this is the high level of concentrated pedestrians and motorists side-by-side in metropolitan areas.
Both motorists and pedestrians must be on high alert at all times when navigating through dense traffic in shared areas. The slightest distraction or error in judgment can lead to an accident.
Intersections
The NHTSA data shows that 74 percent of pedestrian fatalities in 2018 occurred on sections of the road with no intersection. This means they were likely hit while walking along the road or otherwise sharing spaces with motorists.
However, even with signals, signage, and right of way protections, the NHTSA reports that 17 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents occurred in intersections.
Accidents between cars and pedestrians can occur at intersections when they must cross the path of motorists, and those motorists fail to yield. This can happen when the pedestrian is:
- Crossing in front of a motorist going straight
- Crossing in front of a motorist while they are turning right
- Crossing in front of a motorist turning left
Some of the main reasons why accidents occur at intersections include:
- Failing to assess a situation accurately
- Incorrectly assuming what a driver or pedestrian will do
- Proceeding with limited visibility
- Traffic violations such as U-turns
- Distracted driving
- Poor judgment about the distance between cars
- Other forms of negligence
Roadsides or Shoulders
People often walk in areas not specifically designated for pedestrians. These areas include highways or busy streets with narrow shoulders or no sidewalks. Motorists in these areas may not expect pedestrians to be present.
These drivers are not ready to encounter individuals or groups walking along these roads. However, they are still responsible for navigating in a way that keeps the pedestrians safe.
Parking Areas
Parking areas are among the most challenging places to navigate because of narrow lanes and a large number of pedestrians. Numerous objects and vehicles may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of an accident. Furthermore, drivers may be in a hurry to beat other drivers to prime parking spots.
Accidents often occur in parking lots as a result of someone not looking before backing up. Also, a pedestrian may walk past a car without noticing the reverse lights. Distracted driving and walking both cause pedestrian accidents in parking lots.
Shared use Paths or Trails
Cars are not the only vehicles that get into accidents with pedestrians. Bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, skateboards, and even roller blades can present risks on shared-use paths or trails.
For instance, instead of using a bicycle lane on the street, a cyclist may choose to ride on the sidewalk. This can lead to an accident that causes serious injuries to the pedestrian, the cyclist, or both. This is one reason why it is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk in many areas.
Especially in crowded areas and when those involved cannot hear or see other traffic around them, pedestrians and skaters, riders, or others can collide. These accidents can lead to severe injuries, and victims may be in recovery for long periods.
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What is a Pedestrian?
A pedestrian is a person who is on foot and active in areas where traffic exists. Most people think they know what a pedestrian is when they see one, but you may not realize how wide the definition of “pedestrian” really is. You may have a pedestrian accident injury case if you were:
- Walking
- Standing
- Sitting
- Lying down
- Running
- Hiking
When a driver or a pedestrian fails to exercise proper care, an accident can occur, causing catastrophic injury or fatality. If you were doing any of these things when someone else struck you, you may have a case against them.
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Do I Have a Louisiana Pedestrian Accident Case?
Louisiana personal injury law firms like ours represent clients on a contingency fee basis with no upfront payments necessary. In this type of arrangement, we do not collect attorney’s fees unless and until our clients recover compensation in a settlement offer or court award.
If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Louisiana, an attorney at our firm may be able to:
- Investigate your accident
- Identify the liable party
- Pursue compensation on your behalf
We will also handle all communications, deadlines, and paperwork in your case while you concentrate on your recovery. Recoverable damages could include the costs of your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
You may have only up to a year to file suit under CC Art. 3492, and some cases have even less time. Act quickly to protect your rights.
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Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Lafayette, Alexandria, Marksville, or New Orleans, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to help. We represent pedestrian accident victims in settlement negotiations or personal injury lawsuits.
For a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team, call us today: (337) 777-7777.
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