Pedestrian Accidents: Injury and Wrongful Death

Vehicle accidents involving pedestrians are often very serious, catastrophic or fatal. These accidents frequently happen at crosswalks or street corners when a driver fails to yield for a pedestrian. The dangers are extreme, as there are often secondary impacts when the pedestrian is thrown in the impact with the vehicle, hitting the roadway or being dragged by the vehicle.

The outcome is usually significant injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Internal damage
• Loss of life

In cases in which the pedestrian survives, it can take many months or longer to recover, under continuous medical care and supervision.

Statistics on Pedestrian Accident Cases

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) reports that on average, 13 pedestrians die every day, one every 107 minutes. 46% are reported as being alcohol related, and 12% of all vehicle related fatalities involve pedestrians. The state of Washington accounts for 1.2 percent of the total numbers of pedestrian accidents in the country.

The majority of these terrible accidents occur between 6 and 9 pm, and those ages 70 and older are far more likely to lose their lives. The driver responsible is highly likely to leave the scene (hit and run), and range at about 18% who do so. Most pedestrians who die were killed at non-intersections or on city streets. In a recent year, 66 pedestrians died in such an accident in our state.

Legal Help for Pedestrian Accident Survivors

If you or your loved one survived the impact, it is likely that the injuries are extremely serious or life threatening. Whether your loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury, loss of limb, or a spinal cord injury or other severe injury, you can expect that long term medical intervention and treatment will be necessary.

The costs of this medical care could last for a year or longer, or a lifetime in some tragic cases. The negligent driver must be held accountable. Compensation for damages must be sought by a legal professional that has your best interests at the forefront of all legal action. 

Contact our firm, Ramirez & Cooper, Inc., for more information about compensation after a pedestrian accident in Kitsap County, WA.