Fatal Pedestrian Motor Vehicle Accidents in Ohio

But sometimes pedestrians are involved in motor accidents when they cross the street or if a vehicle leaves the road. However the crash occurs, people on foot are far less protected and many of these accidents are fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thousands of pedestrians are killed each year. The most recent data showed a pedestrian was killed in a traffic accident every two hours.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol shows similarly disheartening information. Pedestrian fatalities in the state increased between 2011 and 2015.

If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, you’re not alone. Others have suffered through the same. While there’s no way to end or lessen your grief, there is a way to move forward. Partner with an experienced Ohio wrongful death attorney to learn your rights and hold the negligent party legally responsible for your family member’s death.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Deaths

Many pedestrian fatalities occur in large cities, where people are consistently walking to and from work or live entirely without a car. These areas have dense populations, heavy traffic, and many more people on foot than in rural areas. Poorly marked roads, broken or a lack of walking signals, and traffic congestion can all lead to pedestrian accidents.

Denser foot traffic isn’t the only factor in pedestrian fatalities. Driver error, including distraction, fatigue, speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and failure to follow traffic signals often plays a central role in the accident. An individual may even be grossly negligent if he or she was driving aggressively or recklessly.

Criminal versus Civil Charges

If a motorcyclist, car or truck driver strikes and kills a pedestrian, it’s likely he or she will face criminal charges. In addition to traffic violation tickets, he or she may be charged with vehicular homicide or vehicular manslaughter. Any criminal charge brought against the driver will depend on their actions and state of mind at the time of the accident.

Whether or not criminal proceedings occur, if you believe your loved one died because of the driver’s negligence, you may be able to bring a wrongful death action in civil court.