Why are Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise in Northeast Ohio?

Since pedestrians do not have any protection against motor vehicles, pedestrian accidents can lead to serious injuries like broken bones, burns, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries. In the most severe accidents, pedestrians may even lose their lives.

Northeast Ohio is no stranger to pedestrian accidents. In fact, they are on the rise. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident that was the result of someone else’s negligence, reach out to the experienced Westlake personal injury lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick.

Call (440) 888-0995or contact us online to schedule a free, no-risk consultation. We can ensure your rights are protected.

Pedestrian Accidents in Northeast Ohio

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the number of pedestrians killed by SUVs is the highest it’s ever been in 25 years. This is not too surprising since SUVs and crossovers comprised over 40 percent of all car sales in 2017.

The increased popularity in SUVs paired with distracted driving behaviors is creating a major concern for medical staff at University Hospitals. Since these vehicles are larger and heavier than traditional cars, they pose a greater danger to pedestrians and are more likely to kill them. The IIHS found that there was an 81 percent increase in single-vehicle pedestrian deaths involving SUVs between 2009 and 2016.

In December 2018, a 72-year-old woman lost her life when she was hit by a vehicle in Westlake, less than five miles from our office. The woman was walking near Detroit Road and Hamlet Lane when she was struck by a Ford truck, which was owned by Spectrum Cable.

Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Most pedestrian accidents are the result of negligent driving. Even taking your hands off the steering wheel for an instant has the potential to create a serious risk for pedestrians. Here’s a brief overview of the negligent driving behaviors, likely to cause pedestrian accidents:

• Intoxicated driving: Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs have delayed reaction times, meaning they may not be able to react in time to avoid striking pedestrians.
• Failing to check for pedestrians before reversing: Every time drivers pull out of a driveway or back out of a parking lot, they must check their surroundings for pedestrians.
• Ignoring traffic lights and signs: The purpose of traffic lights and signs are to keep drivers and pedestrians safe. When drivers fail to obey them, pedestrians are at risk.
• Speeding in vulnerable areas: School zones and neighborhoods are often packed with children, especially when school is in session. It’s important for drivers to travel through these areas to avoid colliding with children and other pedestrians.
• Texting: Texting is a common type of distracted driving that is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents today. It diverts the driver’s attention away from the road and can easily lead to a pedestrian accident.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

After a pedestrian accident, contact the police and paramedics if you can. If your injuries are too severe, wait for emergency services and the police to arrive. Then, seek follow -up medical attention and contact a lawyer. A lawyer can investigate your case, determine liability, and file a claim so you can receive the compensation you may be entitled to.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact Kisling, Nestico & Redick

If you’ve sustained an injury or lost a loved one after a pedestrian accident in Northeast Ohio, reach out to KNR right away. We are skilled in successfully representing pedestrians who were hurt by driver negligence and can help you recover compensation for your damages.

Call us at (440) 888-0995 today or contact us online. We offer free, initial consultations, and only receive payment when you recover compensation.