Anyone can be hurt as a pedestrian here in New Jersey because there is no shortage of drivers who are negligent and break the traffic laws. If you were injured in an accident and were not to blame, you may file a claim against the responsible driver.
As someone who survived a pedestrian accident, you can be considered more fortunate than many others. Since 2009, there has been a continual increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities in this country.
The GHSA on pedestrian deaths in 2019
The Governors Highway Safety Administration made a preliminary analysis of traffic deaths in 2019 and found nothing to suggest a reversal in the trend. Using data spanning the first six months of 2019, the GHSA estimates that there were 6,590 pedestrian deaths in 2019, which is a 5% increase from 2018 and a 60% jump from 2009. This is the highest that the number has been since 1988.
As for the fatality rate, this came to an average of 2 deaths per 100,000 people: the highest since 1997. Going by state, the highest fatality rates were in Florida, New Mexico and Hawaii. Vermont, Wisconsin and Idaho had the lowest rates.
SUVs and more distracted drivers
All other traffic deaths rose just 2% from 2009 to 2018, which is nowhere near as sharp an increase as among pedestrians. The GHSA gives several explanations for the trend, one of them being the greater number of drivers who become distracted by their phones.
Another prominent factor is the growing popularity of SUVs and light trucks, which made up 69% of new vehicle sales in 2018 as opposed to 48% in 2009. Pedestrians are twice as likely to die in a collision with a large SUV than in one with an ordinary car.
A lawyer to represent injured individuals
Those injured in car accidents as a pedestrian who wish to seek compensation will need to know about the concept of negligence. You may want a lawyer to help you understand this concept and how it applies to your case. The lawyer may also file the claim and negotiate on your behalf for a settlement.
