Vehicular collisions with pedestrians obviously present a high potential for serious injury. About 5,000 people are killed every year in the United States as a result of pedestrian accidents, while another 64,000 people are injured in pedestrian accidents each year. Urban areas account for the vast majority of pedestrian accidents (probably due to heavier pedestrian traffic), although the ratio of fatalities to injuries is much higher in rural areas, probably as a result of the higher speeds at which such accidents occur. Perhaps more tellingly, most pedestrian accidents are reported as occurring at locations other than intersections. Some observers attribute this to the higher speeds of motor vehicles in areas other than intersections, a lower expectation of stopping by drivers, and a higher degree of inattention by drivers. The majority of fatal pedestrian accidents occur on weekend evenings between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and midnight. Young children and the elderly account for the most deaths, and the most severe injuries, in pedestrian accidents. Children under the age of 16 are the most likely population segment to be involved in pedestrian collisions. The elderly, while less likely than children to be involved in pedestrian accidents, are more likely to die as a result of the collision. The elderly account for 6% of pedestrian injuries but 16% of pedestrian fatalities. Speed is a major contributing factor to many pedestrian accidents. Not only is a speeding driver less likely to be able to stop prior to a collision, but a speeding driver is also less likely to see a pedestrian in the first place. Moreover, the odds of death substantially increase with the speed of the vehicle: at 40 mph, the odds of death are 85%; at 30 mph, the odds decrease to 45%; and at 20 mph, the odds of death are 20%. Pedestrian extremities are poorly protected, meaning that severe injuries are common. Tjhese pedestrian accident injuries can include: Motorist carelessness (or negligence) is often a factor in pedestrian accidents. Motorists have both specific and general duties to drive in a safe and observant manner at all times. Some common acts of negligence by motorists which lead to pedestrian accidents include: The Erie pedestrian accident lawyers at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. have experience with cases involving pedestrians injured in collisions. These cases often result in serious and disabling injuries that require extensive medical care. They also present unique liability and insurance coverage issues. Our primary goal and objective is to make sure that our clients and their families receive the compensation and resources they need to treat and manage their pedestrian accident injury and to compensate them for their losses. As skilled Erie injury lawyers who have helped clients injured in pedestrian accidents, we understand how to evaluate these cases and we know how help you obtain the funds necessary to pay for the medical care and, if necessary, surgical care you need to help you to recover from your pedestrian injuries. Call the Pennsylvania Injury Lawyers at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. today, toll free at 814-273-2010, to schedule your free and confidential consultation with a Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Lawyer.Pedestrian Statistics
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