Pedestrian deaths involving vehicles are becoming increasingly common across urban America. According to one NPR study, U.S. pedestrian deaths are at a 40-year high. And while not nearly as high, pedestrian injuries in urban areas are more prevalent today than they were just a few years ago.

Injuries and Other Statistics Related to Pedestrian-Vehicle Accidents in Urban Communities

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, an estimated 7,314 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2023, and around 68,244 suffered injuries. The government agency also notes that approximately 77% of these pedestrian-vehicle accidents occurred at night, 19% during daylight hours, and 2% during dusk or dawn.

What Is Driving the Uptick in Pedestrian-Accident Injuries and Deaths in Urban Areas?

The higher concentrations of pedestrians and vehicles, coupled with more complex road designs, in urban communities make pedestrian injuries more likely compared to rural communities, according to a study published by ScienceDirect. The following are also factors:

  • Visibility issues – Poor street lighting, parked vehicles, and less-than-ideal weather conditions are factors that often reduce visibility in urban areas. All of these can make it more challenging for drivers to see pedestrians.
  • Driver behavior – Sometimes, a driver’s actions behind the wheel can put the well-being and lives of pedestrians at risk. Texting while driving, impaired driving, and aggressive maneuvers, such as running red lights, speeding, and constantly switching lanes, are examples of such actions.
  • Pedestrian behavior – Pedestrians in urban communities sometimes put themselves at an increased risk of being injured or even killed by walking outside of crosswalks or walking in low-light areas. Both of these can elevate their chances of being struck by a vehicle.
  • Vehicle type – Large trucks and SUVs are more common in urban areas than rural ones. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles, coupled with the narrower roads in urban communities, increase the risk of pedestrian injuries and deaths whenever they are involved in a crash.
  • Driving under the influence – Urban areas deal with more than their fair share of driving under the influence (DUI) cases, many of which result in pedestrians being injured or killed. Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation notes that alcohol played a role in 46% of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2023.

What Injuries Are Commonly Associated With Pedestrian-Vehicle Accidents?

Some of the most common injuries associated with pedestrian-vehicle accidents in urban areas include the following:

  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Head and brain injuries
  • Internal injuries involving major organs or arteries
  • Contusions, lacerations, ligament tears, sprains, and strains
  • Loss of limbs
  • Spinal cord injuries

Along with these injuries, individuals who are involved in pedestrian-vehicle accidents sometimes suffer from PTSD and anxiety. Some are also left disfigured and find themselves struggling with chronic pain months or even years after their accident.

Why It Pays To Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer if You Suffered an Injury in a Pedestrian-Vehicle Accident

Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is the best way to ensure you get the compensation you deserve following a pedestrian-vehicle accident. That includes compensation for lost wages if you’re unable to work following the accident, medical expenses, property damage, if applicable, pain and suffering, and more.

Attorneys assist clients in complex insurance negotiations and gathering police reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, and other crucial evidence. They can also help clients navigate at-fault or no-fault laws and negotiate settlements, which can be helpful considering that most pedestrian-vehicle cases get settled out of court. For reference, the average settlement for pedestrian-vehicle accidents, depending on the nature of the injuries, is $54,000 to $67,512.

Lastly, attorneys ensure clients meet legal deadlines, which include filing the initial personal injury claim. In most states, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim stemming from a pedestrian-vehicle accident is two years.

To summarize, pedestrian injuries are becoming more common in urban areas for a host of reasons. And for individuals involved in them, the cost of medical treatments, loss of time from work, and pain and suffering can take a financial, medical, and even psychological toll. Fortunately, there is legal recourse available to help address these and other issues.