New York officials have been very concerned for the well-being of the city’s pedestrians, and for good reason. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2013, over 150,000 pedestrians were treated in the emergency room for non-fatal accident-related injuries. The pedestrian fatalities in 2013 motor vehicle accidents totaled 4,735.
Last year, pedestrian deaths increased 10 percent according to a study by the Governors Highway Safety Association. Researchers analyzed data from the beginning half of 2015. If the second half of the year continues the trend, the increase in pedestrian deaths would be the largest year-to-year rise since 1975.
In the first six months of 2015, almost 2,400 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents, a six percent increase from the same time period in 2014. The 10 percent increase was determined by researchers based on the fact that fatalities from the first half of the year are typically under reported. Also, more pedestrians are killed during the second half of the year, especially during the summer when more people are out and about.
Pedestrian accidents are all too common on the busy streets of New York. Many pedestrians have been severely injured, suffering from back injuries, head injury, paralysis, and permanent disability. Sadly, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of these accidents, leaving victims with significant physical, emotional, and financial losses.
Filing a suit against a driver who was negligent, though, may help accident victims recover damages for their pain and suffering and medical expenses. While nothing can erase the pain caused by a car accident, financial assistance can make the recovery process a little bit easier for victims and their families.
Source: ABC 2, “Study: Fatal pedestrian accidents on the rise,” May 3, 2016
