U.S. Pedestrian Deaths Reach 40-Year High

Fatal pedestrian accidents increased last year in Ohio as well

Pedestrian deaths reached a 40-year high in 2021, according to pedestrian accident statistics compiled by the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration (GHSA).

“The safety of people on foot should be of concern to all roadway users because everyone is a pedestrian,” the GHSA said in a prepared statement.

The GHSA compared pedestrian fatalities from the first six months of 2021 to the same period in 2020. During the first half of 2021, pedestrian deaths nationwide increased by 17 percent, or 507 deaths, to 3,441 pedestrian fatalities compared to the same six-month period in 2020. As a result, the 2021 pedestrian fatality figure is “the largest number in 40 years,” according to the GHSA.

Ohio pedestrian deaths are on the rise

In 2021, an estimated 176 pedestrians died in Ohio. That figure represents an increase of 16.6 percent compared to 2020, when the state recorded 151 pedestrian deaths.

Worst of all, 2020 recorded the most pedestrian fatalities in Ohio in more than a decade, according to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That’s why the 2021 figures for Ohio are so alarming. Pedestrian fatalities have become more common in Ohio than ever before.

Why do pedestrian accidents happen?

According to the GHSA study, some of the most common contributing factors to pedestrian accidents include:

• Speeding – An estimated 8.6 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents in 2021 occurred due to speeding drivers.
• Drunk driving – Alcohol impairment played a significant role in many pedestrian accidents.
• Light conditions – An estimated 76 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents occurred at night or after dark.

Other common contributing factors associated with pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving, including texting while driving, which is against the law in Ohio.
• Reckless or aggressive driving, especially at intersections while pedestrians are crossing the street or legally walking alongside the road.

What to do if you get hit by a car

If you were hit by a car due to a driver’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Likewise, if you are the loved one of someone who was killed in a fatal pedestrian accident, you have recourse through the civil justice system.

The best way to know your legal rights and options is to talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. But the key is to act fast. Certain legal deadlines may apply to your case, and if you wait too long to act, you could miss out on the compensation you’re entitled to.

Why should I hire a pedestrian accident attorney?

When a pedestrian accident lawyer represents you, the insurance company takes notice. The stakes can be very high after a pedestrian accident, and insurance adjusters are looking for any way to downplay or deny your claim. With an attorney on your side, you can rest assured that someone is looking out for your best interests and will fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, we can help you every step of the way. We know how the legal system works in Ohio and can put our knowledge and experience to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. We handle injury claims in Ohio and West Virginia.