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BEING A PEDESTRIAN PUTS YOU AT RISK FOR INJURY

by | Feb 19, 2018 | Blogs, Firm News

Whether you are trying to get in more steps for your FitBit or are training to run a race, life as a pedestrian can be active and healthy. Walking rather than driving is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle while also spending more time outdoors and away from computer screens.

Unfortunately, being a pedestrian in Minnesota is also dangerous. Even if you take all necessary precautions for your safety, a single negligent driver is enough to cause permanent damage.

Thousands of pedestrians die annually

In 2013, 4,735 pedestrians died in accidents with motor vehicles. That same year, emergency rooms treated approximately 156,000 pedestrians for serious injuries. On average, 430 people seek pedestrian-related injuries every 24 hours.

These statistics tell a terrifying story. Even the healthiest and most active pedestrian is no match for a negligent driver behind the wheel of a car.

As a regular pedestrian, how likely am I to suffer an injury?

Although no one is immune to the risks associated with walking near or on roadways, certain groups face a higher risk than others. These include:

  • Males die more often from pedestrian injuries than their female counterparts.
  • Pedestrians with blood-alcohol concentrations higher than .08 percent accounted for 34 percent of related deaths in 2013.
  • Pedestrians between the ages of 15 and 19 are most likely to receive emergency room treatment for crash injuries.
  • Older pedestrians are more likely to die when struck by vehicles.

Small children are especially vulnerable. Although they do not die as often as older pedestrians, they are still at a higher risk of injury. This is largely due to their small size and lack of familiarity with standard traffic rules. Drivers should exercise extreme caution when traveling in areas frequented by children, such as by public playgrounds, schools and in neighborhoods.

What can I do if hurt in a pedestrian accident?

Suffering a serious injury can be devastating. Although most people understand that pedestrian accidents cause severe physical injuries, few people fully grasp how traumatizing the financial aftermath so often is. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and you may have to take time off work to recover, which can further complicate your financial security.

Personal injury claims are often key to achieving just and necessary compensation for your pedestrian accident injuries. When successfully pursued to completion, these suits can obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and both physical and emotional trauma. Since liability law can be a complicated matter in Minnesota, working alongside an experienced lawyer can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your unique situation.

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