At some point, everyone is a pedestrian. When drivers maintain safe speeds and practice other safe driving behaviors, safer walking environments are created
Sobering Statistics: A Life Lost Every 72 Minutes
According to the NHTSA, in 2023, 7,314 pedestrians were killed and more than 68,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. This averages to one crash-related pedestrian death every 72 minutes.
- Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 17.9% of all traffic fatalities in 2023, with the highest number of deaths occurring among pedestrians aged 35-44.
- Pedestrians texting are four times more likely to display unsafe walking behavior, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Hit-and-run crashes accounted for 25% of pedestrian fatalities in 2023.
Seriously Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? We Are Here to Help
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Even with sidewalks and designated crosswalks, inattentive drivers pose a serious threat to pedestrians. Common factors contributing to a driver’s negligence include:
Running red lights- Speeding
- Being under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Unmarked pedestrian crosswalks and failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians
- Backing out of parking spaces without looking
- Disobeying traffic signs or signals
Our knowledgeable staff is available at (877) 284-6600.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrian injuries—even at low vehicle speeds—can be devastating. Common outcomes include:
- Broken bones
- Severe concussion or traumatic brain injury
- Back and neck injuries
- Nerve damage
- Dislocated joints or limbs
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
Some injuries may take only a few days to heal, while others result in lifelong disabilities, impacting work, mobility, and quality of life.
Children Are at Higher Risk of Pedestrian Accident
The law imposes a higher duty of care on drivers when it comes to the presence of children. For instance, drivers must exercise greater care when they know or should know that small children are at play in the area, such as when driving by schools, parks, and residential areas.
“Unintentional pedestrian injuries are the fifth leading cause of injury-related death in the United States for children ages 5 to 19. Teenagers are now at greatest risk. Teens have a death rate twice that of younger children and account for half of all child pedestrian deaths.”
- Approximately 2000 children under 15 are killed annually in traffic crashes in the US
- Around 16,000 children under 15 are injured annually in pedestrian accidents in the U.S.
- Nearly 65% of child pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersection locations, highlighting the importance of crossing safety
- Children ages 5 to 9 are vulnerable due to their size and unpredictability.
Resources for Families
- Child pedestrian safety curriculum – NHTSA
- Pedestrian Safety – SafeKids Worldwide
Establishing Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident
The injured person (the plaintiff) must prove that the person at fault (the defendant):
- Owed a legal duty to the plaintiff under the circumstances
- Failed to fulfill (“breached”) that legal duty through action or inaction
- Caused an accident or injury involving the plaintiff
- Harmed or injured the plaintiff, resulting in damages
There may be more than one party with legal responsibility for the pedestrian injury. Depending on the circumstances, potentially liable parties include:
- The driver of a vehicle that strikes a pedestrian
- The party responsible for maintaining the sidewalk, road, or parking lot where the pedestrian was injured
- The pedestrian themself
Source: Pedestrian Accidents Overview, FindLaw
Our knowledgeable staff is available at (877) 284-6600.
Seeking the Compensation You Deserve
Our attorneys at Nash & Franciskato work aggressively to recover full compensation for all harm suffered, including:
- Immediate and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and loss of life enjoyment
We evaluate key factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The amount of time you have missed work
- The nature and extent of your medical treatment
- The impact of your injuries on your daily life
- Long-term effect on your ability to earn
Call us at (877) 284-6600 for personalized guidance from our knowledgeable team.
Free Legal Evaluation: Let Us Advocate for You
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t navigate this alone. Our Kansas City-based attorneys are here to help you understand your options and fight for your rights. Contact us today at (877)284-6600 for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.
Contact Us for a Free Review of Your Case
This web page was originally published March 28, 2016. It was reviewed on July 21, 2025, updated for content and accuracy, and republished at that time.
Photo Credits:
- maude22 Traffic Lights Red Fire – via pixabay.com
- AndrewLozovyi(Evgen Boyko) – Image file – via depositphoto.com