The vulnerability of pedestrians in Louisiana is well-known. Given the nature of driving today, it has never been riskier to be a pedestrian. Statistically, even moderate improvement in safety does not necessarily mean that pedestrians are safe.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its findings for the number of car accidents in 2017. Although the number of deaths decreased, it was still the second-worst year for pedestrians in many years. In 2017, there was a total of 5,977 deaths – 103 fewer than the previous year. It was also the first year to see a reduction since 2013.
This comes on the heels of an 11 percent increase in pedestrian deaths in 2016. That was the highest number in more than 20 years. From 2009 to 2016, there was a 46 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities.
Important factors in pedestrian deaths include the number of pedestrians who are hit by SUVs, as these vehicles have a worrisome role in fatal crashes due to their front-end construction. Other factors that are perceived to contribute to pedestrian accidents and fatalities are distracted driving and the growing utilization of infotainment systems.
When a pedestrian becomes an accident victim, it is unusual that they sustain no injuries. Due to the lack of protection a pedestrian has, the likelihood is that there will be serious injuries or even death. For those who survive, they may have a radically changed life, with the need for medical care and treatment and the inability to live a normal life. After a fatality, the family must come to accept the tragedy and try to move forward. A lawsuit might be necessary to achieve that. Speaking to a law firm that is experienced in car accidents can yield information on how to file a lawsuit.
