Nobody should ever have to worry about whether or not they are safe when they are walking. However, we know that pedestrian accidents have become increasingly common. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we want to discuss a recent study that links pedestrian accident deaths with the rise of smartphones. Our Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorneys are here to help victims of pedestrian accidents recover the compensation they need.
Pedestrian accidents in the US
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), there were 6,590 pedestrian accident deaths across the country in 2019. That is 300 more than 2018, and the most since 1988.
The GHSA says that pedestrian deaths are up 53% over the last 10 years, with the increase beginning around 2009. That, coincidentally, is when smartphones began to become widely available. This is most certainly not just a problem for the rest of the country. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 4,129 total pedestrian accidents in the commonwealth’s latest reporting year of data. Out of those incidents, there were 201 fatalities and 4,090 injuries.
Injuries from these incidents can be severe. It is not uncommon for our Pittsburgh pedestrian accident lawyers to help clients with the following after an incident:
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Since nearly every pedestrian accident results in an injury or fatality, we should really be putting a spotlight on pedestrian safety. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we try to bring this issue to your attention regularly.
Smartphones have given people the ability to stay connected, but they also present major distractions. Some of the most common distracted driving behavior caused by smartphones includes:
- Talking on the phone
- Video chatting
- Taking photos for social media
- Sending and receiving text messages
- Checking emails
- Browsing the internet or social media
Of course, there are other causes of pedestrian accidents. This can include impaired driving, drivers failing to follow traffic laws, and speeding.
According to the Journal of Transport & Health, a study suggests that only one-third of drivers actually yield to pedestrians who are using legal crosswalks. This is a major problem because one of the main ways that state and local governments tackle pedestrian accidents is by installing more marked crosswalks.
We are ready to help you
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by another person’s negligent actions, contact an attorney immediately. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our skilled and experienced team is going to get to work investigating your case immediately. We will work to secure any compensation you are entitled to, which can include the following:
- Compensation for your medical bills
- Lost wages if you are unable to work while you recover
- General household expenses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Possible punitive damages against a negligent party
When you need a Pittsburgh pedestrian accident lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.