Areas of Practice

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Pedestrian Injuries

Crossing the street can be dangerous, even if you look both ways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 4,654 pedestrians died in 2007 — of which 20 percent were pedestrians improperly crossing the street. Many thousands more were seriously injured.

Determining who is negligent in pedestrian cases can be tricky. Many factors must be taken into account: Were you paying attention to traffic when you crossed? Code of Ala. § 32-5A-210. Were you jaywalking or crossing in a designated crosswalk? Code of Ala. § 32-5A-211. Did the car run a red light? If possible, you should try to get witnesses who can verify your account of the accident.

In general, pedestrians have the right of way, unless they cross the street in non-designated areas or against crossing signals. Code of Ala. § 32-5A-211. If a child is injured while running out into the street, and if there is a school or playground nearby, we may be able to prove that the driver should have been aware that children were in the area. This can be used to show the driver wasn't taking proper precautions to avoid an accident. In addition, it may be possible to show that the child wasn't properly supervised or that adequate crossing assistance was not provided.

A third party can also be responsible in pedestrian accidents. If a crossing signal or traffic light malfunctioned, for example, it may be possible to hold the municipality responsible for failing to adequately maintain or repair the light.

Pedestrian Injury Data

  • In 2007 in the United States, 4,654 pedestrians died from traffic-related injuries and another 70,000 pedestrians sustained non-fatal injuries.
  • Pedestrian fatalities are the second-leading cause of motor vehicle-related deaths, following occupant fatalities. Pedestrian-related fatalities account for about 11% of all motor vehicle-related deaths.
  • On average, one pedestrian in the United States is killed in a traffic crash every 113 minutes, and one pedestrian is injured every 8 minutes.
  • The situation is improving. Pedestrian deaths, expressed as a rate per 100,000 people, has decreased 13% from 1997 to 2007. Factors contributing to this decrease may include more and better sidewalks, pedestrian paths, playgrounds away from streets, one-way traffic flow, and restricted on-street parking. Some of the reduction is likely due to the decreasing amount of time Americans spend walking.
  • Alcohol is a major factor in adult pedestrian deaths. In the total number of fatal pedestrian crashes, 14% of the drivers involved had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 g/dL or higher, and 34% of pedestrians involved had a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher.
  • In 49% of traffic crashes that resulted in a pedestrian fatality during 2007, either the driver or the pedestrian had a measurable blood alcohol level.
  • Children are at risk for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. In 2007, children 15 years and younger accounted for 8% of all pedestrian fatalities and 23% of all pedestrians injured in traffic crashes. Among children between the ages of 5 and 9 who were killed in traffic crashes, 20% were pedestrians.
  • In 2007, adults 70 years and older comprised 6% of all pedestrians injured, yet they accounted for 16% of all pedestrian fatalities.  The death rate for this group, 2.66 per 100,000 people, is the highest of any age group.
  • In 2007, the pedestrian fatality rate for males was more than twice that for females. Non-fatal injury rates for male pedestrians were also higher; the pedestrian injury rate, per 100,000 people, was 26 for males and 20 for females.
  • More pedestrian fatalities occurred on Fridays and Saturdays than on any other day of the week in 2007.
  • In 2007, 30% of pedestrian deaths occurred between 8:00 pm and midnight.

Related Content

In all matters involving personal injury it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and file a lawsuit prior to the deadline imposed by the Statute of Limitations. If you or a loved one is a victim of personal injuries, call McCutcheon & Hamner, P.C. now at or submit a simple Case Review Form. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a Contingent Fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.

The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law. See Terms of Use.