Virginia Beach Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Statistics from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) showed that last year was the deadliest year of all time for pedestrians in Virginia, WSET-TV reported. The 123 pedestrian deaths in 2018 were an all-time high, and the 34 preliminary deaths reported in 2019 already had the year on pace to set another record.
According to WSET, the 123 fatalities in 2018 came one year after the previous record high of 114 deaths in 2017. The recent year with the lowest total was 2009 with 73 fatalities.
If you suffered serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident in the greater Virginia Beach area, you should not deal with the insurance company on your own. Get legal help now to fight for your rights.
Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. is ready to seek every last dollar that you are entitled to. Our firm can review your case and discuss all of your legal options with you as soon as you call us or contact us online to set up a free consultation.
Pedestrian Accidents in Virginia Beach
Most crashes involving pedestrians stem from some kind of negligence by the driver of an automobile. In many cases, a driver has failed to follow a state traffic law or committed other dangerous maneuvers that unnecessarily put those walking in intersections, along sidewalks, or in parking lots in harm’s way.
An annual spotlight report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), “Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2018 Preliminary Data,” found that Virginia had 53 pedestrian fatalities in the first six months of 2018 – an 18 percent increase from the 45 reported in the first six months of the prior year. Virginia had a fatality rate of 1.35 per 100,000 population for January-December 2017.
The Virginia DMV reported in, 2017 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts, that 55 pedestrians were killed in alcohol-related accidents. Alcohol-related crashes also caused 200 pedestrian injuries, including 95 serious injuries.
According to the Virginia DMV, 18 pedestrians were killed in speed-related accidents. Speed-related crashes caused 81 pedestrian injuries, including 35 serious injuries.
Drunk driving and speeding are certainly two common causes of pedestrian accidents, but Virginia Highway Safety Office Director John Saunders told WSET that distracted drivers also shared some of the blame. Drivers can be distracted by any number of things while they are behind the wheel, but the most common element of distracted driving is usually talking or text messaging on a cell phone.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Virginia Beach?
While we all deserve to feel safe on the road, it is simply a fact that pedestrians and cyclists are always considered at risk. Even a collision with a slow moving vehicle can end in tragedy for those involved. That is why it is extremely important to understand the common causes of pedestrian accidents.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is likely caused by:
- Failure to Yield: Drivers seem to forget that pedestrians legally have the right of way when it comes to crossing the street. Whether the driver was distracted or believed they were in the right, failure to yield is often found to be the cause of pedestrian accidents.
- Distracted Driving/Walking: As technology advanced and handheld smartphones began cropping up everywhere, the rate of pedestrian accidents and deaths has been on the rise. Distracted drivers are a danger to everyone on the road, but especially to pedestrians who have to place their trust in the drivers around them. Not only are distracted drivers a danger, but distracted walkers often step into traffic when they shouldn’t. It is always necessary to be paying attention when you are on the road, driving or walking.
- Driving Under the Influence: Unfortunately, this is still a major cause of many accidents today. Pedestrians, however, are at a much higher risk of getting hit with drunk drivers on the road. Alcohol and drugs simply do not mix with driving, and when a driver combines the two, the results can be fatal.
- Unsafe Road Conditions: The condition of a road is a huge factor in accidents of all kinds. Whether there are potholes throughout the street, or the visibility is low, the condition of the road can distract drivers and potentially cause a fatal accident. It is important that drivers take the proper measures when driving in less than optimal conditions.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Virginia Beach
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, there are some steps you should follow immediately.
- Call the police: If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to call all necessary emergency services, including an ambulance and the police.
- Gather information: Take pictures of the scene as you collect the information of the driver who hit you. This information will help with your claim.
- Get a medical evaluation: Even if you do not believe you are hurt, there can be invisible injuries that can cause issues for the future. Get a full medical evaluation to help back your claim.
- Contact a lawyer: If you have been injured in any kind of accident, it is important that you call a lawyer for help. Having a lawyer will help you collect all the necessary documents to help support your claim. Your lawyer will also work with you and the insurance company to ensure that you get the proper compensation you deserve.
Contact a Virginia Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
As a pedestrian, you depend on drivers to yield the right-of-way and to be alert at all times. If a car, truck, or commercial vehicle hits you, you will likely be the only one who is hurt.
If you were hurt in an accident as a pedestrian in Virginia Beach, turn to Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. for legal help. We’ll work to hold the responsible party accountable and pursue the compensation you need to pay your bills and put this accident behind you. Call us or fill out a contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.