Pedestrians Hit by Motor Vehicles

The term “pedestrian” can include individuals who are struck by a motor vehicle while walking, running, jogging, hiking or simply standing. A pedestrian/motor vehicle accident can occur on a roadway or on private property.

A pedestrian who is struck by a motor vehicle, can suffer serious injuries, and far too often is killed. The NHTSA reported that in 2009, 4,092 pedestrians were killed in the United States, and 59,000 pedestrians were injured. 85 Ohio pedestrians were killed in 2009. Nationally, a pedestrian is killed every 2 hours, and a pedestrian is injured every 9 minutes in a traffic crash.

The elderly (age 65+) and children between the ages of 5 and 9 account for nearly 40% of all pedestrian deaths. In nearly 10% of the deaths suffered by pedestrians, the driver tested positive for alcohol.

Drivers must always yield to pedestrians who are properly crossing in a cross walk. Even when a pedestrian is crossing the street outside of a marked crosswalk, the operator of a motor vehicle has an obligation to exercise ordinary care to avoid striking a pedestrian. Contact our Cleveland personal injury attorneys to schedule a consultation if you have been involved in an accident.

Contact a Cleveland Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a family member has been the victim of a pedestrian/motor vehicle collision, we can assist you in facing the unique challenges that an injured pedestrian faces. Please contact us at (216) 348-1800 or fill out our contact form to receive a free case evaluation with one our of Cleveland personal injury attorneys.