Thousands of pedestrians are injured in the United States each year in motor vehicle accidents. New Orleans pedestrian accidents usually result in traumatic injuries or death. Vehicles are extremely dangerous to pedestrians because they are capable of causing tremendous damage, even at low speeds. In most cases, the victim suffers traumatic and even life-threatening injuries in a vehicle versus pedestrian accident.
Because of the chance of substantial damage, you need an experienced New Orleans pedestrian attorney on your side as soon as possible. Call Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys want to help you protect your legal right to receive full compensation for your injuries.
Speed and Pedestrian Accidents
A 2011 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study looked at the relationship between impact speed and a pedestrian’s risk of death. The study estimated the risk of death or severe injury for pedestrians who were struck by a motor vehicle. The author used data collected from accidents involving cars, light trucks, vans, and sports utility vehicles traveling at various speeds.
According to the study, an average person struck by a vehicle has a 10 percent risk of serious injury when the vehicle is traveling just 16 mph. The risk for severe injury increases dramatically as speed increases:
- 25 percent risk of serious injury at an impact speed of 23 mph
- 50 percent risk of serious injury at an impact speed of 31 mph
- 75 percent risk of serious injury at an impact speed of 39 mph
- 90 percent risk of serious injury at an impact speed of 46 mph
The average risk of death is also increased in direct correlation with speed:
- 10 percent risk of death at an impact speed of 23 mph
- 25 percent risk of death at an impact speed of 32 mph
- 50 percent risk of death at an impact speed of 42 mph
- 75 percent risk of death at an impact speed of 50 mph
- 90 percent risk of death at an impact speed of 58 mph
The study also found that the risk of death or serious injury also increased significantly with the age of the pedestrian. As we grow older, our risk of serious injury and death in a pedestrian accident, even at very low impact speeds, is much greater.
For more information, you can see the full report entitled “Impact Speed and a Pedestrian’s Risk of Severe Injury or Death” by Brian C. Tefft here.
Speed as A Factor in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Speed is a factor in many motor vehicle accidents. Some estimates place speed as a contributing factor in as many as 28 percent of all traffic fatalities. In addition to traveling at higher rates of speed, drivers are much more distracted behind the wheel. The combination of a lack of attention and speeding is a deadly combination for pedestrians and all other using our roads.
When a driver causes an accident at any speed, that driver can be held liable for any damages related to that accident. However, the accident victim may not be treated fairly by the driver’s insurance company. Contacting a New Orleans car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident can help protect your right to recover compensation for your injuries.
Call Our New Orleans Pedestrian Accident Attorney for Help
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, we want to help. Call Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm for a free consultation and free case evaluation. Contact our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 for more information or to schedule your free consultation with an experienced New Orleans pedestrian accident attorney.