Auto accidents are an unfortunate reality in Tampa, across Florida and throughout the United States. For a variety of reasons, an auto crash is one of the most common ways for people to meet an untimely death.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its most recent statistics for road fatalities. While there were marked improvements in several areas, one notable concern is the danger pedestrians face on the road. Using its Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the NHTSA states that there was a 2.4% reduction in fatalities from 2017 to 2018. Although this is an undeniable positive, pedestrians as well as bicyclists were more vulnerable to injuries and death with 7,140 fatalities combined. That was a rise of 3.6% from 2017, the worst numbers since 1990.
In 2009, pedestrians were the safest they have ever been since records have been kept with just under 4,100 deaths. From that time to 2018, there was more than a 58% increase in pedestrian deaths. Other studies such as one from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggested that SUVs and similar vehicles were a main reason for the uptick. Regardless, it is a scary time to be a pedestrian. Distracted driving is a known factor. The time of day is also a consideration as 76% of pedestrian fatalities occurred at night.
Whether the person who was hit by a motor vehicle was injured but survived or there is a family left behind after a fatal auto collision, it is imperative to think about the potential problems that will arise. Hospitalization, surgeries, medical care and the accompanying costs can be exorbitant. Lost income and the need for family members to help provide care can change their lives. If there is a fatality, those left behind must think about how they will move forward. A legal filing can be helpful to cover the costs associated with auto accidents. Calling for advice from an experienced attorney is a wise first step.