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THE LATEST FACTS ABOUT MICHIGAN PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

Published by Bill Laubscher at January 30, 2024

person driving while using their cellphone about to hit a pedestrian

Last year, the nationwide pedestrian death toll reached a 40-year high as 7,624 people were killed in traffic accidents across the country. Recent data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows a staggering 77 percent increase in pedestrian deaths since 2010. This is more than three times the 25 percent rise in all other traffic fatalities combined during the same time period.

What is causing this escalating death rate and how can it be reversed? To help drivers and walkers minimize their respective risks, here is the latest information on Michigan pedestrian accidents

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DISTURBING DATA ON MICHIGAN PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

In 2022, Michigan State Police reported the following information on pedestrian accidents:

173 pedestrians died in 2022, a five percent decrease from 2021, when 183 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents
Despite last year’s small decline, pedestrian fatalities have increased significantly since 2018, when 145 pedestrians died on Michigan roadways
Last year, 2,026 pedestrians were involved in a total of 1,897 car accidents, an increase over 2021, when 1,891 pedestrians were involved in 1,790 crashes
While the number of pedestrians involved in car accidents over the last decade decreased 15 percent, pedestrian fatalities rose 57 percent

Recommended reading: What You Need To Know About Michigan Crosswalk Law

WHAT IS BEHIND THE ALARMING RISE IN PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES?

Increased popularity of SUVs and trucks

One of the biggest culprits is the growing number of SUVs and trucks on the roads in Michigan and across the country. In fact, the major U.S. automakers have discontinued many of their smaller car models as more buyers opt for larger vehicles such as SUVs and pick-up trucks. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the higher front-end profiles and massive weight of these vehicles increases the risk of serious injury or death for pedestrians in the event of a crash.

Post-pandemic increase in reckless driving behaviors

Despite fewer cars on the road since the pandemic, fatal accidents rose 15 percent between 2019 and 2022. While the pandemic sparked a rise in risky driving behaviors such as speeding, drunk/drugged driving and failing to wear seat belts, this deadly trend has continued.

Surge in road rage and aggression

Many individuals experienced high levels of stress and anxiety as a result of the pandemic, which caused an increase in aggressive driving and road rage. While the isolation and economic damage has subsided in large part, many drivers are still expressing their negative emotions behind the wheel.

Rise in distracted drivers and pedestrians

Pedestrians, like drivers, are also subject to distractions, which can lead to disastrous consequences. Someone looking down at a cell phone may not see an oncoming car or a “Don’t Walk” signal in time to avoid being hit. In addition, headphones and ear buds can block out honking horns and other warning sounds. And, when both drivers and pedestrians are distracted, the risk of a serious accident increases significantly.

WHO IS AT FAULT IN A MICHIGAN PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT?

Determining who is responsible for a pedestrian accident can be challenging, which is why it is important to hire an experienced attorney if you or a loved one is injured after being struck by a motor vehicle.

Liability depends on a variety of factors, such as which party had the right of way when the accident occurred. This can be complicated because Michigan has no specific laws regarding the lawful use of crosswalks. Instead, most municipalities follow the Michigan Uniform Traffic Code, which states that pedestrians on the same half of the roadway as an approaching vehicle the right of way. Additionally, pedestrians who are walking lawfully and obeying traffic signals in a crosswalk also have the right of way. However, it may be difficult to establish exactly what occurred in the aftermath of a serious accident.

Pedestrians may be partly responsible in certain situations, such as the following:

Crossing the street against a “don’t walk” signal
Darting out in front of a moving vehicle
Jaywalking or crossing a street outside of a crosswalk

Drivers are usually at fault for pedestrian car accidents in the following circumstances:

Running a red light or disregarding a stop sign or other traffic signal
Speeding or otherwise driving recklessly
Using a cell phone or other distracting device while driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

OUR EXPERIENCED PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYERS WILL FIGHT TO WIN THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE

If you are injured in a Michigan pedestrian accident, you need an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer on your side. We will stand up to the insurance companies and fight for the benefits and compensation you deserve. Our knowledgeable attorneys have the skills and resources to build a winning case that ensures a successful outcome for you and your family.

Pedestrian accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan pedestrian accident attorney is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. Start your case today by clicking on the link below or calling 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.

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