Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Rapid City, SD

At some point during the day, anyone in South Dakota who is outside of their home is a pedestrian. If a person is walking and is not in their vehicle, then they are considered a pedestrian. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are one of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents that happen, usually resulting in serious injury or death. This is because of the lack of protection that surrounds a person when they are struck by a vehicle. Anyone who is a pedestrian accident victim should contact a pedestrian accident lawyer Rapid City, SD clients recommend from the Law Offices of Loos, Sabers & Smith LLP to find out what legal options they may have against the driver who hit them.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more than 6,000 people killed each year in pedestrian accidents. Those victims that do survive are often left with long-term or permanent disabilities that have a severe impact on their life.

In an effort to help reduce these numbers, the NHTSA has conducted a number of studies and identified certain factors that may play a role in a person’s risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident.

One of the factors that the NHTSA discovered is that a person’s gender appears to play a role in that risk. National data shows that men are more likely to be killed in pedestrian accidents than women. In fact, about 70 percent of all pedestrian accident fatalities are men.

Research shows that the environment also plays a significant factor in a person’s risk of being struck by a vehicle. More than 70 percent of all pedestrian accidents occur at locations other than intersections. Intersections are where pedestrians should be crossing. Another factor was the time of day – with 75 percent of pedestrian accidents occurring during the nighttime hours. A personal injury lawyer Rapid City, SD victims trust understands that these two factors definitely reinforce safety recommendations for pedestrians such as always crossing at crosswalks and traffic lights (usually at intersections) and always wear light and reflective clothing if out walking at night.

Studies also show that alcohol is often a major factor in pedestrian accidents. In about 50 percent of all pedestrian accidents, either the pedestrian or the driver had alcohol in their system. In more than 30 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents, the driver has a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit.

Have You Been Injured?

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, make sure you receive the financial compensation you may be entitled to for the losses your injuries have caused you. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Rapid City, SD from The Law Offices of Loos, Sabers & Smith LLP will work hard to get the damages you deserve. Call our office today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.