Though walking is often touted as an easy and simple form of exercise, it is not always a safe activity. Louisiana families may be shocked to hear that a recent study showed a sharp increase in the amount of fatalities among pedestrians all over the nation. This kind of personal injury incident can have a significant affect on the victim and his or her loved ones, and understanding the findings of the study may be a step in preventing one.
The study revealed that over 49,000 pedestrians lost their lives from 2008 to 2017, which is more than 13 people each day. Overall, the report found that there was a 35 percent increase in pedestrian deaths during the past 10 years. The state of Louisiana was ranked the fourth deadliest in the nation. One bit of good news was that traffic crashes with fatalities went down slightly in 2017. Still, 2016 and 2017 were the deadliest for pedestrians since 1990.
The report was compiled by two organizations – Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition. The groups used a Pedestrian Danger Index to determine the findings. Organizers say that many cities do not have safe infrastructure for pedestrians. The findings also state that people of color, older adults and those walking in lower-income areas are more likely to be subject to a fatal pedestrian accident. The director of the NCSC says that the knowledge on how to improve these numbers exists, but that direct action must be taken.
Those here in Louisiana who have been hurt in a pedestrian accident may not be aware of all the legal options before them. Victims or their loved ones may wish to file a personal injury claim against any responsible parties. A successfully litigated claim could result in financial remuneration that can be used to offset any costs incurred by accident like this.