Experienced Attorneys Serving Injured Pedestrians Across New York
The Cohoes, New York community was saddened at the report that a 16-year-old high school student was struck and killed by a car as she crossed Route 787 at the intersection of Bridge Avenue on June 16, 2016. Subsequently, officials announced that as much as $15 million will be spent to make it safer for pedestrians to cross the busy road that serves as a major commuter route. Three pedestrians have been killed in the past 17 years along the stretch of highway, illustrating the dangers that New York pedestrians face every day.
A Pedestrian is Killed Every Two Hours
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2013, the last year for which full data is available, 4,735 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States; that’s one crash-related pedestrian death every two hours. More than 150,000 pedestrians are treated in emergency departments each year.
Alcohol is Often a Factor in Pedestrian Deaths
CDC experts say alcohol is involved in virtually half of all traffic crashes that result in a pedestrian death. It may come as a surprise to some, but in slightly more than one-third of the fatal pedestrian crashes, the pedestrian had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of greater than the legal limit.
Other Factors Involved in Fatal Pedestrian Crashes
Speed is often a factor in fatal crashes involving pedestrians. In the Cohoes accident, officials indicate the driver of the car that struck the teenager may have been traveling about the speed limit. Urban areas tend to be more dangerous for pedestrians than rural locations, due mostly to increased traffic patterns and the greater number of intersections.
Visibility is a Key Factor in Avoiding Pedestrian Fatalities
Safety officials point to a number of measures that can be taken to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities. One of the most important has to do with visibility. Most pedestrians are struck in early morning and evening hours, when visibility is reduced. If one needs to walk along a highway, experts caution that brightly colored clothing and a flashlight can be the difference between life and death.
Pedestrian Accident Victims and Their Families May Recover Damages
If you or a member of your family has been injured in a pedestrian accident, or if a member of your family has sustained fatal injuries in such a crash, you may be able to recover damages for your loss. Establishing liability can be complex. Retaining a skilled, experienced attorney is often the key to recovery. The law firm of Hacker Murphy is one of the most highly respected law firms in upstate New York and the capital district. We are among the top-rated lawyers in the country, achieving the highest ratings from both client groups and our peers. We have been representing clients for years.
Attorney E. Stewart Jones, Jr. is a third generation New York attorney who has won the largest verdicts in a number of counties across Upstate New York. He and his colleagues have the experience and resources to help you establish your claim and negotiate the best possible settlement. Call us now at (518) 730-4723 or complete our online form. The Hacker Murphy law firm has an attorney available to assist clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – even on holidays.