Speed is one of the most important factors when assessing the severity of a pedestrian crash. As vehicle speeds increase, the likelihood of severe or fatal injuries increases as well. At 23 miles per hour (mph), a vehicle has a 25% chance of causing severe injuries to a pedestrian and a 10% risk of causing fatal injuries. At 31 mph, the risk of injury increases to 50%, while the risk of death reaches 25% at 32 mph.
The speeds and residential neighborhoods are typically low enough to minimize the risk of severe injury or death. However, those struck at low speeds, including in parking lots and at the ends of driveways, can still sustain significant injuries that leave them struggling to cover collision costs.
Knock-down incidents cause major injuries and costs
The speed of a vehicle is only one factor that influences the severity of pedestrian injuries. The size of the vehicle is another important consideration. Bigger vehicles can easily cause serious injuries by knocking pedestrians to the ground.
Taller vehicles with vertical front ends can easily cause a knock-down incident. Even at low speeds, pedestrians knocked to the ground by a vehicle are at risk of broken bones, brain injuries and other severe medical consequences. If the pedestrian involved in the incident is a minor, an older adult or someone with underlying medical challenges, the risk of severe injuries increases.
Anyone affected by a pedestrian crash may have medical expenses and lost wages to address. Reviewing insurance coverage and crash details with a lawyer can help injured pedestrians and their family members hold drivers accountable after serious pedestrian collisions.
