The New York State Department of Health gathers statistics on a number of things that affect the health and well-being of residents of the state — including injuries and deaths related to motor vehicle accidents. Right now, the department’s website only lists the statistics for the years 2012 to 2014. While these numbers may be a few years old, they are still pretty eye opening. This week, this column will focus specifically on the pedestrian accident statistics.
Between the years 2012 and 2014, auto-pedestrian fatalities averaged 312 per year. The individuals most affected were those aged 65 or older. During those same years, the average number of hospitalizations per year related to auto-pedestrian accidents was a little over 3,000. Males and those 65 or older were most commonly affected. As far as hospital visits for auto-pedestrian accidents, there was an average of 12,500 per year — mostly males and those between the ages of 15 and 24.
In short, auto-pedestrian accidents negatively affect thousands of New York residents and visitors to the state every year. The resulting damages are known to take a significant toll on the victims or — in the event of fatality — their surviving family members. Thankfully, it may be possible to seek compensation for any losses suffered.
According to the laws of New York, if an auto-pedestrian accident is the result of driver negligence — whether liability is thought full or partial — the victim or his or her family members may be entitled to seek compensation through legal means. Personal injury or wrongful death claims may be filed and litigated in civil court with the assistance of an experienced attorney. If litigation proves successful, a monetary judgment may be awarded.
Source: health.ny.gov, “Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Statistics: New York State Residents“, Accessed on Feb. 25, 2018