Research from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that SUVs and other large vehicles, such as pickup trucks and vans, pose the largest threat to pedestrians, particularly when making turns. According to the study, with a higher profile, the drivers of these vehicles may not be afforded as clear a view of pedestrians as that in smaller vehicles.
In 2020, the last year for which full statistics are available, there were 54,700 pedestrian accidents in the United States. Of those, 6,500 were fatal. Most at risk are adults over the age of 65 and smaller children, making safety education key. But even the safest of pedestrians cannot always avoid an accident.
According to the IIHS, SUVs are involved in more than 50% of all fatal pedestrian accidents. Pickup trucks are involved in 25% of fatal pedestrian accidents. Many of these accidents happen at intersections when a pedestrian is trying to cross the street.
SUVs turning left are twice as likely to strike a pedestrian. Vans and minivans are three times as likely, while pickup trucks are four times as likely to strike a pedestrian while making a left turn. When a right-hand turn is made, SUVs are 63% more likely than smaller vehicles to strike and kill a pedestrian. With pickup trucks, this risk increases to 89%. This places a responsibility on those who drive larger vehicles to slow down, pay extra attention, and drive with care. It also places a responsibility on auto manufacturers to design vehicles and safety features that address these serious risks.
The lawyers at Kline & Specter, PC understand the complexities of pedestrian accidents, along with the ways these events can forever alter the lives of victims and their families. We have a long history of securing significant settlements and verdicts for our clients.
For example, the firm won a $14 million verdict for a Pennsylvania student who lost her leg after she was struck by a school bus outside her high school. In another case, Kline & Specter lawyers won a $4.3 million verdict for a University of Pittsburgh student who was run over by a bus while crossing the street on campus, an accident that severed his foot.
If you suspect you have cause to file suit, get in touch to discuss your rights and learn about your options. The law firm has more than 50 attorneys, five of whom are also medical doctors – the most in the United States.
Kline & Specter maintains offices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware. We work with qualified legal partners, as appropriate, for cases outside of these areas.
