Pedestrian deaths are the highest they’ve been in more than 30 years, according to the preliminary results of a study recently released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). Around 6,590 pedestrians died in collisions in 2019, up five percent from the previous year.
The news is especially dismal in Hawaii, which had the second-highest pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 people during the first half of 2019. In addition, the number of pedestrian deaths in Hawaii for the first six months of the year was 19 percent higher than the same time in 2018.
Pedestrian accidents are a known problem in Hawaii, especially because it is one of the world’s premier vacation destinations. Recognizing the severity of the problem, transportation officials have instituted additional safety measures to reduce the number of collisions, such as raised crosswalks, speed bumps, and more traffic signals. The city of Honolulu recently installed a “pedestrian scramble” crosswalk at the intersection of Kalakaua Avenue and Lewers Street in Waikiki, which will allow pedestrians to walk in all directions when traffic is stopped.
Were you hurt after being hit by a car on Oahu? If so, you could be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party if your injuries were severe. An experienced Honolulu pedestrian accident lawyer at Recovery Law Center can help you fight for the compensation you’re owed.
After an accident, it’s important to talk to a lawyer quickly. Insurance companies will work fast to offer you a settlement, often for much less than you deserve. Attorney Glenn Honda can get started on your case right away. He’ll represent you aggressively so that your rights are protected and you aren’t shortchanged.
Ready to get started? We are, too. Call or contact us immediately for a free consultation.
Why are Pedestrian Deaths So High?
According to the GHSA report, several factors appear to have contributed to the rise of pedestrian accidents. One is the fact that both pedestrians and drivers are more distracted now than ever before. The rise of smartphones has made texting and emailing commonplace, and it is sometimes difficult for people to ignore their notifications and focus on what lies ahead.
Another factor that has contributed to the high number of pedestrian deaths is the fact that more motorists are choosing SUVs over other types of vehicles. SUVs are much larger than smaller cars and therefore hit pedestrians with much greater impact. While SUVs likely do not contribute to the rising number of pedestrian accidents in Hawaii, they may be partly to blame for the number of fatalities.
Common Causes of Honolulu Pedestrian Accidents
Drivers and pedestrians both have a responsibility to follow Hawaii’s traffic laws. The most common cause of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield in traffic
- Unsafe left turns
- Backover accidents
- Poor weather conditions
Pedestrians often face long recoveries after being struck by a car. Because they don’t have the protection of an airbag or the metal structure of another vehicle to shield them from harm, their bodies take the full force of impact. As a result, their injuries are usually serious.
How Can Recovery Law Center Help Me?
Have you been hit by a driver while walking? A Honolulu pedestrian accident attorney at Recovery Law Center can help you navigate Hawaii’s no-fault insurance rules. If your injuries are severe, we can also help you step outside the state’s no-fault system and pursue compensation directly from the responsible driver.
Don’t let your rights to maximum compensation go unprotected. Call or contact us right away for a free and confidential consultation.
