More People Getting Hit by Cars in Delaware – A Look at 2015-2016 Data
With Spring weather arriving, pedestrians will be out and about throughout Delaware. Unfortunately this means that Delaware car accidents involving pedestrians will also increase. Recent statistics reveal stark increases in the numbers of pedestrian accidents throughout the U.S., and Delaware is no exception.
Increase in Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Delaware Likely
While the data for 2016 has not been released yet, the trend is likely to continue. From 2010 to 2015, the number of pedestrian accident deaths across the U.S. increased by a whopping 25%. There were 5,997 pedestrian deaths in 2016, compared with 5,375 in 2015 (and 4,910 in 2014). The trend is clearly increasing. See Governors Highway Safety Association, Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State (2016 Preliminary Data), March 30, 2017.
If the preliminary estimates are correct, 2016 would be the first time in 20 years the total annual number has hit 6,000. Delaware is on the same track. According to the report, the number of Delaware pedestrian accident deaths reported in 2016 is also likely to increase.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Delaware (Historical Data)
In 2014, there were 366 pedestrian accidents in Delaware, of which, 7% (27) resulted in a fatality. In 2015, there were 357 pedestrian accidents, 10% (36) were fatal. While the total number of pedestrian accidents decreased from 2014 to 2015, the number of fatalities increased by about 8%, that’s a large increase in the number of pedestrian accident deaths. Data from the Delaware State Police, Annual Traffic Statistical Reports (2014 and 2015; 2016 data not available).
Delaware Fatal Pedestrian Accident Rate – Highest in the Nation
The recent Governors Highway Safety Association report shows that for 2015, Delaware ranked first in the nation for the highest fatal pedestrian accident rate, 3.38 fatal pedestrian accidents for every 100,000 residents. The national average was 1.75.
The report compared the number of fatal pedestrian accidents in the first 6 months (January through June) of 2015 and 2016.
For the January-June 2016 period, Delaware’s pedestrian fatality rate is 1.89 (national average is .82). Delaware again, ranks first in terms of fatal accident rate for pedestrians.
Also, in the first half of 2015, there were 9 pedestrian accident deaths in Delaware. For the same period in 2016, that number jumped to 18, a 100% increase.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian accidents are most likely to occur at non-intersection locations, i.e., mid-block or on highways. In fact, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association report, 72% of pedestrian accident deaths occur in travel lanes, not at intersections. Less than 20% of pedestrian accident deaths occur at intersections, and 10% occur in non-travel lanes (shoulders and driveways).
Pedestrian Accident Injuries – Legal Rights in Delaware
Pedestrians who are injured in accidents while crossing a street in Delaware often have legal rights to receive compensation via PIP (personal injury protection) claims. In addition, a lawsuit or claim may be filed against the driver of the striking vehicle, and there may be financial recovery for any claims not paid by PIP, which include medical bills and lost wages. An injured pedestrian may also be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering.
Delaware Pedestrian Accident Law Firm – Wilmington, Dover & Newark
For over 25 years, Knepper & Stratton has helped individuals injured in car and pedestrian accidents in Delaware. With offices located in Wilmington, Dover and Newark, our firm is equipped to handle pedestrian accident cases throughout the state. Call for a free consultation. (302) 658-1717
*Disclaimer: This website page does not provide any legal advice or create any attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique and you should not take any action or make decisions in your case without speaking to a qualified car and truck accident lawyer in Delaware. Any discussion of results is no guarantee of the same or similar results in current or future cases.
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