Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents and Fatalities on the Rise

Morristown Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Attorney

A recent report released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety paints a rather grim picture when it comes to American road safety (or lack thereof), especially for people walking, biking, skating, etc.

Specifically, this report states an increase of 61% in hit and run deaths between 2009 and 2016 (the last year for which data is currently available), with 2016 totaling over 2,000 hit and run fatalities. Perhaps even more alarming is the added fact that fully two-thirds (66%) of these fatalities were bicyclists and pedestrians.

Our Morristown pedestrian and bicycle accident attorneys believe that there are a number of potential contributing factors to this alarming statistic, some of which can be controlled by the accident victims, some of which lie in the hands of drivers, and some of which are out of our control entirely.

In today’s article, we will discuss some of the potential causes of this spike in pedestrian accidents and bicycle accident injuries and deaths, some safety measures that can be taken to mitigate risk, and what can be done in the case of a pedestrian or bicycle accident injury or wrongful death.

Causes of Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents in Morris County

There are always a large variety of contributing factors to any given accident, but a few things in particular stand out when it comes to this alarming increase in accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians:

• Distraction – By far the biggest contributing factor, distracted driving is known to be a massive danger on U.S. roads across the country. However, it is not only drivers that need to pay more attention to roads, people walking, biking, etc are equally as guilty of using their mobile devices or other electronic devices and losing awareness. While you can only control your own actions, for your own safety as well as others, pay more attention to what you are doing, your surroundings, and traffic safety!

• Health – As people are becoming more and more health-conscious, it is no surprise that walking and biking in general are on the rise. Whether it is for commuting to work or simply exercise, the bottom line is that there are more cyclists and pedestrian on our roads than ever before, increasing the chances overall for accidents and injury.

• Lack of Infrastructure – Many modern cities, in response to this notable increase in pedestrian and bike activity, have added separate “pedestrian lanes” to their roads, lanes which are protected by concrete barriers.  While road-crossing still remain a safety hazard, pedestrians and bikers who use these lanes are certainly safer than they would be otherwise. However, many towns and cities lack the funds, or space, to enact similar safety measures.

While we believe these three to be the biggest contributing factors (especially distracted driving/distraction in general), obvious things like nicer weather (or poor weather leading to poorer visibility and road conditions), environmental concerns, and even population density all play a role.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Injury and Wrongful Death Claims Lawyer Parsippany NJ

While we can control our own actions, and mitigate the risks of pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents, at the end of the day these precautions only go so far, and accidents do happen.

As dangerous as car-on-car accidents can be, modern cars are designed and tested to be in accidents, and have a host of safety measures to reduce the affects of an accident. However, pedestrians and cyclists do not have this luxury, and cars traveling even as slow as 20-25mph can cause extreme injury and in some cases death to unprotected walkers and bikers.

When a negligent driver causes a bicycle accident or pedestrian accident, it is especially important that injury victims and family members recover the compensation they need and deserve considering the seriousness of vehicle-on-pedestrian collisions.

Of course, depending on the circumstances of the accident, workers’ compensation, personal injury, or wrongful death may apply. We have written, in detail, about each of these types of NJ accident claims, so feel free to read any of these articles or call our offices to discuss your pedestrian accident or bicycle accident in a free and confidential consultation with our legal team.

Contact Our Morristown Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorneys Today

At The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, we have extensive experience helping accident victims and their families to recover full and fair compensation across Morris and Sussex County, including Parsippany, Dover, Netcong, Newton, Morristown, and the surrounding communities.

Attorney Michael Burakoff built his practice on the belief that not only do his clients deserve attentive and highly informative legal counsel, families of accident and injury victims are just as concerned about the recovery process and its success, and deserve just as much attention and information.

To speak with Michael Burakoff and our legal team today in a free and confidential consultation regarding a bicycle accident, pedestrian accident, hit and run accident, or any other kind of accident, your options for recovering compensation, and how exactly we can help you to do so, please contact us online, or through either our Morristown office or our Newton office at 973-455-1567.