Pedestrian Knockdown Facts

A pedestrian knockdown claim exists if you or a loved one have been injured by a motor vehicle crash in a pedestrian knockdown. A pedestrian knockdown is referred to a crash, rather than an accident, to create the distinction that crashes are preventable. The speed of a vehicle plays a major role in the injuries sustained from a pedestrian knockdown. Motor vehicle crashes with pedestrians take place in urban areas, away from intersections, or late at night.

Despite following traffic and safety rules as a pedestrian, you cannot always protect yourself from a negligent diver. Pedestrian knockdowns can occur if a driver is impaired while driving due to drugs or alcohol, distracted, texting at the wheel, speeding, or fails to signal. The most common injuries sustained following a pedestrian knockdown include traumatic brain injury (TBI), neck injuries, leg and hip trauma, bone fractures, and knee injuries. The human body is no match for a car, bus, or truck.  

Data related to pedestrian knockdown:

• The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) reported in 2009 that driver negligence was cited in nearly 36% of crashes resulting in death or serious injury to a pedestrian. 
• The failure of a driver to yield to pedestrians was found in 27% of fatal pedestrian crashes. 
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTA) reported in 2014 that pedestrians accounted for half of all traffic fatalities in New York City, Boston, San Francisco, and Albuquerque.  
• Every year, pedestrian fatalities comprise 12% of all traffic fatalities.