Walking shouldn’t feel like stepping into harm’s way, yet the numbers tell a very different story. In 2022, the United States recorded 7,522 pedestrian deaths, an 83 percent jump from the low point in 2009. Each case represents someone who simply tried to cross a street, head to work, or get home safely.
The growing concern is that these deaths aren’t random. They follow recognizable patterns tied to road design, driver behavior, vehicle size, and gaps in basic safety protections. More people are walking, but many streets still function as fast corridors built almost entirely around cars. That gap between how we move and how our roads operate is putting lives at risk.
Why Pedestrian Deaths Keep Climbing
Let’s break down the forces behind this surge. One major driver is speed. Many drivers travel faster than the conditions allow, and even small speed increases can turn a routine crossing into a deadly one. Distracted driving due to phones, screens, and navigation systems splits a driver’s attention at the exact moment they need to scan for pedestrians.
Vehicle design adds another layer. Studies show SUVs and light trucks create more lethal impacts because of their height and weight. These vehicles strike higher on the body, cause deeper injuries, and make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, especially children. As the American fleet shifts toward larger vehicles, the danger grows.
Most notably, AAA research shows that the surge in pedestrian deaths since 2009 has occurred largely on urban arterial roads. The increase is concentrated during nighttime hours. Darkness reduces visibility, arterial roads are built for speed and flow, and the combination creates a very high-risk environment for anyone walking.
When the Road or the City Plays a Role
Some crashes have less to do with driver behavior and more to do with the environment itself. Cities often fall behind on basic maintenance. A broken streetlight, a faded crosswalk, or a missing stop sign can turn a familiar route into a high-risk one. Some intersections lack audible signals or countdown timers, which puts older adults and people with disabilities at a disadvantage.
There are also deeper design flaws. Streets built decades ago still funnel heavy traffic through neighborhoods where people walk daily, yet the infrastructure never evolved to match those patterns. Narrow sidewalks, unpredictable construction detours, and long distances between safe crossings expose people to harm. In these situations, the city, county, or state may share responsibility, especially if officials knew the risks and failed to act.
Crashes involving government employees follow separate rules as well. If a city worker, bus driver, or utility vehicle operator caused the collision while on duty, their employer may be liable. These cases involve strict timelines and unique filing requirements, so early documentation becomes essential.
What You Should Do Right After a Pedestrian Crash
If a car hits you or someone you love, the first few minutes matter. Check for injuries and call emergency services right away. A police report becomes essential later, especially when you need to prove what happened.
If you’re physically able, document the scene. Take pictures of the vehicle, skid marks, road conditions, nearby signs, and your injuries. Gather the driver’s information and ask witnesses for their contact details. These details fill in gaps later when memories blur or stories shift.
Avoid admitting fault at the scene. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can complicate things. Fault is determined through investigation, and early comments can be misinterpreted. And always get a medical evaluation, even when you feel fine. Many injuries, especially soft-tissue or internal ones, appear hours or days later. A doctor’s report links those injuries directly to the crash.
How Fault Shapes Your Claim and Compensation
Fault isn’t always straightforward in pedestrian crashes. Drivers owe pedestrians a duty of care, but pedestrians also have responsibilities. Crossing between intersections, ignoring signals, or walking in prohibited areas can reduce your ability to recover damages.
Most states use comparative negligence laws. In pure comparative negligence, your compensation drops based on your percentage of fault. So if you’re 20 percent responsible, you receive 80 percent of the total damages. In modified comparative negligence states, being 50 percent or more at fault can block recovery altogether.
These calculations become even more important in cases of wrongful death. Families depend on the outcome to cover funeral costs, lost income, and the ripple effects that follow a sudden loss.
This is where evidence matters. Scene photos, traffic-camera footage, phone-use records, lighting conditions, and the vehicle’s speed all feed into the decision. Even the type of vehicle comes into play.
Depending on the situation, you may file a claim with the driver’s insurance company, your own insurance, or both. In no-fault states, your policy covers your medical costs and lost wages first. If the driver carries no insurance or too little coverage, your uninsured or underinsured motorist protection may help.
How an Attorney Strengthens Your Case
Handling a pedestrian accident claim is harder than it looks. Insurance companies often push for fast settlements that cover only the immediate costs. They rarely consider long-term medical needs, rehabilitation, therapy, lost earning capacity, or the emotional toll of the crash.
An attorney looks at the whole picture. They gather reports, speak to witnesses, analyze medical records, consult experts, and compare your case with similar ones. They identify whether the driver, employer, city, or multiple parties share responsibility. They also shield you from pressure to accept a low offer.
If negotiations fail, they can take your case to trial, as noted by Loewy Law Firm. Most pedestrian accident attorneys work on contingency, which means they get paid only if they recover money for you. For families dealing with fatal crashes, an attorney can also file a wrongful death claim. It can cover funeral costs, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
FAQs
What are the safety rules for pedestrians?
Pedestrians should stick to marked crossings, obey signals, and stay aware of surrounding traffic. Choosing bright or reflective clothing at night and steering clear of distractions like phones also lowers the risk of being hit. Staying predictable and making eye contact with drivers helps ensure safer crossings.
Where do most pedestrian crashes occur?
Most pedestrian crashes happen on busy urban roads where traffic moves fast and crossings are limited. Nighttime conditions make these areas even riskier due to reduced visibility. Wide arterials, poorly lit streets, and long gaps between safe crossings create the highest concentration of crashes.
Which vehicles are most often involved in deadly pedestrian collisions?
Larger vehicles like SUVs and light trucks are responsible for the greatest share of pedestrian fatalities. Their height, weight, and wide blind zones make impacts far more dangerous. Because they strike higher on the body, the risk of severe or life-threatening injuries increases significantly.
Overall, the rise in pedestrian deaths isn’t inevitable. It stems from choices in road design, enforcement, and vehicle standards. Safer crossings, slower speeds, raised intersections, and better lighting reduce harm. Data shows that when streets prioritize people, injuries fall. Cities are rethinking right-on-red, narrowing lanes, and urging automakers to fix blind zones. Each change helps. Together, they make walking feel safe again.
