Pedestrians have it tough. They are highly vulnerable, often unseen by motorists. And when they are hit, they are much more susceptible to serious injury. This risk is only heightened in bad weather or nighttime driving.
According to a study by the Insurance Institue for Highway Safety, as soon as the sun goes down, it gets significantly more dangerous for pedestrians. The agency reports that 73 percent of all pedestrian deaths happen in the dark, between 6 pm and 6 am
Pedestrian Killed at Night in Floyd County
The Kentucky State Police say that a man out walking along the highway was hit by a car Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The accident happened on KY-114 just west of the Lexington city limits. Troopers say that the 39-year-old man was walking westbound on the highway when a car traveling the same direction hit him.
He was transported to Highlands Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police are still investigating the incident and they say that neither drugs nor alcohol were factors.
Dangers of Nighttime Walking
From its low in 2009, pedestrian fatalities have risen a staggering 53 percent by the end of 2018. Safety and traffic experts are not sure why the rise especially when traffic fatalities have generally fallen over the last decade.
The biggest factor is most likely visibility for the driver. Drivers traditionally have a hard time spotting pedestrians, and darkness will only make this worse.
Drinking and Walking
The same study shows that 42 percent of all night time pedestrian deaths, 9 pm to 6 pm, happen with the pedestrian having a bac of .08 or higher. When you look at all of these together, it’s a bit more understandable why being a pedestrian in cities like Lexington is so dangerous.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
It doesn’t seem like going for a walk should be so dangerous. You go to a bar and decide to do the right thing and walk home. Or you leave the car at home and go out for a nighttime walk for some exercise. Unfortunately, in both scenarios, you risk getting injured for your efforts.
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we feel strongly that pedestrians have just as much right to be out there than motorists do, but we also understand the risks. If you’ve been injured while walking around Lexington, Louisville or anywhere else, and were hit by a car and injured, come talk to us so we can start working for you to get compensation for your injuries.
Contact a Louisville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Accident victims often wonder if they need an attorney, and the answer is almost always yes. The insurance company agents have years of experience and are good at their job which is to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. You need someone just as experienced to help you level the field.
Talk to a Louisville Pedestrian Accident Attorney you can trust to be on your side and get you what is yours under the law. The attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, have that knowledge and a combined 100 years’ experience in helping clients get the results they deserve. To discuss your case, contact Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC today, by clicking here to contact them online.
