Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death cases stemming from pedestrian accidents in Kentucky and Indiana are often the result of negligence or recklessness. Pedestrian deaths have been rising in recent years. Pedestrian fatalities are particularly concerning in urban areas where pedestrian traffic is high. Both Kentucky and Indiana have made efforts to address these issues through law enforcement, public awareness, and infrastructure improvements.

Statistics on Pedestrian Accidents in Kentucky and Indiana

Kentucky has struggled with rising pedestrian fatalities. The Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) published a report on such fatalities in 2018. The Analysis of Traffic Crash Data in Kentucky (2013-2017) lists multiple factors that contributed to pedestrian deaths, including driver inattention, alcohol impairment, and unsafe road conditions. Statistics from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet report a significant percentage of pedestrian deaths occurring at night, often due to insufficient visibility and the influence of alcohol on either the driver or the pedestrian. The 2024 Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Daily Fatality Statistics Update noted in the calendar year 2023, 137 non-motorized road users lost their lives, marking a stark increase compared to previous years.

Indiana shares similar challenges when it comes to pedestrian safety. According to a report published by the Governors Highway Safety Association, 125 pedestrians were killed in 2022, reflecting a growing trend in fatalities in Indiana. Like Kentucky, urban areas in Indiana, such as Indianapolis, are the most dangerous for pedestrians. A key finding from state and national reports suggests that pedestrian deaths in Indiana increased alongside overall traffic fatalities in the post-pandemic period, where high-speed driving and risky behaviors became more common. 

Contributing Factors to Pedestrian Accidents

Several common factors contribute to pedestrian fatalities in both states:

Distracted Driving

A recent national report found that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Cell phone use, in particular, has been a major contributor to these incidents, as drivers fail to notice pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.

Alcohol and Drug Use

Both driver and pedestrian intoxication significantly increase the risk of fatal accidents. In many cases, the impaired judgment or slowed reflexes of a driver or pedestrian have led to deadly outcomes. The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs published a report titled Kentucky Traffic Accident Facts authored by the Kentucky State Police outlining their findings on drug and alcohol use and wrongful death. The most recent 2024 Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Daily Fatality Statistics Update by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety stated that alcohol is also a notable factor, with approximately 14% of fatalities involving impaired drivers.

Speeding

Speeding remains a significant factor in traffic fatalities in Kentucky and Indiana, particularly affecting pedestrian safety. In 2022, Kentucky recorded a total of 762 fatalities from public road collisions, with many involving speeding. Speed-related fatalities are particularly concerning as they increase the severity of injuries and reduce reaction times for drivers, contributing to a higher number of pedestrian deaths. In Indiana, speeding-related fatalities have been a persistent issue as well. Data from 2020 and 2021 shows that the state faced challenges in reducing these deaths. High speed limits were involved in a significant percentage of collisions, with 295 fatalities linked to speeding. Furthermore, Indiana’s overall traffic fatalities reached 985 in 2022, reflecting an ongoing struggle to address the failure to drive at a safe speed.

Poor Road Infrastructure

Inadequate crosswalks, lack of pedestrian signals, and poor lighting conditions contribute to fatal pedestrian crashes. In many urban areas, pedestrian pathways are poorly designed or neglected, placing pedestrians at greater risk. The Kentucky Traffic Accident Facts report discussed above also listed poor road infrastructure as a significant contributing cause of wrongful deaths.

Failure to Yield

Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks are a leading cause of accidents. This violation is often compounded by distractions or speeding, making it difficult for pedestrians to react quickly.

Government and Legal Responses

Both Kentucky and Indiana have made efforts to reduce pedestrian fatalities through legal and infrastructural initiatives. Kentucky’s efforts include increasing awareness campaigns and improving pedestrian crossings in high-traffic areas. Additionally, traffic law enforcement in Kentucky has intensified penalties for distracted driving and failure to yield to pedestrians.

Indiana has also implemented various traffic safety measures aimed at protecting pedestrians. Increased funding has been allocated to enhance pedestrian pathways, improve lighting in urban areas, and raise awareness about pedestrian safety through public education campaigns. However, despite these efforts, the rate of pedestrian fatalities continues to challenge state authorities, underscoring the need for further action.

Help for Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents leading to wrongful death remain a significant legal and public safety issue in Kentucky and Indiana. Legal systems in Kentucky and Indiana provide mechanisms for families to seek justice and compensation, but the increasing statistics point to the need for more robust preventive measures. Through continued public education, improved road safety measures, and stricter law enforcement, Kentucky and Indiana can hope to reduce the number of tragic pedestrian deaths in the future.

Did your loved one die in a fatal pedestrian accident? Call Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC, to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation. Our best Louisville wrongful death attorneys are available to answer your questions. 502.553.4750.