Attorney
A New York City safety agency recently compiled a ranking of the most dangerous cities in the world for pedestrians. Cities outside of the United States fared considerably better, as American cities dominated the list. The most dangerous city in the world for pedestrians is Atlanta, with 10.97 deaths per 100,000 residents. Washington, D.C. was not far behind with a rate of 5.74 per 100,000. Pedestrians injured in a car accident should consider consulting with a Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer.
A hit-and-run accident near Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle killed a woman. The woman was just stepping out of her vehicle when a passing SUV struck her. The SUV struck her with such force that it propelled her 21 feet into a parked car. A bicyclist witnessed the hit-and-run and chased after the SUV long enough to note its license plate, which he passed along to police. The police were then able to locate the driver at her home, asleep and still in her vehicle. They charged her with driving while intoxicated and manslaughter with a conscious disregard of an extreme risk of death. She faces a sentence of four to ten years.
Both drivers and pedestrians can take steps to avoid pedestrian-car accidents. Drivers should stay focused on driving, particularly in busy areas like Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle. They should be particularly vigilant near parked cars and intersections, because people may be nearby. Pedestrians should not assume drivers see them. They should cross at marked intersections and wait for drivers to stop and make eye contact before walking in streets.
For more information about injuries involving vehicles and pedestrians, contact Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.