Pickup trucks have become an increasingly popular choice for drivers across the state of Minnesota due to their versatility, durability, and power. However, recent studies have shown that pickup trucks are even more dangerous to pedestrians than passenger cars. Pedestrian accidents involving pickup trucks can result in severe injuries or tragic fatalities. They can also lead to the accumulation of hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses and other types of financial losses.
You need to contact a Sand Law attorney as soon as possible if you’ve suffered an injury after a truck hit you while you were walking. We’ll quickly get to work investigating the accident to determine fault. Then we’ll relentlessly pursue compensation from those responsible for your suffering.
If you would like a free evaluation of your case, call Sand Law at 651-291-7263 or contact us online as soon as you can. We’ll be ready to put our extensive knowledge and skill to work for you.
Studies Show that Pickup Trucks are Four Times as Likely to Cause Fatal Pedestrian Accidents
According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), pickup trucks are four times more likely to cause fatal pedestrian accidents than passenger cars. Researchers noted that pedestrians are 89% more likely to be killed by a pickup making a right turn than by a car making the same maneuver.
The reasons behind this trend are complex, but several factors may contribute to the higher likelihood of pickup trucks causing pedestrian accidents. One potential cause is the design of pickup trucks, which often feature higher front ends and larger grilles compared to passenger cars.
A Design Flaw Could be the Culprit
As the researchers involved in the IIHS study noted, many trucks have A-pillars connecting the truck’s body to the roof. These are struts located on either side of the windshield. The researchers believe these struts cause blind spots. The wider the A-pillars, the wider the blind spots. This can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians when turning.
Additionally, manufacturers often equip pickup trucks with larger engines and higher horsepower, making them more difficult to control in certain situations, such as when turning or maneuvering in tight spaces. This can increase the likelihood of a driver losing control of the vehicle and striking a pedestrian.
Who’s At Fault for My Pedestrian Accident?
Trying to determine fault for a pedestrian accident can be a very complex undertaking. In some cases, the pickup truck driver may be at fault if they were driving recklessly. They may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol or otherwise negligent in their actions.
However, other factors may be at play, such as poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or a defect in the pickup truck’s design.
You’ll need to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the accident and help determine who may be liable for your damages.
We can’t over-emphasize the fact that time will be of the essence. You must hire an attorney as fast as you can so they can start the investigation. The accident scene can quickly undergo significant changes. Rain, for instance, can wash away skid marks. These skid marks could indicate the pickup truck driver was going too fast. They tried to slam on their brakes but couldn’t avoid hitting you.
An attorney can also work to obtain other types of evidence. For example, there was probably a surveillance camera located close to where the wreck happened. Your lawyer can request the footage to show how the accident occurred. In most instances, however, that footage doesn’t last very long. The cameras are made to delete old footage after a specific time to make space for new recordings.
Injuries Caused by Pickup Truck Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents involving pickup trucks can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe or even fatal. Some common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Road rash
In addition to the physical injuries sustained in the accident, victims may also experience emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.
Receiving Compensation for Your Damages
But you’ll need a lawyer if you’re going to have a realistic chance of receiving compensation for your damages. Your attorney will need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. That could be the driver of the pickup truck or another party responsible for the accident.
Again, your lawyer will need to conduct a thorough investigation to determine all potentially liable parties. The faster that investigation starts, the higher the likelihood they’ll be able to collect the evidence needed to build the strongest possible case.
Work with an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney to Receive Full Compensation to Cover Your Losses
A skilled, seasoned lawyer with Sand Law can help you deal with all the complexities that are typically involved with filing a personal injury claim. They can also help gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with insurance companies to obtain a fair settlement offer. Your attorney will be ready to represent you in court if that offer isn’t forthcoming.
In addition, a pedestrian accident attorney can help you calculate the full extent of your damages, including current and future expenses related to your injuries. These expenses can include medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and other financial losses that could occur due to the accident that caused your injuries.
Seek legal counsel as soon as possible if you’ve suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident involving a pickup truck. Your attorney can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve to cover your losses and begin to move forward with your life.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to schedule a free case review. You can use our online contact form, or you can give us a call at 651-291-7263.