Minnesota pedestrians may be in greater danger than in previous years even though overall, fatalities from motor vehicle accidents declined around the country in 2018 for the second year in a row. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also said that the estimates from the first six months of 2019 show that the trend is likely to continue. This comes after two years of an increase in fatalities. That was attributed to more driving as a result of an improved economy. It is believed that more safety technology in vehicles has contributed to the decrease.
Statistics were worse for pedestrians as well as cyclists. For pedestrians, deaths increased by 3.4%, and for cyclists and others on vehicles with pedals, the increase was 6.3%. Most of the pedestrian deaths happened at night, and most happened away from intersections. Alcohol was a factor in some cases. The NHTSA said it would also be looking at the role of SUVs in the rise since their height meant it was more difficult to see pedestrians or cyclists.
There was a drop in fatalities attributable to distracted driving, speeding and drunk driving. However, there was a slight rise in fatalities in large truck accidents, and an advocacy group called the Truck Safety Coalition said large truck fatalities had risen in the last decade.
Car accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, and the driver who causes an accident may be responsible for the expenses of the people who are injured. However, obtaining compensation is not always straightforward. The driver who caused the accident might be uninsured. In the case of some injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, symptoms may not appear immediately, and the insurance company may claim that the injury is unrelated. An attorney may be able to help an injured person get compensation.