Many throughout the state of Pennsylvania may not be aware of just how many pedestrians are out and about on any given day. With all of those people walking, biking, running, sitting or just resting, it is inevitable that at some point some will be involved in an accident with a motor vehicle of some sort.

In 2010, a total of 4,280 pedestrians were killed after being involved in an altercation with a car. That translates into 13 percent of the fatal traffic related accidents. Roughly an additional 70,000 individuals were hurt in pedestrian accidents.

There are several statistics regarding the crashes that may not come as a surprise to readers. In 2010:

• 80 percent of the time fatal pedestrian accidents occurred as a person was attempting to cross the street at a place other than the crosswalk.
• Over half of the fatal pedestrian accidents (68 percent) happened when it was dark out.
• Alcohol had been consumed by either the person driving the car or the pedestrian 47 percent of the time.

These injury and death resulting pedestrian accidents often lead to civil lawsuits. When a pedestrian is injured through the fault of the person driving the car that hit the pedestrian, a personal injury lawsuit may be filed. Any damages recovered could be used to cover lost wages and medical bills. When a pedestrian's injuries are so serious that they result in death, a wrongful death lawsuit could be brought against the negligent party.

Wrongful death lawsuits are often difficult, both legally as well as emotionally. When successful, a dollar amount is assigned to the life of the person who tragically lost his or her life. Though money is clearly never a replacement for the person who is lost, it usually makes it easier for those left behind to move forward with their lives.

Source: CNN, "Pedestrian fatalities up 4 percent in 2010; non-intersection crossings most deadly," Jim Barnett, Aug. 7, 2012

• Our firm handles similar situations to the one discussed in this post. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Pittsburgh motor vehicle accidents that result in deaths page.