PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT STATISTICS
Nationally, pedestrian fatalities are seeing their first significant declines since the pandemic-era surge. According to preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), an estimated 7,148 pedestrians were killed in 2024, a 4.3% decrease from the previous year. This downward trend appears to be accelerating; in the first half of 2025, deaths fell by nearly 11%; the largest annual decline in 15 years.
Despite this progress, safety experts remain cautious. Current fatality rates are still approximately 20% higher than they were in 2016.
In North Carolina, the data tells a more localized story of risk. While the country saw broad declines, North Carolina was notably one of the states that reported an increase in pedestrian deaths during the first half of 2024. State-level data highlights that pedestrian and bicycle accidents, while representing only about 1.5% of all traffic crashes, often account for nearly 30% of all serious injuries and fatalities.
The state’s largest cities are the primary drivers of these statistics, as they struggle with high-speed corridors intersecting with growing residential areas.
In Charlotte, the “High Injury Network” (a small fraction of the city’s streets) accounts for 80% of all fatal and serious injury crashes. Similarly, Raleigh identifies specific intersections, such as Capital Boulevard at Calvary Drive, as the most dangerous statewide for those on foot.
Contributing risk factors unique to the state’s current safety profile include the infrastructure of their multi-lane roadways lacking adequate crosswalks or pedestrian signals. In addition, nearly one in four pedestrian deaths in the state involves a driver fleeing the scene, with some calling it a “Hit-and-Run Epidemic”.
NORTH CAROLINA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYERS FOR VICTIMS OF MOTOR-VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
At MAX Recovery Personal Injury Law, our experienced North Carolina personal injury attorneys specialize in pedestrian accident cases, including those that tragically result in fatalities. Surviving family members may pursue compensation for wrongful death, medical expenses, lost income, and other related costs.
Fatal pedestrian accidents are profound tragedies that devastate families and communities. While a wrongful death claim cannot undo your loss, it provides a pathway to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the justice you deserve.
Families often face tough financial choices to cover costly but essential medical treatments following a crash. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, reach out to MAX Recovery Personal Injury Law today for compassionate support.
Our North Carolina pedestrian accident lawyers are well-versed in navigating the complex legal and emotional challenges of these cases, always prioritizing our clients’ unique needs.
The dedicated team at MAX Recovery Personal Injury Law can help you seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses tied to the accident. Contact us today at (833) 4-MAXLAW or online to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
