Nearly 650 crashes involving pedestrians occur each year in Washington DC, with most of those collisions downtown in neighborhoods like Chinatown, Penn Quarter, and Mount Vernon Square. These areas have heavy foot traffic, dense vehicle activity, and complex intersections, putting pedestrians at risk.
The experienced pedestrian accident attorneys of Marks & Harrison believe it’s important to recognize the factors that increase the risk of injury in one of these accidents and to know the areas in Washington, DC where, based on crash data, the risks are greatest.
What Is the Leading Cause of Washington DC Pedestrian Accidents?
Driver negligence causes most pedestrian accidents in Washington DC, according to research analyzing DC crash data. Vehicle left turns are the most common type of crashes involving pedestrians at intersections.
The forms of driver negligence that show up most often in pedestrian accident cases include:
- Distracted driving behaviors that reduce or eliminate driver reaction time
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Speeding by exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for the conditions
- Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue
Sometimes, pedestrian inattentiveness is also a factor in these traffic crashes and traffic deaths. Pedestrians who cross outside of marked crosswalks, enter the road against signals, or walk while distracted can contribute to collisions. Still, driver negligence remains the dominant factor.
What Are Common Injuries in Washington DC Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents frequently produce serious, life-altering injuries due to the lack of protection that pedestrians have against the forces of a traffic collision. Common pedestrian injuries in these car accidents include catastrophic injuries such as:
Severe head trauma, including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations
- Road rash
- Soft tissue injuries
Where Are the Five Most Dangerous Spots in DC for Pedestrian Accidents?
Crash data point to locations in DC with the biggest clusters of pedestrian accidents. Based on the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities over seven years,the five most dangerous intersections in Washington DC are:
- Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road NE – 10 crashes and 14 injuries
- 800 Southern Avenue SE – 8 crashes and 11 injuries
- 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW – 7 crashes and 13 injuries
- 14th Street and U Street NW – 11 total crashes and 12 injuries
- Georgia Avenue and Kennedy Street NW – 9 crashes and 10 injuries
How Can Washington DC Reduce the Number of Pedestrian Accidents?
The DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) has worked to reduce pedestrian accidents and eliminate traffic fatalities through several active programs throughout the District, such as:
- Priority corridors – The department has identified eight priority corridors for upgrades (one in each ward) where pedestrian activity is high, but conditions are currently poor.
- Traffic signals – The DDOT has also installed Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK) signals at mid-block crosswalks throughout the District.
- Additional safety projects – The DDOT is currently working on the Maryland Avenue Pedestrian Safety Corridor Project and the East Capitol Street Pedestrian Safety Program.
Are Certain Days and Times More Dangerous Than Others for Pedestrian Accidents?
Based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) pedestrian accident data, the hours between 6:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. account for the highest share of pedestrian traffic fatalities nationwide. A staggering 26 percent of all pedestrian fatal accidents occur during the 6:00–8:59 p.m. window alone. On weekends, the slightly later 9:00–11:59 p.m. window is the deadliest. Low light conditions play a significant role in fatal pedestrian crashes, with 77 percent of pedestrian fatalities reportedly occurring in the dark in one recent year.
If you go for a walk in DC during evening hours, take extra care at crosswalks and intersections.
What Steps Can a Pedestrian Take to Avoid an Accident?
While drivers bear the primary responsibility for pedestrian safety, there are steps you can take to reduce your own risk. Here’s what you can do:
- Obey traffic laws by crossing only at marked crosswalks and intersections.
- Always obey pedestrian signals and wait for “walk” indicators.
- Make eye contact with all road users, including motorists and cyclists using bike lanes, before stepping off the curb.
- Avoid using your phone or headphones while crossing.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing at night.
- Stay on sidewalks whenever they’re available.
- Stay alert near driveways, parking garage exits, and turning lanes.
What Should You Do If You Are Involved in a Pedestrian Accident in Washington DC?
If you suffer serious physical injury after a car hits you in a DC pedestrian accident, here are some steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights in a pedestrian injury claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Document the scene with photos if you’re able to do so safely.
- Collect the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details.
- Request contact information from any witnesses.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters.
- Contact a Washington DC pedestrian accident attorney at Marks & Harrison as soon as possible. We can act quickly to preserve evidence and identify the parties who could be liable for the harm you’ve suffered in a personal injury claim.
What Compensation Could You Recover in a DC Pedestrian Accident Claim?
A successful pedestrian accident claim may allow you to recover compensation for a wide range of crash-related losses, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost quality of life
Does Washington DC Have a Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit for Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
District law gives most pedestrian accident victims three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you don’t file within that window, you’ll likely lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. Don’t wait to get legal advice.
The sooner you start working with a pedestrian accident lawyer at Marks & Harrison, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence and preparing a strong claim. For instance, we may immediately act to preserve dashcam or surveillance camera footage, or to obtain data from the “black box” of the vehicle involved in the crash.
Contact a Washington DC Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
At Marks & Harrison, we’ve spent more than 115 years fighting for injured individuals and their families and recovered over $1 billion on behalf of our clients in a wide range of accident cases. We know what it takes to hold negligent drivers accountable in pedestrian accidents in Washington DC.
Marks & Harrison really cares about their clients! Highly recommend reaching out if you’ve been in an accident! They’ll get the results you want!” says former client Louisa Mauck in one of our many testimonials.
We offer free case reviews, charge no legal fees unless you recover compensation, and have staff available nights and weekends so you can receive experienced and caring legal representation when you need it the most. Get started by contacting us today for a free consultation.
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