Large, boxy SUVs and pickup trucks may be rugged and practical, but their towering frames and blunt front ends and sheer size pose a hidden danger to pedestrians. With designs that prioritize power and size, these vehicles make our streets significantly more hazardous for those on foot.
Larger vehicles like boxy SUVs and pickup trucks pose a heightened risk to pedestrians due to their size, weight, and design. With higher front ends and limited visibility close to the vehicle, these vehicles are often involved in more severe accidents when pedestrians are struck. Jassim Law has seen firsthand the consequences of such accidents and is dedicated to helping injured pedestrians pursue justice.
The Rising Risk of Large Vehicles for Pedestrian Safety
As the size and shape of vehicles on U.S. roads continue to evolve, so does their impact on pedestrian safety. A recent study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has revealed that the height and shape of vehicle fronts play a significant role in pedestrian fatalities. Vehicles with particularly tall front ends, such as SUVs, pickups, and vans, have a much higher risk of causing fatal injuries to pedestrians.
Not only does the size of the SUV or truck result in significant damage, drivers of these vehicles may have a hard time seeing pedestrians with large A-pillars, large side view and tow mirrors.
Pedestrian fatalities have increased by 80% since 2009, with nearly 7,400 pedestrian deaths recorded in 2021. This escalation coincides with a notable shift in the vehicle market towards larger SUVs and pickups. Over the last three decades, the average passenger vehicle has become significantly larger — about 4 inches wider, 10 inches longer, and 8 inches taller than models from the 1990s. These trends raise concerns, especially when pedestrian fatalities are analyzed in the context of vehicle design.
The IIHS study, examining nearly 18,000 crashes involving single pedestrian-vehicle interactions, revealed that vehicles with hood heights exceeding 40 inches were about 45% more likely to cause fatal injuries compared to lower-profile vehicles with hood heights of 30 inches or less. Notably, even for vehicles with medium hood heights (30 to 40 inches), a blunt or vertical front end was associated with a higher risk of severe injury compared to those with sloping profiles.
Vehicles with higher hood heights and blunt fronts are more likely to cause severe injuries by impacting a pedestrian’s torso rather than merely the legs, resulting in higher fatalities. Taller vehicles, especially those with a hood height above 35 inches, were more likely to cause severe head and torso injuries due to their tendency to impact pedestrians directly and throw them forward rather than rolling them onto the hood. This difference in impact mechanism plays a substantial role in the severity of injuries sustained by pedestrians, according to crash reconstructions examined by IIHS researchers.
What Pedestrians Injured in Accidents Should Know
If you or someone you care about was injured as a pedestrian, a personal injury lawyer can help. When you partner with a personal injury attorney who is experienced in pedestrian accidents, they can help assess your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for fair compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Injuries sustained from pedestrian accidents with large vehicles can have long-term effects on health, mobility, and quality of life. Your attorney can work with medical experts to estimate the cost of ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and other potential needs to ensure your claim fully addresses these considerations.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation from the driver’s insurance, the vehicle’s manufacturer, or other responsible parties. In cases where the vehicle design may have played a role, your attorney may explore claims related to product liability, holding the manufacturer accountable if the design contributed to the severity of your injuries.
Choose Jassim Law for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
At Jassim Law, we understand the unique challenges that pedestrians face on increasingly vehicle-dominated roads. With years of experience handling pedestrian accident cases, we know how to navigate complex claims involving large vehicles and are prepared to advocate for the full compensation you deserve. When vehicles pose hidden dangers, such as boxy SUVs and large pickups, accountability matters. By choosing Jassim Law, you gain a team dedicated to seeing justice served while prioritizing your recovery needs.
Our commitment goes beyond winning cases; we aim to create safer streets for everyone. With recognition from Super Lawyers and multiple legal accolades, Attorney Pajman Jassim has a strong reputation for handling challenging personal injury claims with empathy and skill. Reach out today for a personalized consultation on your case. Call (858) 524-6140 or complete our contact form.