Earlier this year, road safety advocates celebrated a drop in pedestrian fatalities nationwide, including in Ohio. But Cleveland officials know there’s still work to be done. The city has just unveiled an ambitious five-year plan to reduce pedestrian accidents across Cleveland.
Tom Merriman has represented numerous pedestrians and cyclists hit by cars and secured outcomes ranging from $100,000 to $1,100,000.
“This issue is personal,” said Merriman. “It’s a major reason I decided to become a personal injury attorney.
Tom’s daughter Kiki was hit by a car when she was 12 years old. She underwent multiple orthopedic surgeries and a hip replacement after the accident.
“I’m grateful that Kiki is alive,” said Merriman. “I support any innovation which enhances safety for pedestrians and cyclists. It’s what makes a modern city livable and desirable.”
Cleveland’s bold new plan for pedestrian safety
Cleveland Moves, part of the city’s Vision Zero Action Plan, is rolling out a comprehensive 5-year strategy to eliminate pedestrian and cyclist fatalities. According to Ideastream Public Media, the plan includes key projects like:
- Protected bike lanes: Building dedicated lanes to shield cyclists from traffic.
- Additional speed bumps: Slowing down traffic on Cleveland’s busiest streets.
- The Superior Avenue Midway Project: A $24.5 million transformation of a 2.5-mile stretch of raised streetcar track into a protected bike path, linking East 55th Street to Public Square.
“Our streets can and should be so much more than thoroughfares from one place to the next,” Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb said in a recent statement. “Streets are for people, and we want to hear from Clevelanders about how we can make them safer, more enjoyable, more sustainable, and more accessible for everyone.”
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents still a problem in Cleveland
Despite these efforts, pedestrian and bicycle accidents remain an issue. In 2023, Cleveland recorded 550 accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians, resulting in nine fatalities, according to Ideastream Public Media. However, the real number may be higher, as many incidents go unreported.
Jenna Thomas, Advocacy and Policy Manager at Bike Cleveland, emphasized the need for continued action: “It’s clear that residents want changes to our roads and are excited to make it happen. Our Better Streets resident groups build community among safe streets advocates, permit physical changes to streets to improve safety, meet with elected officials and city staff to advocate for changes, and much more.”
Why do pedestrian accidents keep happening?
Cleveland’s wide streets, designed decades ago, are a significant factor in pedestrian accidents. But other common causes include:
- Speeding: Speeding significantly reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian. In urban areas like Cleveland, where pedestrians are constantly crossing streets or walking alongside busy roads, speeding increases both the likelihood and severity of accidents. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the more forceful the impact, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Speeding drivers are also less able to stop in time, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who text, use their phones, or engage in other distractions are a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. When a driver’s attention is diverted, even for a few seconds, they can easily miss a pedestrian crossing the road or walking near the street. This can be especially dangerous in cities like Cleveland, where pedestrian traffic is high. Distractions not only delay reaction times but also reduce awareness of surroundings, making it more likely for a driver to miss signals, stop signs, or pedestrians.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to be a major factor in pedestrian fatalities. In 2022, nearly half of all pedestrian deaths nationwide involved impaired drivers, according to the NHTSA. Impaired drivers have slower reflexes, impaired judgment, and decreased awareness, all of which make them more likely to hit pedestrians. These accidents are particularly deadly because impaired drivers often fail to brake or avoid pedestrians entirely, leading to higher-speed collisions.
- Larger Vehicles: SUVs, pickup trucks, and other large vehicles pose a greater threat to pedestrians than smaller cars. Due to their size and height, these vehicles strike pedestrians higher on the body, often causing more severe injuries to vital areas like the chest and head. Their increased weight also means that collisions with larger vehicles result in greater force, making pedestrian accidents more likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities. As these vehicles become more common on the roads, they contribute to the rise in pedestrian deaths.
- Poor Lighting: Many pedestrian accidents occur at night or in poorly lit areas, where drivers struggle to see people crossing the street or walking alongside the road. Inadequate street lighting makes it difficult for drivers to detect pedestrians until it’s too late. Without proper illumination, both drivers and pedestrians are at a higher risk of accidents. Better lighting can dramatically improve visibility, giving drivers more time to react and making it easier to spot pedestrians, especially in high-traffic urban areas.
Why you need a Cleveland pedestrian accident attorney
Pedestrian injury claims might seem straightforward, but they often become more complicated than expected. Even when a driver is clearly at fault, insurance companies frequently try to reduce or deny the compensation victims rightfully deserve. They may argue that the pedestrian wasn’t following traffic rules or downplay the severity of the injuries, leading to frustrating delays and lowball settlement offers.
Moreover, pedestrian accidents often result in serious, life-altering injuries like broken bones, brain trauma, or spinal damage. These injuries can come with staggering medical bills, long-term care needs, and lost wages. Insurance companies are well aware of the high costs involved, which is why they often push for quick settlements that don’t fully cover all the expenses.
Determining fault isn’t always as simple as it seems, either. Sometimes, poor road conditions, faulty traffic lights, or other factors play a role in the accident, complicating the case. When multiple parties are involved, it’s essential to have a skilled attorney who can identify all responsible parties and fight for maximum compensation.
And in cases where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can explore other options to ensure you receive the full financial recovery you deserve. Without the right legal guidance, you could be left struggling to cover the true costs of your injuries.
Contact Merriman Legal to see how we can help you
At Merriman Legal, LLC, we understand how to handle complex pedestrian accident claims. Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record, including a case involving a 63-year-old woman hit by a wrong-way driver. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you’re entitled to under Ohio law.
Get the Cleveland law firm that delivers results. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. Our office is conveniently located on West 9th Street, and we handle claims throughout Ohio.
