People who have disabilities have a greater chance of passing away in a car accident than people without disabilities. According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), people who use wheelchairs have three times the chance of getting killed in road traffic collisions than non-wheelchair users and most of these chances occur at crosswalks. The BMJ's study also showed that handicap males, especially between the ages of 50 and 64 are five times more expected to be involved in fatal car accidents than handicap females.
From 2006 to 2012, 528 wheelchair users were killed at intersections across the U.S. This statistic points out that the handicap community's chances of passing away from car accidents are 36% percent than non-wheelchair users.
These accidents are most likely the a result of people driving without paying attention to what is around them. In a previous blog post regarding turning right at red lights, we mentioned exactly how common pedestrian fatalities are, when drivers don't notice pedestrians and bicyclists crossing at crosswalks and turn into them. Michiganders and Americans need to look before turning or driving and be patient and give pedestrians, bicyclists, and wheelchair users the time they need to cross the road. One minute of waiting is the end of the world and could prevent a fatal car crash.
If you or someone you know is a wheelchair user who has been injured in a car crash, contact our lawyers at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our lawyers specialize in all types of accident cases, including wheelchair crashes and pedestrian and bicycle collisions. Call us today for free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.