According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, the ever-expanding size of American vehicles increases the likelihood of pedestrian fatalities. Pickups, SUVs, and vans with a hood height greater than 40 inches are about 45 percent more likely to cause a fatality in a pedestrian crash than passenger cars with a hood height of 30 inches or less. Pedestrian deaths across the nation have been steadily increasing since 2010.
The high, blunt, vertical front ends of these larger vehicles can significantly increase the severity of pedestrian injuries. In 2024, there were 144 pedestrian fatalities in a six-county region that includes Will, McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage, and Cook Counties. If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries following a pedestrian accident, it can be beneficial to speak to an experienced Plainfield, IL personal injury lawyer.