Accidents involving pedestrians have seen a sharp increase in recent years, not only in Hawaii but across America. Hawaii residents in particular often use walking, running or hiking as a form of recreation, a way to get outdoors and enjoy the wonderful climate that this state has to offer. However, anytime people and vehicles are in the same vicinity, pedestrian accidents are possible.
In Mililani on the island of Oahu, a seven year-old boy was recently struck by an SUV and critically injured. According to police reports, the boy was playing in the driveway of his home and ran into the road. His aunt, who was outside at the time of the incident, said the boy was retrieving a toy truck that had rolled out toward the road, reports said.
Police and first responders were dispatched to the scene, and the boy was transported to a local medical center for treatment of critical injuries. Police said the driver of the SUV was a 73 year old woman who was visiting family in the neighborhood. Apparently, the boy lives on a dead-end street near a cul-de-sac, and the boy’s aunt said that, in her opinion, the driver of the SUV was driving too fast for that location.
Visitors and residents of Hawaii spend a great deal of time outdoors to take advantage of year-round warm weather. This may be a reason why pedestrian accidents are increasing. Hawaii residents have the right to pursue damages for injuries or the loss of a loved one due to an act of negligence in a pedestrian accident. A successfully litigated lawsuit could provide compensation to help families recover financial losses.
Source: hawaiinewsnow.com, “7-year-old boy critically hurt after being hit by SUV in Mililan“, May 2, 2018
