What Is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident is an accident that happens when a motor vehicle hits a person who is not in a motor vehicle. In simple terms, a person who is on foot. Pedestrians are at high risk for injury in the State of Florida. A pedestrian does not have the same level of protection that a person inside of a motor vehicle has, which means that the injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident can be life-altering.

At The Law Place, we have over seventy-five years of collective experience when it comes to managing pedestrian accidents throughout the State of Florida. Our law firm has an in-depth understanding of traffic law, and we have the necessary knowledge and resources to tackle cases involving pedestrian accidents.

A pedestrian accident lawyer will explain your legal rights and guide you through the legal system in the State of Florida. If you have questions in regard to pedestrian accidents, then you should call our office now. Our phone lines are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Contact The Law Place on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation today.

The Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in the State of Florida

There are many ways that a pedestrian can get hit by a motor vehicle in the State of Florida. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Reckless driving.
• Drunk driving.
• Distracted driving.
• Excessive speeding.
• Rolling stops or failure to stop at an intersection.
• Poor intersection design and maintenance.
• Passing a stopped school bus/school zone accidents.
• Pedestrian negligence.

Who Is Considered a Pedestrian in the State of Florida?

A pedestrian is considered anyone who is using the walkways or roadways, which includes:

• Walkers.
• Runners or joggers.
• Roller skaters.
• Bicyclists.
• Skateboarders.
• Segway riders.

Pedestrians Are at High Risk of Accidents in the State of Florida

Pedestrians are at high risk of car accidents due to a number of reasons, such as:

• Sunny Conditions – The Florida climate means that people can perform outdoor activities all year round, which doubles the potential for pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
• High Population – The Florida population is the third biggest in the nation. The State of Florida is home to more people than New York, with over 20 million residents, which means that it can create serious traffic congestion.
• Tourism – There are close to 100 million people who visit the State of Florida every single year. Tourism increases pedestrian activity, which means that accidents are more likely to happen.
• Road Debris – Gravel from construction, potholes, and even litter can make drivers swerve in the road at the last second, which means that it is easy to collide with a pedestrian who has the right of way.
• Lack of Sidewalks – A pedestrian can get hit by a car while they are walking or jogging along the side of the road. There are many cases that do not have sidewalks for foot traffic, which places pedestrians at high risk.
• Busy Intersections – An intersection is the most common location for an accident between drivers and pedestrians.
• Child Accidents – Children are at serious risk of getting hit by school buses, garbage trucks, and municipal motor vehicles traveling down streets in the neighborhood. They can also get struck by a neighbor backing out of their driveway.

Staying Safe as a Pedestrian in the State of Florida

It is important that you take the necebssary measures to protect yourself as a pedestrian in the State of Florida. If you follow these tips, then all accidents can be avoided:

• Never Dart out Between Cars – If you have to cross the road, then cross at the intersection at a designated crosswalk. You are more visible to passing cars when you cross at an intersection, and you will also have the benefits of a road sign or a stop sign.
• Wear Bright Clothes at Night or Carry a Light – If you are walking or cycling in the middle of the night, then you must ensure that you are seen. We recommend that you carry a light, wear bright clothing or even use reflectors on your clothes.
• Never Assume That You Have the Right-of-Way, Even if You do – The pedestrian law declares that you have the right to cross streets in certain places that are designed to avoid causing car accidents, but they sometimes do. It is essential that you take the time to notice whether traffic is actually going to stop before you cross the street at a designated area.

Types of Pedestrian Injuries in the State of Florida

A person walking down the street does not have protection when they are suddenly involved in a car accident. Pedestrian accidents usually result in serious injuries, such as:

• Fractures.
• Lacerations.
• Broken bones.
• Spinal injuries.
• Brain injuries.
• Loss of limbs.
• Paralysis.

In addition to these severe physical injuries, the emotional suffering can also be significant. Many pedestrian accident victims experience psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Coping with both the physical and emotional aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be extremely challenging and often requires comprehensive medical and psychological treatment.

Compensation in Cases Involving Pedestrian Accidents in the State of Florida

If a pedestrian was involved in a car accident and sustained serious injuries, then they could be entitled to file a personal injury claim in the State of Florida. A Tampa personal injury lawyer from The Law Place will be your trusted advocate in seeking the compensation that you deserve following an accident.

• Medical Bills – We will fight to recover past, present, and future medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, visits to the doctor, physical therapy, rehabilitation, prescription medication, and more.
• Lost Wages – We will fight to recover lost wages since you have missed time at work, including future lost earnings and a reduced earning capacity.
• Property Damage – We will fight to recover the costs to repair or replace your property (such as your phone, clothes, bicycle, or other property) that was damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering – We will fight to recover compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, mental anguish, and other reasons that you have a reduced quality of life after the accident.
• Wrongful Death – We will fight to recover compensation for the death of your loved one in a pedestrian accident, including funeral expenses, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more. Wrongful death laws are explained in Florida Statute 768.21.

What Is a Pedestrian Accident? FAQ

What is a pedestrian accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a vehicle, such as a car, truck, or motorcycle, collides with a person walking or running. These accidents often result in serious injuries due to the vulnerability of pedestrians compared to vehicle occupants.

Where do most pedestrian accidents occur?

Most pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas, intersections, and areas with high pedestrian traffic. These locations often have more interactions between vehicles and pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

What are the most common pedestrian injuries?

The most common pedestrian injuries include fractures, head trauma, spinal injuries, and soft tissue damage. In severe cases, pedestrian accidents can result in permanent disabilities or fatalities.

What should I do if a pedestrian accident occurs?

If a pedestrian accident occurs, seek immediate medical treatment for any injuries and contact law enforcement to file a police report. Collect contact information from witnesses and take photos of the accident scene if possible.

How do pedestrian accidents relate to ignoring traffic signals?

Ignoring traffic signals, such as running red lights or failing to yield at crosswalks, is a common cause of Florida pedestrian accidents. Both drivers and pedestrians must adhere to traffic signals to prevent accidents.

How do Florida laws protect pedestrians?

Florida laws require drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. Additionally, pedestrians are encouraged to use designated crossing areas and follow traffic signals to enhance their safety.

What should I do if I’m involved in a pedestrian accident in Florida?

If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident in Florida, seek medical care immediately and file a police report. Contact a lawyer to understand your rights and consider filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries.

What role does an insurance company play after a pedestrian accident?

An insurance company investigates the accident, determines liability, and processes claims for medical expenses and other damages. They may negotiate settlements with the injured party or their legal representative.

What is a pedestrian accident lawsuit?

A pedestrian accident lawsuit is a legal action taken by the injured pedestrian to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident. This may also include compensation for pain and suffering.

Can I file a wrongful death claim if a loved one dies in a pedestrian accident?

Yes, if a loved one dies in a pedestrian accident, you can file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. This claim seeks compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.

How can dangerous behaviors increase the risk of pedestrian accidents?

Dangerous behaviors, such as distracted driving, speeding, and failing to yield to pedestrians, increase the risk of accidents. Pedestrians can also be at greater risk if they engage in unsafe practices like jaywalking or not paying attention to traffic signals.

What can be found in pedestrian accidents blog posts?

Pedestrian accidents blog posts provide information on safety tips, legal advice, recent accident news, and insights into how to handle the aftermath of a pedestrian accident. They can be a valuable resource for both prevention and post-accident guidance.

How important is medical treatment after a pedestrian accident?

Medical treatment is crucial after a pedestrian accident to address injuries, prevent complications, and document the extent of harm for insurance claims or legal actions. Prompt medical care can significantly impact recovery outcomes.

What are the legal steps to take after a pedestrian accident?

After a pedestrian accident, seek medical care, file a police report, gather evidence, and consult with a lawyer to explore your legal options. Filing an insurance claim or pedestrian accident lawsuit may be necessary to recover damages.

How can pedestrians reduce their risk of accidents?

Pedestrians can reduce their risk of accidents by using crosswalks, following traffic signals, facing traffic when walking along roads, and staying alert to their surroundings. Paying attention to traffic and avoiding distractions is key.

Contact The Law Place Today

If you or someone that you know was involved in a pedestrian accident, then you should seek legal counsel from an experienced pedestrian lawyer in the State of Florida. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents usually come down to driver negligence, and you will need to protect your legal rights.

At The Law Place, we have over seventy-five years of combined experience and knowledge in helping pedestrians to recover compensation after an accident in the State of Florida. Our team of pedestrian accident lawyers is highly trained to deal with the most complex cases involving car accident victims, and we know that we can help you.

If you have concerns about a pedestrian accident, then you should reach out to one of our pedestrian accident lawyers now. A pedestrian accident lawyer will answer all of your questions and help you in every way possible. Our phone lines are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Contact The Law Place on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation today.