The definition of 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.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that there were close to 5,000 pedestrians that were killed in traffic accidents in the year 2015. In addition, 129,000 pedestrians suffered injuries in traffic accidents.
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.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. 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.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience 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.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. 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.
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 pedestrian accident 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.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrians Accidents in the State of Florida
You have to file a personal injury claim within four years of the pedestrian accident to recover compensation according to the statute of limitations in the State of Florida.
However, you will have to file a wrongful death claim within two years of the pedestrian accident that resulted in your loved one’s death according to the statute of limitations in the State of Florida.
The statute of limitations is explained in Florida Statute 95.11.
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.
