Florida is known as the deadliest state to pedestrians. According to a 2019 report by Smart Growth America, Florida has the highest per capita deaths in pedestrian accidents. On their list of the 20 deadliest cities for pedestrians, Florida cities claim nine spots, including Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and more.
If you or someone close to you was injured as a pedestrian, you are entitled to compensation.
- Medical treatment costs
- Future medical costs
- Loss of income
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral and burial costs
- Wrongful death
Most Common Type of Injuries Following a Pedestrian Accident are as follows:
- Lacerations – cuts or scrapes can occur in nearly all pedestrian accidents. These lacerations can lead to more serious issues like infections or possible amputation.
- Broken bones – This happens in pedestrian accidents frequently, especially in the lower extremities, but broken bones can happen all over the body.
- Pelvis fracture – If the pelvis is fractured in a pedestrian accident, it can cause limitations to movement and more. This quite serious injury can have lingering issues in the future.
- Tendon or ligament injuries – When your tendons or ligaments are torn, cut, or damaged, it can inhibit mobility, which limits your capacity to work or enjoy life as you once did.
- Concussions – Hitting your head hard enough to cause brain swelling may lead to serious issues like brain damage, coma, or an inability to focus.
- Neck and spine injuries – Both of these injuries can result in a limited capacity to work or move, and may even result in paralysis.
- Skull fracture – Cracking or fracturing your skull may cause brain damage as its job is to protect the brain from trauma.
The following are the most common forms of negligence in pedestrian-car accidents:
- Texting
- Driver inattention
- Driving carelessly
- Calling using a mobile device
- Disobeying federal and state laws
- Focusing too intently on a GPS, putting on makeup, eating, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
FLORIDA IS THE MOST DANGEROUS STATE FOR PEDESTRIANS
The Florida Crash Dashboard reports there were over 8000 crashes involving pedestrians in 2020, taking the lives of 713 people and injuring another 7935 people. According to StrongTowns.org Florida had 5,893 pedestrian fatalities in the decade from 2010 to 2019. That’s 11% of all pedestrian accident deaths in the US during that decade yet Florida is only 6.5% of the U.S. population. Orlando ranked first per capita among metropolitan areas with three deaths per 100,000 residents, Miami-Dade, Daytona, Jacksonville, and Tampa-St. Pete were not far behind.
ROADS ARE OFTEN UNSAFE FOR PEDESTRIANS
Pedestrian accidents are commonplace because pedestrians share space with motor vehicles in many settings, such as when crossing or traveling alongside the street or sidewalk. In these circumstances, pedestrians are vulnerable to being injured or even killed. University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research tells us:
- 21% of deaths due to car accidents are pedestrians
- 20% required hospitalization for serious injuries
- 75% required ER visits
Streets are primarily designed for use by cars and trucks and in some instances have layouts that are very unsafe for pedestrians. These factors, combined with the many drivers who are speeding, texting, or otherwise distracted, creates an extremely hazardous environment for pedestrians.
WHO IS MOST AT RISK?
- Older adults
- Children
According to the CDC, pedestrians aged 65 and older accounted for 20% of all pedestrian deaths and an estimated 10% of all pedestrian injuries in 2017. One in every five children under the age of 15 who died in traffic crashes were pedestrians in 2017.
- Identify all potential defendants and finding all insurance coverage;
- Gather evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and other information;
- Document all of your damages and medical treatment;
- Build your case to prove that the defendant(s) was at fault;
- Involve appropriate experts when needed:
- Deal with the insurance companies;
- Advise you so that you can make informed decisions about your case.
The insurance companies have lawyers working on their side. You are going to want a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer fighting for you.
The Arreaza Law firm has been representing the injured for almost three decades. Let our experience and Knowledge work for you. We have the experience and expertise necessary to help our clients make sense of the confusing and complicated medical information that now dominate their life. Remember the solution to your injury problem begins here.