Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents in Florida happen often. Florida is known for its beaches, theme parks, and excellent climate that draw millions of people every year to enjoy everything Florida has to offer. With more people, unfortunately, comes more accidents, with Florida becoming a state with the highest pedestrian danger index. There is no single reason why this is so because it is a complex issue with multiple factors contributing to pedestrians being in danger of sustaining injuries in a Florida pedestrian accident.
Who is most at risk?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of crashes that resulted in a pedestrian death involved alcohol for the driver and/or the pedestrian. Also, pedestrians who are 65 and older, and children under the age of 15 are most at risk.
Why do pedestrian accidents happen?
There are many reasons these injury-causing and sometimes fatal pedestrian accidents happen. Some of the most common reasons why pedestrian accidents occur are:
- Alcohol use (both drivers and pedestrians)
- Failing to maintain vehicle control
- Speeding and failing to stop
- Unmarked crosswalks
- The use of electronic devices (while driving or walking)
- Left-hand turns
- Dark clothes
Why are Florida pedestrian accidents common?
Many people attribute the state’s infrastructure to a high number of pedestrian accidents in Florida. Many cities were built for the travel of motor vehicles, not pedestrians. Driving a car is, mainly, the preferred way of transport, and pedestrians are sometimes required to cross roads several extra lanes in length and sometimes without some kind of designated crosswalk around. Also, there is a massive influx of tourists, especially in summer, so tourist areas are the most common places for pedestrian accidents to occur. Other than that, neighborhoods and school zones are also places where accidents happen.
Pedestrian safety tips
When you are out and about, there are several things you can do to protect yourself. Even though some accidents cannot be avoided, you can help prevent some of them by following these safety tips:
- Increase your visibility, especially when you are walking at night. You can carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing
- Cross the street at designated crosswalks or intersections whenever possible
- Walk on a sidewalk or path instead of the road
- Avoid using electronic devices while walking
- Avoid walking if you have used alcohol or drugs because they cause impaired judgment.
Types of pedestrian accident injuries
Severe injuries are frequent when it comes to pedestrian accidents. Some of the worst are brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, lacerations, paralysis, loss of limbs, etc.
Who is at fault?
In Florida, a “pure comparative negligence” system is followed. Technically, a victim can recover damages even if he/she is 99% at fault for an accident. He/she can still get that 1% of damages.
Consult a Florida pedestrian accident lawyer
Pedestrians are struck and injured almost every day in the US. These accidents happen everywhere across the nation. If the accident was not fatal, many live injured and with chronic pain, suffering for the rest of their lives.
Everybody deserves to walk around without fear of being involved in a pedestrian accident.
Pedestrian accidents in Florida are common, so a pedestrian accident lawyer, Dan Zohar, is here to help everyone who has been involved in one. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a pedestrian accident, feel free to call a personal injury lawyer, Dan Zohar’s law firm, and get a free consultation. Call us today at (800) 963-3311- toll-free.