Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are extremely common in Florida. The high levels of tourism and outdoor activities result in thousands of people walking to their destination.
If you are involved in an accident as a pedestrian, you are at a higher risk of serious injury – much more than those who are inside the vehicle that strikes you. Pedestrians don’t have outside protection. Also, their bodies will take the full blow of the impact. The injuries that occur in a pedestrian accident are often life changing. Because of this, every pedestrian in Florida must take steps to avoid becoming a victim.
Pedestrian accidents are always serious, you should reach out to our pedestrian accident lawyers at Fetterman Law right away. We can review your case and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
The Top Causes of Florida Pedestrian Accidents
While there are several ways that a pedestrian may be injured by a vehicle, some are more common than others. The most common include:
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents involving a motor vehicle. It’s pretty easy for a driver to lose track of their speed. While this is true, others simply don’t follow the posted speed limit requirements. No matter the reason someone is speeding, it creates a huge risk of an accident.
Many pedestrians are struck because a vehicle is traveling too fast. This may result in the driver being unable to brake or avoid the pedestrian in their path. This can also cause serious damage compared to other types of accidents due to the high velocity of the vehicle when it strikes a pedestrian.
Driving Under the Influence
Some pedestrian accidents result from negligent drivers who are operating their vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even though alcohol is the most used substance that causes these accidents, it can also result from a driver using hallucinogens, opioids, amphetamines, and other medications. Driving under the influence is dangerous, but it also puts drivers and pedestrians at risk. It’s also illegal.
Substance abuse may also be a problem with pedestrians. A pedestrian may wind up in a collision with a vehicle if walking while under the influence. This can cause the same issues related to poor judgment, bad motor control, and reduced perception, which all increase the potential of an accident.
If a pedestrian does something negligent or reckless, like crossing in the middle of the street, they may be considered partly at fault. This is a factor that can impact their accident claim.
Failure to Stop
Red lights and stop signs aren’t suggestions. Even though it is unlawful not to abide by these signs, many drivers still ignore them. It isn’t uncommon for a pedestrian accident to occur when this happens. If a driver runs through a stop sign or ignores red lights can easily hit someone crossing the street who expects these signs to be followed.
Improper or Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance
Several pedestrian accidents occur because a vehicle cannot stop in time to avoid a collision with a pedestrian. However, this isn’t always the “vehicle’s fault.” Proper maintenance is a must to ensure that a vehicle can be operated safely at all times. This maintenance is the owner’s responsibility, and if it is not provided, then they can be held liable for colliding with a pedestrian.
Failure to Yield to Pedestrians
Some drivers grow frustrated with pedestrians. Others don’t provide the time and courtesy the law allows.
Pedestrians have the right of way, and drivers should yield to them. However, this doesn’t always happen, leading to a pedestrian accident.
Call for Help with Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
If you are struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, you can recover compensation for your losses and injuries. We recommend getting in touch with our legal team. We will review your case and help build a defense to ensure you collect the compensation you deserve for your losses and injuries. With years of successful cases behind us, we can use our experience and expertise to help with your situation.
