Pedestrian Accidents
Trusted Content
Florida, including the Tampa Bay area, is one of the most dangerous places for pedestrians. More than 100 pedestrians were killed in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties in 2017 alone. Accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians often cause severe injuries including fractures, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries because a human body doesn’t stand a chance against a two-ton passenger vehicle.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Drivers have an obligation to exercise due care around pedestrians. When a pedestrian is injured by a vehicle, there is usually some negligence on the part of the driver. Some of the common negligent actions by drivers include:
- Texting or talking on the phone while driving
- Not paying attention to signs and signal lights.
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians
Pedestrian Accidents and Compensation
When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, that person is automatically covered by No-Fault car insurance benefits. These benefits cover economic losses such as medical costs and some lost wages. No-Fault claims must be filed in a timely manner, so it is important to act quickly.
However, if a pedestrian sustains a serious injury, he or she may be able to file a negligence claim against the driver. In a negligence claim, the pedestrian may be able to recover damages for pain and suffering as well as compensation for all economic damages including lost wages and past and future medical expenses. In these cases, negligence on the part of the driver and the existence of a serious injury will have to be proven.
Pedestrian Safety
In some cases, there is not much a pedestrian can do when faced with a reckless driver, but there are steps that pedestrians can take to stay safe:
- Always be sure to cross at a crosswalk
- Never cross against the light
- Check for turning vehicles even if you have the right of way
- Stay alert and avoid texting and walking especially when approaching an intersection
- Stay on the sidewalk and do not walk along the side of the road
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you are a pedestrian who was seriously injured in an accident, you should have an attorney evaluate your case. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.