Alafaya Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Of the many types of car accidents in which a person can be involved, some of the most dangerous involve collisions between motorists and pedestrians. These accidents are much more common than most people realize. In fact, the Department of Transportation estimates that more than 75,000 pedestrians are injured in traffic accidents every year.
While these types of accidents can occur just about anywhere and at any time where pedestrians are present, Florida’s metro areas are particularly notorious for their high rate of pedestrian injuries and fatalities, so if you were hurt in a pedestrian-motorist collision in Florida, it is important to speak with an experienced Alafaya pedestrian accident lawyer who can walk you through your legal options.
Why are Pedestrian Accidents so Common in Florida?
Florida is a well-known destination for visitors from all over the world and also calls itself home to millions of residents. Unfortunately, many of the state’s roads were not designed with this many people in mind, as a result of which, many roadways still lack designated pedestrian walkways or still have high speed limits. These factors, however, are not the only reason behind the high number of pedestrian-motorist collisions in Florida, which can also be attributed to:
- Increasing rates of distracted driving;
- Driver or pedestrian intoxication;
- Failing to yield the right of way;
- Speeding; and
- Malfunctioning or defective traffic lights .
Regardless of the cause of a pedestrian accident, it is the pedestrian him or herself who almost always sustains the most serious injuries, as they lack the protections offered by seat belts and airbags.
Where do Most Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
Pedestrian accidents can occur just about anywhere and at any time, as long as there are both pedestrians and motorists present. There are places, however, that are notorious for being especially dangerous for pedestrians, including:
- Parking lots and garages;
- Crosswalks;
- Residential streets;
- Intersections; and
- Commercial or residential driveways.
These locations are unique in that they can at least partly be characterized by the increased likelihood that a vehicle will be backing up in the vicinity of a pedestrian, which significantly raises a person’s chances of being struck.
Recovering Damages for Pedestrian Injuries
Even when a collision between a pedestrian and a motorist occurs at a low speed, the former usually sustains serious injuries, including:
- Crushed, broken, or dislocated bones;
- Partial or total paralysis caused by spinal cord damage;
- Organ damage and internal bleeding;
- Head trauma; or
- Severe lacerations and amputations.
These types of injuries are both painful and expensive to treat, often leaving victims on the hook for expensive medical bills. Fortunately, injured pedestrians who can prove that someone else’s negligence was responsible for their accident could receive compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses;
- Lost wages incurred while the injured party recovers;
- Loss of future income, if the victim is permanently disabled as a result of his or her injuries;
- The cost of repairing or replacing damaged property;
- The physical and emotional pain and suffering endured by the victim;
- The emotional distress experienced by the victim’s family members; and
- Funeral or burial costs.
To learn more about the types of evidence you may be required to present in support of your own negligence-based case, please reach out to our office today.
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Please call Israoui Law at 407-381-4529 to speak with an experienced Alafaya pedestrian accident lawyer about seeking compensation for your own accident-related injuries.
