Weston Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Fighting for the Rights of Injured Pedestrians
Pedestrians are completely unprotected and vulnerable to severe injuries in a collision with a motor vehicle. In 2020, more than 7,000 pedestrians in the U.S. were killed in traffic crashes, as reported by CDC. That amounts to approximately one pedestrian death every 75 minutes. In addition to the fatalities, an estimated 104,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for non-fatal crash injuries.
Many Florida pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence or other factors outside of the pedestrian’s control. If you have been hit and injured as a pedestrian by a motor vehicle, speak with an experienced Weston Pedestrian Accident Attorney at Justin Morgan Law by calling us toll-free at 1-800-9JUSTIN or 1-800-958-7846 as soon as possible.
What are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian deaths are on the rise, as discussed in a New York Times article. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Cell phones, passengers, eating or drinking, and other distractions can take a driver’s eyes off the road and attention away from operating a motor vehicle. Distracted drivers who fail to see pedestrians can cause deadly crashes.
- Speeding: According to the CDC, speeding is a major risk factor in pedestrian accidents. Higher vehicle speeds increase both the likelihood of a pedestrian being hit by a car and the severity of resulting injuries.
- Failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks: Under Florida law, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians using crosswalks. Serious accidents can occur when drivers turning right or left at intersections fail to yield to pedestrians.
- Alcohol impaired driving: Alcohol is a leading factor in pedestrian accidents, as stated by CDC. In a recent year 13% of crashes that resulted in pedestrian death involved drivers with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher.
- Poor lighting: Most pedestrian traffic crash fatalities occur at night. Inadequate lighting can make it difficult for a driver to see a pedestrian in time to avoid a collision.
- Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure: Infrastructure plays an important role in pedestrian safety. City roads are designed to accommodate vehicles traveling at high speeds. Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure puts pedestrians at risk.
What Types of Injuries do Pedestrian Accidents Cause?
A pedestrian struck by a 4,000 pound passenger vehicle can sustain a range of serious injuries. The type and severity of injuries can depend on the speed of the vehicle, the type of vehicle, the age of the pedestrian, and the point of first contact. Common injuries in vehicle-pedestrian accidents include:
- Fractured bones, including hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, legs, back, and pelvis
- Soft tissue injuries, including dislocations, strains, sprains, tears, contusions, and lacerations
- Traumatic Brain Injury, with life-altering consequences for victims
- Spinal Cord Injury leading to partial or total paralysis below the level of the injury
- Facial injuries, including fractured jaws
Who can be Held Liable for Florida Pedestrian Accidents?
Many pedestrian accidents are caused by the actions of negligent drivers. Our skilled Weston Personal Injury Attorney, Serving the State of Florida, at Justin Morgan Law can conduct a thorough investigation to determine fault and liability. We can secure evidence to support your claim for compensation, assess the full extent of your losses, develop an effective legal strategy, and represent you in negotiations for a fair settlement.
What Steps Should You Take After a Pedestrian Accident?
After a pedestrian accident, report the incident to the police and get medical treatment for your injuries. If you are able, exchange information with the driver of the vehicle that hit you, take pictures of the accident scene and any visible injuries, and get contact information for any eyewitnesses.
At the earliest opportunity, contact Justin Morgan Law toll-free at 1-800-9JUSTIN or 1-800-958-7846. Our Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorneys know the law and have the skills to effectively pursue the compensation you deserve.