Injured in a pedestrian traffic crash? Let the expert pedestrian injury lawyers at Lorenzo & Lorenzo fight for the compensation you deserve.
Everything can change in a moment. One second you’re strolling along a Florida road or highway, the next you are lying on your back on the cement or waking up in a hospital wondering what happened. The simple act of crossing a street or walking down a sidewalk ends in tragedy for many pedestrians in Florida and around the country who get struck by a moving vehicle.
Depending on the seriousness of the accident, the pedestrian’s injuries could range from cuts, bruises and broken bones, to brain damage, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding and even death. Pedestrian accident lawsuits help victims and their families receive financial compensation for the short- and long-term costs resulting from such injuries, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
The personal injury attorneys at Lorenzo & Lorenzo specialize in pedestrian accident cases. We provide personal attention and quality representation to ensure that you receive the justice and maximum compensation that you deserve.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Contact the expert pedestrian accident injury lawyers at Lorenzo & Lorenzo for your free consultation.
The Statistics on Pedestrian Injury & Wrongful Death
On average, a pedestrian is killed every 2 hours and injured every 7 minutes in traffic crashes across the Unites States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2012, 4,743 pedestrians died in vehicle crashes and an estimated 76,000 were injured. The same report showed that pedestrian deaths accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in motor vehicle accidents. These national statistics on pedestrian accident are shocking, as are the dangers faced by pedestrians in Florida.
Source: http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/research/dangerous-by-design/dbd2014/state/florida/
The Sunshine State repeatedly ranks poorly for pedestrian safety, and in 2014 the Tampa-Clearwater-St. Petersburg area was named the second most dangerous metro area in the country for pedestrians. These findings came from the National Complete Streets Coalition, which assessed each major metro’s “pedestrian death index” — the rate of pedestrian fatalities relative to the number of people who walk to work in the area.
What is a “Pedestrian?”
The NHTSA defines a pedestrian as “any person on foot, walking, running, jogging, hiking, sitting or lying down who is involved in a motor vehicle traffic crash.”
Children and seniors are especially at risk of getting struck by a vehicle while walking. Nearly 40 percent of pedestrian accidents involve children under the age of 15.
Florida “Right of Way” Law
According to Florida law, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the street – meaning motorists are required to yield once a pedestrian has stepped onto a crosswalk, even if there are no signs or crossing signals. However, pedestrians are obliged to yield to drivers if they cross the street in an area without a designated crosswalk. In other words, if a pedestrian darts in front of oncoming traffic or jaywalks, then the pedestrian can be held partly liable for an auto accident that occurs as a result.
“I feel grateful with Lorenzo & Lorenzo for the excellent job they did. They helped my family a lot.”
How Pedestrian Accidents Happen
In an accident between a vehicle and a pedestrian, it is the latter party that tends to suffer the most.
Although pedestrians can also be held partly liable for auto accidents if they crossed the street, road or highway without the use of a crosswalk, a majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by negligent motorists who are guilty of:
- Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
- Distracted driving (texting, using their cell phone, navigating with a GPS, adjusting the radio, etc.)
- Failing to give pedestrians the right of way
- Driving recklessly or ignoring the speed limit
Proving Fault in a Tampa Pedestrian Traffic Crash
Florida is a “comparative fault” state, meaning the plaintiff in the accident case can have their claim reduced proportionately to their own degree of fault. Whether you were involved in a pedestrian accident as the driver or pedestrian, you should consult an experienced pedestrian accident attorney about your legal rights. Even if you were partly at fault for the traffic crash, you may still be able to file a compensation claim for your injuries.
At Lorenzo & Lorenzo, let our family fight for you by scheduling a free consultation with our expert auto & vehicle accident attorneys, specializing in pedestrian accident injury cases. We work on a contingency fee basis and have successfully resolved a large number of cases in the Tampa area, giving us the experience to understand the serious nature of pedestrian accident injuries and determine the right steps to increase your chances of a successful outcome. Call us today or stop by our Tampa personal injury law office .
