Pedestrian Accidents
– by Tampa Personal Injury Attorney, Martin J. Hernandez
Pedestrian accident fatalities are at a 25-year high. Nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in 2017, according to estimates from the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Pedestrian deaths rose by 27 percent from 2007 to 2016, while other types of traffic deaths dropped by 14 percent. As a result, pedestrian deaths make up a growing proportion of overall motor vehicle fatalities.
Five states, California, Florida, Texas, New York and Arizona, accounted for 43 percent of pedestrian deaths during the first half of 2017, despite being home to just 30 percent of the U.S. population. Eight of the top 10 most dangerous areas were in Florida, according to a study by Smart Growth America. Walking is dangerous, especially in Florida. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable.
Pedestrians usually have the right of way when crossing the street. Even if there are no crossing signals at an intersection, drivers are expected to yield to pedestrians once they have stepped into the crosswalk. Florida Statute 316.003(28) defines a pedestrian and anyone who is on foot.
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable because of the complete lack of protection. As a result, a pedestrian is far more likely to suffer from fatal or life-threatening injuries than the occupants in a vehicle.
Why Have the Pedestrian Death Rates Risen?
A perfect storm of factors spurred the increase:
- A stronger economy and low gas prices have put more cars on the road;
- Scores of pedestrians are crossing busy intersections;
- Distracted drivers; and
- Alcohol and drug use.
After speeding and failure to yield, distractions are the number one cause of pedestrian fatalities, particularly by electronic devices. Drivers distracted by their devices are a well-documented, rising cause of traffic crashes. Other factors include alcohol use. Other drugs may also play a role.
Why Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident is often complicated. Treatment of sustained injuries may be costly, painful and may take months, or even years. An experienced Pedestrian Accident attorney can aggressively investigate liability and seek the financial compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering and for medical treatment and needed care. An experienced Pedestrian Accident lawyer will thoroughly analyze your case and explain the options you have for pursuing fair compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident due to the negligence of a driver on the roadway, you are entitled to compensation. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can assist you in filing a personal injury lawsuit seeking this compensation.
Why Fernandez & Hernandez?
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Fernandez & Hernandez can investigate and determine liability and help determine what compensatory damages and expenses are fair for your medical treatment, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. If the party responsible for your injuries is found to be especially negligent and careless, punitive damages may be awarded.
Attorney Martin J. Hernandez of Fernandez & Hernandez provides legal representation for victims and families in pedestrian accident and wrongful death cases. Our Tampa personal injury attorneys welcome the opportunity to interview with you and your loved ones. We invite you to review our recent results from settlements to trial verdicts. Our qualifications and background are available to you as well. We recommend also reading his reviews on Google Reviews, Avvo and Yelp. Our Tampa Attorneys Martin Hernandez and Martin Hernandez PA are bilingual as well.
The Tampa personal injury lawyers of Fernandez & Hernandez serve Florida communities including Tampa, Brandon, Carrollwood, Westchase, Riverview, Temple Terrace, Pasco, Pinellas, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Plant City, Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Dover, Valrico, Lutz, Lakeland and many other neighborhoods in the Tampa Bay area.
No matter how serious or minimal your injuries, we will fight hard for compensation of your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Pedestrian Accident attorney Martin J. Hernandez can help guide you through the process. At Fernandez & Hernandez we know what to do to help you and your family following any kind of accident. Our personal injury lawyers help clients in all phases of injury and wrongful death claims from initial investigation through trial and appellate proceedings.
If you have been involved in a Pedestrian Accident in the Tampa Bay area call Tampa Personal Injury Attorney, Martin J. Hernandez of Fernandez & Hernandez at 813.755.9500
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