Coral Springs Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Florida is one of the most dangerous states in the U.S. for pedestrian deaths. There are a variety of reasons why Florida drivers don’t seem to be as careful around those traveling on foot as they need to be. If you live in Florida, it’s important to understand why there are so many pedestrian accidents and why you should obtain legal representation if you’ve been injured by a vehicle while on foot.
How Florida Pedestrian Accidents Happen
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Uncontrolled crosswalks
An intersection with an uncontrolled crosswalk—one where there is no stop sign or traffic light—is often a common location for pedestrian injuries.
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Left turns
Drivers turning left frequently fail to see a pedestrian crossing the street, either due to inattention or to the vehicle’s frame interfering with vision to the driver’s left.
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Distracted driving
Texting, talking, eating, or inattentiveness to the road are major factors in many pedestrian accidents.
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Electric vehicles
Hybrid or all-electric vehicles often run more quietly than combustion engine vehicles, and pedestrians may not hear this type of vehicle coming until it’s too late to get out of the way.
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Drunk driving
Driving while intoxicated on alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication, or over-the-counter remedies results in slower reaction time, interferes with vision, and causes poor judgment of distance and speed. A drunk driver may never see a pedestrian until it’s too late.
Data from the NHTSA shows that there were almost 6,000 pedestrian deaths nationwide in 2016—an increase of 9 percent over the previous year. Florida ranked third in the nation behind California and Texas for pedestrian deaths in 2016, with 652 lives lost. Twenty percent of all pedestrian deaths were children aged 14 and under, and another twenty percent were age 65 and older.
Common Serious Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents
Due to the size and weight of a car in comparison to a human, collisions are devastating. Pedestrians usually have no surrounding protection, which can cause severe injuries and in some cases, death. These types of injuries can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs, made even worse by insurance claim reductions or unfair denials.
Types of pedestrian injuries that Rosenberg Law Firm has helped clients recover from include:
- Broken bones
- Crush wounds
- Organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash and back injuries
- Other severe injuries
These injuries necessitate immediate medical attention and long-term treatment. Clients may have permanent disabilities that limit their capacity to work, engage in routine tasks, or even care for themselves regularly. In more severe cases, injury victims do not survive their accidents, leaving their loved ones devastated.
If a negligent party severely injures you or your loved one, contact our Coral Springs pedestrian accident attorney to hold them accountable for every penny owed under Florida law. We will investigate your accident and find out how much each liable party owes you so that you get the compensation you deserve.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
Injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident entitle you to file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the collision. If your attorney negotiates a favorable settlement or the court finds it in your favor, you may be compensated for a range of damages you received due to your accident and injuries.
Awards that our Coral Springs pedestrian accident attorney has recovered in the past for injury victims include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Current and future lost wages and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring & disfigurement
- Punitive damages
- Other financial losses
The injuries that a pedestrian sustains after being hit by a car are often severe and can be life-altering. Contusions, bruises, cuts and scrapes, and broken bones are common, and the chances of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are very high. A TBI can result in the need for years of intensive (and expensive) care and require long-term rehabilitation.
Victims can seek to hold the driver who caused the accident responsible for the costs. A personal injury lawsuit can help victims with a financial recovery for expenses related to the crash, including:
- Ambulance transport and emergency medical care
- All surgeries, medications, and other follow-up care related to the crash
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Skilled nursing assistance
- Long-term care needs or nursing home costs
Injured pedestrians may also be able to seek additional compensation for the mental anguish, pain, and suffering that the accident caused.
If you lost a family member in a pedestrian accident, you might be eligible for damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. The law allows eligible survivors to recover a portion of the damages mentioned above in addition to funeral expenses and burial or cremation charges. Your attorney will answer any questions you may have and advise you and your family on the best course of action.
Florida Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Florida recognizes civil deadlines known as the statute of limitations, which vary according to the facts of your case. If certain parties are involved, such as government employees or entities, you may owe them notification of your intent to file a claim. Missing any of these deadlines will negatively impact the claims process and prevent you from receiving a full award.
Our legal team’s Coral Springs pedestrian accident lawyers at Rosenberg Law Firm will meticulously monitor your case to meet all relevant deadlines.
Contact Our Experienced Coral Springs Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident you need to speak with an experienced Florida pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Coral Springs office directly at (954) 755.7803 to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve Florida residents including all of Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County and all points in between.