When referring to pedestrian accidents, we emphasize car, truck, or motorcycle and pedestrian accidents. A pedestrian is an individual who is not in a vehicle walking through the street. These accidents can cause serious injuries to pedestrians since they are in a more vulnerable condition to any mishap than the driver of the vehicle responsible for the collision.
Pedestrian accidents are very common. According to the FLHSMV, there have been 2,917 pedestrian accidents so far in 2024, with 2,387 injuries recorded. There are several reasons why pedestrian accidents occur. Prevention is key to reducing the number of these accidents, and in today’s blog post, we will take a closer look at the most common causes of these accidents.
If you are injured under these conditions, it is important that you seek legal advice from a Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorney who is skilled and experienced in dealing with personal injury accidents. Here at Louis Berk Law Firm, we have professional experts in obtaining fair compensation after suffering these unfortunate events. Our team also includes Spanish-speaking attorneys who can help you understand the complex legal system in Florida and show you how they can represent you and obtain a positive outcome for you
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
In most cases, pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence. However, in some cases, these accidents are also caused by pedestrians. Some of the most common causes are:
– Driver Distraction
One of the most common causes; is because there are a number of distractions, such as using a mobile phone, GPS systems, or any other activity that can be done irresponsibly while driving, such as eating or drinking while driving.
It is quite common for a driver to lose control of the vehicle due to overconfidence, even if it is for something as simple as changing the radio station. Any law that seeks to minimize driver distraction must be taken seriously; otherwise, it is an act of negligence that can be sued.
– Speeding
Another factor that contributes to pedestrian accidents is speeding. Drivers who drive over speed are prone to losing control of the vehicle when trying to maneuver in the road they are on. Speeding on roads where the speed limit is less than 20 mph can cause a serious accident with a pedestrian.
As mentioned above, in this type of accident, the pedestrian will always be in a more vulnerable position than the driver, and the injuries can be fatal. It is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible, and once the situation is under control, contact an Orlando accident Attorney who can help you file your lawsuit.
– Failing to Yield to Pedestrians
Failing to yield to pedestrians often leads to serious accidents. In most of these accidents, the fault lies with the driver. Since pedestrians have well-established areas where they can cross.
– Disobeying Traffic Signals
Pedestrian accidents are also caused by drivers who ignore a traffic signal ordering them to stop. In most cases, these vehicular accidents are caused by drivers who do not respect traffic signals.
– Failure to Use Turn Signals to Warn of Possible Hazards
If a driver does not use his vehicle’s turn signals before making a turn and a pedestrian is hit, here is the fault of the driver. His negligence resulted in a pedestrian’s injury.
– Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
One of the most common causes of car accidents, not only against pedestrians but also against other cars, is under no circumstances should a driver drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Prevention is simple: if you are going to drink, don’t drive.
Pedestrians have the Responsibility Too
As pedestrians, we are also responsible for the conditions in which the accident occurred; for example, some of the things we should not do as pedestrians are:
– Deliberately entering a road or area where vehicles regularly circulate.
– Crossing busy streets or highways without traffic controls.
– Walking in areas where pedestrians do not have legal access with a constant presence of vehicles.
– Crossing outside the crosswalk.
– Not looking before crossing the street or highway and being in the path of oncoming vehicles.
Although pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the street, they must also move responsibly and with caution. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Florida but have not fulfilled your responsibility as a pedestrian, you may not be able to obtain fair compensation for your injuries.
At Your Service
After a pedestrian accident, victims can be seriously injured, unable to work, and earn income in the short or long term. The idea that your life could change so dramatically due to someone else’s negligence can be extremely frustrating. That’s why with the help of an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, you can rest assured that your attorney will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve for your losses.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a Pedestrian Accident in Orlando, Florida, it is of the utmost importance that you seek help from the best attorneys who are experts in these accidents. Contact us now for a free case evaluation.