There are various types of accidents, and pedestrian accidents are some of the most common ones. As a pedestrian, getting hit by a car can be a very traumatic and painful experience. Because there are several pedestrians on the road nowadays, there are a number of pedestrian collisions in Fort Lauderdale.
When crashes happen between two vehicles, the drivers could walk away from the scene unscratched. But, when a vehicle hits a pedestrian, who does not have any protection, it becomes even more catastrophic.
Pedestrian deaths could occur if the crash is a very serious one or if the individual does not get the necessary treatment. In cases like this, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the victim’s family members.
If you or anyone you know has a pedestrian accident, you need to take action as soon as possible. A Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer can help you in filing your personal injury claim.
In Fort Lauderdale, there are numerous causes of pedestrian accidents. Mistakes on the part of the driver or even the pedestrians themselves can cause pedestrian crashes to occur. Below are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Florida.
When drivers text or talk on the phone or are distracted by even the littlest thing, they put themselves, pedestrians, and other motor vehicles at risk. Another thing that can distract a driver is when the passengers are talking to the driver.
Drivers’ recklessness can come in various forms. For instance, if a driver drives while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their senses become impaired. In such cases, it becomes difficult for the driver to operate the vehicle, making them reckless. Also, drivers who speed or don’t follow traffic regulations are reckless or negligent.
Certain traffic control devices are put in place to reduce the number of accidents on the road. However, when these devices become faulty, they could cause serious problems. For example, when the traffic lights or pedestrian signal is defective, drivers and pedestrians would be clueless about what to do on the road.
When pedestrians also face distractions, there could be instances of pedestrian collisions. If a pedestrian concentrates more on their phones rather than on the road, they may dart into traffic unknowingly, thereby causing a crash. Furthermore, if a pedestrian fails to use the sidewalks or designated pedestrian areas, it could be disastrous.
Pedestrians are most times at risk of getting hit by cars that are making left-hand turns. While the driver is negotiating busy intersections, they may focus their concentration on looking straight ahead instead of to the left.
Depending on the pedestrian accident’s severity, pedestrians’ injuries can range from minor to major. We would be highlighting six common injuries pedestrians could sustain in a motor vehicle crash.
Broken Bones or Fractures: A pedestrian accident victim could experience broken bones and fractures. Some areas they could sustain this wound include their hands, arms, legs, backs, etc. These injuries cause excruciating pain and can become permanent.
Spinal Cord Injury: Spinal cord injuries are very severe injuries. A spinal cord injury can lead to paralysis or even death. This type of injury usually has a long-term effect on the patient.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are prevalent in pedestrian crashes. If the pedestrian hits their head on the walkway or road during the accident, such injuries could happen.
Soft Tissue Damage: Soft tissue damage is a general term that encompasses several medical conditions. Examples of these include sprains, strains, dislocations, lacerations, etc. When compared to other pedestrian crash injuries, it is easier to recover from soft tissue damage.
Internal Organ Damages: Internal organs like the liver, kidney, lungs, etc., can be hurt in a crash involving a pedestrian and a vehicle. An injured organ can result in internal bleeding and sometimes death. There could also be other internal injuries resulting from the accident.
Accidents involving pedestrians and motorists affect everyone in the accident in one way or the other. After an accident, there are some essential steps you must take.
Related: What to do after an auto accident
After getting hit by a motor vehicle, injured pedestrians must visit the hospital for treatment. Getting medical treatment as soon as possible can help reduce the accident victims’ risk of permanent damages, health-wise.
Contacting the authorities about your accident would help your claim later on. The police report would determine if you or the driver was at fault in the accident. If, as the pedestrian, you were not at fault, then the police report would help you prove that.
It would help if you documented everything you remember about the accident. Also, you should keep copies of all your doctor’s reports, police records, pictures of the accident, etc. they would come in handy when you file your claim.
Information like the drivers’ name, contact address, phone number, and insurance details are essential information for you to have. Furthermore, getting the details of eyewitnesses who can testify on your behalf is vital.
Most auto insurance policies state that you should inform your insurance company whenever you are in an accident. Your personal injury lawyer understands all your legal rights, and they would provide you with the available legal options that would benefit your claim.
A personal injury attorney and insurance companies play significant roles if you decide to pursue legal action against the driver.
In a lawsuit, damages are those amounts of money that a plaintiff gets. In other words, in a pedestrian lawsuit, the compensation a pedestrian gets from the fault driver is called damages. There are three types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. But, in pedestrian accidents, the damages are mostly economic and non-economic.
If a plaintiff wants to get compensation for these damages, they have to fulfill the requirements that the court gives them, such as providing the appropriate documents and having an attorney. Below are some of the damages a pedestrian can collect compensation for.
With all we have talked about, we must mention some ways you can prevent a pedestrian accident. Below are five sure ways you can adapt as a driver and a pedestrian to avoid pedestrian accidents.
As a driver, when you want to reply to your texts or calls, the best thing to do is to find a convenient spot to park the car. As a pedestrian, it is advisable to focus on the road as you are walking or trying to cross busy intersections.
This applies to both pedestrians and motorists. Traffic signals and signs are put on the road for a reason. All road users should pay attention to these signals to reduce the number of traffic accidents.
Some drivers have difficulty seeing at night. Thus, pedestrians need to wear reflective clothing or carry flashlights while on the road at night. Drivers with bad eyesight should also try to avoid driving at night.
Speeding is a major cause of road accidents. If drivers stick to the laid down speed limits, there would be a drastic reduction in the roads’ accidents. In areas like school zones and residential areas, drivers have to drive as carefully as possible.
Weather elements like rain and snow cause roads to be slippery, thereby making them unmotorable and accident-prone. Drivers and pedestrians have to be especially careful when there is rainfall or snow. This would help road users avoid pedestrian accidents.
At VG Law, we have a legal team that is just a call away. We understand how devastating it is to get involved in a pedestrian accident; we are always ready to help you in whatever way we can.
An experienced injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale from our law firm would work with you on your case. We would ensure you get the maximum compensation for the injuries you get in the accident. You would also get the appropriate financial recovery for all you lost.
While you focus on recovering from your injuries, we would handle all your insurance claims and every other aspect of your pedestrian accident claim. Contact us today and get a free consultation.
