The Inherent Dangers of Being A Pedestrian In Florida
Pedestrians are one and a half times more likely than vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Because of the size and weight of a motor vehicle, compared to a person on foot, this ratio is not completely surprising. Any time a car collides with a person, the outcome can be devastating.
What is harder to explain is the 3% increase in the number of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What’s even more difficult to understand is that of the twenty deadliest U.S. cities for pedestrians, nine are in Florida.
At the Law Offices of Keith Bregoff, our Vero Beach pedestrian accident lawyer committed to representing personal injury victims who have been hurt while walking or jogging in our city, so they can hold the negligent driver responsible for their financial recovery — while also holding them accountable for their recklessness.
Why Is Florida So Dangerous For Pedestrians?
Florida’s make-up, including the climate, sprawling city streets, attractions, beaches, and extensive outdoor entertainment opportunities are conducive to pedestrian traffic practically year around.
Unfortunately, expanded foot traffic in our cities is placing our state at the top of the list for pedestrian injuries and deaths.
Over ten years, from 2008 to 2017, there were 5,433 pedestrian deaths in the State of Florida. In 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded 704 deaths in our state alone, leaving hundreds of families reeling from the wrongful deaths of their loved ones.
What Are The Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents In Florida?
Pedestrian accidents in Florida are commonly caused by pure negligence, which makes them preventable circumstances that injure thousands and kills hundreds of people each year.
The most common causes of these devastating Florida pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Drivers backing into pedestrians without checking their surroundings
- Driving while intoxicated
- Failing to stop or yield for foot traffic
- Left-hand turns into crosswalks
- Speeding
There is no limit to the ways negligent drivers can harm pedestrians, even when the walkers and joggers are following all the rules of the road. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, contact our Vero Beach personal injury attorney today at (772) 492-8967 to schedule a free consultation to learn how our experience can help produce financial results in your case.
