Pedestrian Accident - Friedland & Associates

Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Throughout the US, pedestrian accidents occur on a daily basis. And although the problem occurs in every state, Florida is notorious for its prevalence of pedestrian accidents. Over the decades, thousands of people have been killed and injured while walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street.

Whether you or a loved one are a victim of this type of accident, you deserve justice. Here at Friedland & Associates, we can talk about your options for taking legal actions. A pedestrian accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can assist you.

The Hazards of Pedestrian Accidents

Car accidents are dangerous. But pedestrian accidents can be even more devastating. When you’re in a vehicle, the frame gives you some protection from the impact. Safety features, such as seatbelts and airbags, may minimize damage. Unfortunately, pedestrians don’t have any protection. If a car hits you, there are no barriers. The impact can be deadly.

Even if the impact is minimal, the accident could have serious consequences. A small impact could cause the victim to fall, which could lead to them hitting their head or receiving a different injury. This is especially true for pedestrian accidents involving the elderly.

There are several common injuries caused by these accidents. Here are some examples of potential injuries:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage
Broken bones
Internal bleeding
Lacerations
Bruises

As they recover, a victim may need to take time off from work. This results in missed paychecks. Often, the victim also struggles to pay their medical bills. If the accident resulted in a death, the loved ones may struggle with the aftermath.

To help you cope, you can seek compensation. Many pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence. If this was the case in your accident, you could file a personal injury claim against the driver.

Types of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can happen in many ways. However, there’s a common thread among the cause of the collisions. Most accidents of this type are caused by distracted driving. According to the Fort Lauderdale Police assistant chief, distracted driving is a problem in the area.

Here’s an overview of some of the most common types of accidents involving pedestrians:

1. Dart-Out Accidents

Sometimes, a pedestrian rushes into the road. A driver may not be able to react in time to avoid the individuals. Although you might think this accident is at the fault of the pedestrian, it could also be the fault of the driver.

This is because there could be circumstances of which the driver was unaware. At times, dart-out accidents are not what they seem. For example, a driver could claim that the victim darted into a crosswalk. But the driver may have been distracted. This could keep them from noticing the pedestrian.

2. Intersection Accidents

Crossing at an intersection can be hazardous. Although crosswalks and traffic signals should help you cross the street, they don’t always keep you safe. A driver could ignore the signal and collide with someone in the middle of the intersection.

Some intersection accidents are not the fault of the driver or the pedestrian. For instance, a traffic signal could malfunction. It might not give the pedestrian enough time to cross the street. In situations involving malfunctioning equipment, you may be able to take legal action against the local government.

3. Vendor Accidents

In Fort Lauderdale, there are many food trucks and other vendors. As children rush into the street or as patrons wait for their food, an accident can happen. These accidents can be more complex than other types of pedestrian accidents.

4. Passing Accidents

Public and school buses hold up traffic to allow passengers off. If a vehicle rushes to pass a stopped bus, they might not see a pedestrian in front of them.
When a driver rushes past a school bus, the consequences can be particularly serious. According to Florida law, all vehicles must stop when a school bus stops and uses their “stop” signal. This is true of drivers coming from the opposite lane, as long as there is no median. If a driver fails to stop, they are in the wrong. They could also cause a serious accident with one of the children who is leaving or boarding the bus.

5. Merging or Turning Accidents

When a driver is merging or turning, they need to focus on their actions. Sometimes, they fail to look for pedestrians as they rush to turn onto a different road. They keep the safety of other drivers in mind, but ignore the safety of pedestrians.

6. Back-Up Accidents

These accidents commonly occur in parking lots. When a driver reverses out of a parking spot, they could hit a nearby shopper. They may have backed up without looking or were distracted while they reversed. Either way, the driver is at fault.

How to Receive Compensation

In 2017, there were 3,979 distracted driving accidents in Broward County. Some of those accidents involved pedestrians, and all of those accidents involved negligence. If negligence was the cause of your accident, you could seek compensation.

That compensation could include money for your medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. Typically, crash victims assume that the driver’s insurance company will pay for their bills. Although this is sometimes the case, it’s often not easy. You may have to fight with the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Your only option could be to resort to legal action. In some cases, the victim needs to file a personal injury claim against the driver. No matter how you handle the situation, you should consider working with an attorney. They can explain the negotiation or filing process. When you’re ready to take action, they can help you.

What Should You Do?

If you want to recover your damages, you need to receive medical attention. You need documentation of your injuries and you must receive the proper treatment. When offering you a settlement, the other party will consider the cost of your treatment and the severity of your injuries.