Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Types of Pedestrian Accidents

While pedestrian accidents can involve individuals on foot, they also refer to skaters, skateboarders, joggers, scooter riders, and more. They can also include personal modes of transportation, such as scooters, Segways, hoverboards, etc. None of the aforementioned modes of transportation protect the user from cars, which is why it’s the responsibility of drivers to be alert to individuals riding or using these devices.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

The causes of vehicle vs. pedestrian accidents follow the same pattern as other types of motor vehicle collisions whether they’re motorcycle accidents or car accidents. Here are some of the more prevalent causes of pedestrian accidents in Broward County:

Distracted Driving

Texting while driving and other distractions continue to be among the most common causes of car accidents. This is an even greater danger for pedestrians since they prevent a much less-visible profile than vehicles.

Drunk Driving

Alcohol slows reaction times and judgment. It can also cause drivers to swerve into pedestrian lanes or onto the sidewalk.

Failure to Yield

Many pedestrians are injured while trying to cross intersections when they have the right of way. This could be the result of drivers not understanding the right-of-way laws or they’re trying to beat a traffic signal.

Speeding

The higher the speed is, the longer it takes for a vehicle to stop. Additionally, it makes the car much more dangerous.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Broward County, FL

According to FHSMV, in the year 2023, Broward County had 40,286 traffic crashes. 1,112 of these were pedestrian crashes. Of those, 969 people were injured, and 62 were killed. That means that in 87% of pedestrian crashes, the pedestrian is either injured or killed. The numbers are much higher when you add in bicyclists and other non-motorists.

Actions to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

The following tips may help prevent further injuries and can help your accident case or lawsuit with our injury lawyers.

Protect Yourself From Further Harm

Lying in the roadway can lead to a secondary collision. If you are able, try to get out to the shoulder or the sidewalk.

Call 911

The sooner you can get first responders en route, the better. The dispatcher will want to know your exact location, a description of the vehicle that hit you, including the license plate, and the nature of your injuries.

Ask Witnesses to Remain on Scene

Most people will stop when they see a pedestrian get hit by a car, but once they realize that qualified help is on the way, they leave. Ask witnesses to stay or get their contact information.

Take Pictures

The accident scene will change rapidly, so document it with your cellphone. Collect images of road signs, vehicle damage, visible injuries, debris on the roadway, skid marks, and anything else you think might be important.

Allow EMTs to Examine You

Pedestrian accidents usually lead to injury. Allow paramedics to examine you and if necessary, transport you to the ER. In any event, follow up with your personal physician.

Contact LJW as Soon as Possible

The earlier our personal injury lawyers are involved in your case, the more likely it is that we will be able to get you a full and fair recovery. Insurance companies may try to contact you for a settlement but don’t accept an insurance company settlement offer before you speak to a professional pedestrian accident attorney.

Compensation in Personal Injury Cases

The state of Florida allows personal injury claimants in their pedestrian accident cases to pursue three types of damages. Economic damages and non-economic damages are considered compensatory in nature. Punitive damages are non-compensatory. While there are no caps for compensatory damages in Florida, punitive damages are capped at either $500,000 or three times the amount of compensatory damages, whichever is more.

Economic Damages

These include all monetary costs associated with a motor vehicle accident. All of your medical expenses and anticipated medical expenses are compensable, as are your lost wages and property damage.

Non-Economic Damages

Simply reimbursing you for your monetary expenses would not be fair since you’ve undoubtedly suffered physical and emotional pain. Non-economic damages seek to compensate accident victims for the intangible costs of an accident.

Punitive Damages

The courts typically award these damages when the defendant has acted recklessly or criminally.

The Dangers of Being a Pedestrian in Florida

Broward County, and Pompano in particular, is not a pedestrian-friendly area. While both the city and county are crisscrossed with roadways and highways, not all areas have safe walkways and crossings for pedestrians. Busy tourist areas often place the parking at a distance from the attractions forcing patrons to park and then cross hazardous roadways. Additionally, during the tourist season, both the numbers of pedestrians and drivers balloon. This creates a hazardous situation that disproportionately endangers pedestrians.

How LJW Can Help

Our lawyers will represent you on a contingency basis. Among the services we provide are:

• Collecting accident and medical reports.
• Deposing witnesses, including the driver.
• Tabulating all damages.
• Hiring an accident reconstruction expert.
• Issuing letters or protection to doctors.
• Filing a demand letter with the insurer.
• Negotiating with adjusters and attorneys.
• Litigating your case in court if necessary.

Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Pompano, FL

If you’ve been struck by a vehicle while walking, running, skating, or on a personal mode of transportation, Long, Jean & Wechsler, P.A. will represent you on a contingency basis. Call our Pompano Beach law firm today for a free consultation. We’ll aid in an immediate and aggressive representation and or lawsuit with one of our seasoned injury attorneys/injury lawyers.