When it comes to traveling on foot in the Sunshine State, Floridians and visitors should use caution. Data routinely indicates that Florida has some of the most hazardous roads in the country for pedestrians. Thousands of people die in car crashes each year in Florida, and hundreds of them are pedestrians. Nationally, more than 6,000 pedestrians are killed annually by drivers. When it comes to pedestrian safety, at least part of the issue is likely infrastructure. Some risk factors that impact pedestrians include higher speed limits, poorly lit streets, and large vehicles. In recent years, pedestrians have died in larger numbers, and many people suspect that at least part of the reason is the popularity of SUVs. Studies repeatedly indicate that SUVs present greater risks in pedestrian crashes than do smaller vehicles. Of course, safety advocates also point out that cell phone use rose around the same time as pedestrian crashes began to increase. It is likely that distracted drivers and distracted pedestrians are both contributing to America’s high rate of crashes involving these vulnerable road users.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you understand how devastating these collisions are for people traveling on foot. The injuries caused in pedestrian crashes are often devastating, life-altering, and extremely costly. To make matters worse, individuals injured in crashes often struggle to maintain their jobs. If a driver caused your injuries, you might be entitled to compensation. Call the Durham Law Group today at 813-333-6250 to learn how our dedicated Tampa pedestrian accident attorneys can protect your rights and ensure that you get the help that you need.
Pedestrian Crash Causes in Tampa, Florida
Pedestrian crashes are often the result of careless, negligent motorists. Drivers who cause collisions with pedestrians often do so because they are driving under the influence, distracted, violating the pedestrians’ right of way or ignoring traffic signs, speeding, or otherwise recklessly driving without regard for the safety of others. Drivers must remember that pedestrians often have the right of way when they are crossing the street. If a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, it is the driver’s responsibility to yield to that person. Pedestrians who cross the road in locations outside of crosswalks may be found partially to blame for the crash that caused their injuries. However, if the driver did not exhibit caution, the fault may be divided, and the pedestrian may still have a strong case against the motorist who caused his or her injuries. Under Florida law, a pedestrian who is found partly liable for his or her injuries will see the damage reduced to reflect his or her share of liability. The law would not prevent the case from moving forward or the pedestrian from recovering at least a portion of damages if the driver was liable.
Compensation in Pedestrian Crashes in Tampa, Florida
In Florida, the state’s insurance regulations dictate that if a pedestrian owns a vehicle, that person’s personal injury protection insurance, or PIP insurance, should cover that person for injuries amounting to up to $10,000 in damages. In cases where a pedestrian is struck by a car and that pedestrian does not own a car and therefore does not have car insurance, the driver’s PIP insurance should cover the pedestrian’s injuries. When it comes to injuries caused in a pedestrian crash, $10,000 is likely far too little to cover medical bills related to the potentially severe and life-threatening injuries that result from these incidents.
A lawsuit against a negligent driver can help cover a greater amount of damages for the injured pedestrian. To prove a negligence case, the pedestrian must show the driver owed him or her a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the pedestrian sustained injuries as a result of the driver’s breach. There are many ways in which the driver might have breached his or her duty. The above listed frequent causes of pedestrian crashes are some of those. If you were injured in a pedestrian crash, speak to an experienced Tampa, Florida car crash attorney to learn your legal options.
What Are Damages in a Pedestrian Crash in Tampa, Florida
The damages available to a pedestrian injured in a car crash will depend largely on the nature and severity of the victim’s injuries. Damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional suffering, loss of consortium, and costs related to funeral expenses in the event of a fatal crash, are all potentially available following a pedestrian crash involving a negligent driver.
Call the Durham Law Group Today After a Tampa Pedestrian Accident
At the Durham Law Group, our dedicated Tampa, Florida, pedestrian accident attorneys understand how important it is for an injured accident victim to recover damages following a devastating crash. Call us today at 813-333-6250 to learn how we can help you and your family.
