Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
Personal Injury Attorney | In the Sunshine State, our temperate year-round climate makes our area seemingly ideal for walking to work, school, or just for the fun of it. Unfortunately, in areas throughout Florida, walking can actually be detrimental to your health.
While some people fear being victimized by crime while out walking, a much bigger danger lies in pedestrian and car accidents.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Florida
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), close to 5,000 pedestrians are killed each year in traffic accidents in the United States, while roughly 66,000 people suffer serious injuries in these accidents. On average, one person dies every two hours as the result of a pedestrian accident, and one pedestrian is injured every eight minutes.
Florida has long led the nation in the number of pedestrian fatalities, with roughly 500 pedestrian deaths each year – second only to California.
A recent report on pedestrian accidents from the Florida Times-Union states that for several years, Jacksonville has led the state in pedestrian accidents. According to the report, there were over 40 pedestrian deaths in 2015, which is the third highest pedestrian death rate in the country. In 2013, the number of pedestrian deaths was second only to those in Detroit.
The Florida Times-Union states that a significant part of the problem is the sprawling highways and expressways that run through Tampa and make pedestrians susceptible to accidents due to dangerous intersections and vehicles traveling at high speeds. Tampa was recently designated as a focus city for pedestrian safety by the federal government, and plans are underway to address problems with the infrastructure of the city’s roads and highways to make them safer for pedestrians.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents
The following are answers to some frequently asked questions about Florida pedestrian accidents:
Why are there so many pedestrian accidents in Jacksonville?
According to the Florida Times-Union story, there are multiple reasons for the high rate of pedestrian accidents. These include an infrastructure that is not designed for walkers or cyclists, as well as a high concentration of highways and expressways that lack pedestrian signals or crosswalks.
Do cars have to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks?
Yes. Under Florida law, pedestrians have the right-of-way when using crosswalks. Unfortunately, this does not always mean that cars will actually yield. The Florida Department of Transportation advises pedestrians to always use caution when entering a crosswalk, and to pause on the curb before stepping into a crosswalk to ensure they are visible to drivers.
What should I do if I am injured in a pedestrian accident?
The first thing to do if you are involved in a pedestrian accident is to get medical help immediately, even if you initially think your injuries are minor. You should also notify the local police or highway patrol. Get information from the driver who hit you, such as contact and insurance information.
What should I do if I am a driver involved in a pedestrian accident?
Anytime you are involved in a pedestrian or car accident, immediately stop at the scene and notify the authorities. Provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information, as well as contact information such as name, address, and phone number. -Pajcic
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