There are many cities where there is a high volume of traffic at one or more times during the day. Tampa, Florida, is no exception. Many individuals choose to walk on roads or sidewalks rather than drive for many reasons. While walking might help you avoid traffic and provide some exercise, it can also result in pedestrian accidents and injuries.
Many people who visit or live in Tampa enjoy heading to the beach, which can cause congested foot traffic, sometimes crossing busy streets. This is true for Davis Islands Beach, Palmetto Beach, East Tampa Beach, and more. Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Even though drivers should know to watch out for pedestrians and when to stop for people crossing the street, many drivers get impatient with beachgoers. They might speed, fail to yield, or engage in other unlawful driving that causes them to hit someone on foot. Suddenly, a day at the beach turns into a nightmare for the pedestrian. 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney San Antonio
Pedestrians in Tampa Are Always at Risk
At crosswalks – or due to jaywalking – there are many times when individuals are at risk of a vehicle hitting them. Even when someone jaywalks, it does not give a driver the right to plow into them with their vehicle.
Many pedestrian accidents happen due to the violation of Florida traffic laws, including:
- Texting and driving
- Speeding, especially in school zones
- Not abiding by the stop sign on a school bus
- Failing to yield due to “walk” signals
- Dangerous turns
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
When a driver does not adhere to the laws of the road, they put themselves and others at risk of catastrophic injuries – and even wrongful death in some cases. Drivers should always comply with traffic laws, speed limits, and other road rules to protect themselves and others. When they violate the law, they can forever alter a pedestrian’s life.
Tampa Pedestrian Injuries
Due to the size and weight of a car compared to a person, any accident involving the two can be extremely severe. Pedestrians have no protection in a collision – not even a helmet like cyclists might wear. This means they are vulnerable to catastrophic or fatal injuries. Oilfield Accident Lawyers Houston – Oilfield Injuries Lawyers
Common pedestrian injuries include:
- Fractures, including hip, pelvis, or rib fractures
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Crush injuries
- Neck and back injuries
These injuries need emergency medical care, and many victims never return to their previous lives. They can have permanent impairments that affect their ability to work, participate in usual activities, or even care for themselves daily. In the most tragic cases, a pedestrian does not survive their injuries, and 5,893 pedestrians died in Florida in a recent year. This made Florida the most dangerous state for pedestrians in the United States.
If a negligent driver severely injured you or took the life of your loved one, contact our Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyers so we can pursue monetary damages for your loss.
Liability for Pedestrian Accidents
When a driver is negligent and hits you, you can hold them liable for all of your:
- Medical bills
- Costs of future medical care
- Past and future lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injuries
- Wrongful death
Compensation for your losses does not happen automatically. First, you might need to seek benefits from your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage if you have it, as PIP covers people when they are walking. If your injuries are serious, you can seek additional coverage from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Because pedestrian injuries are often severe, at-fault claims are common following pedestrian collisions.
You want to speak with our Tampa injury firm as soon as possible to begin the process. First, you might jeopardize your rights to benefits if you wait due to insurance deadlines and statutes of limitations. Further, evidence of liability can dissipate over time, and the sooner we start working with you, the sooner we can begin gathering evidence to support your claim.
Injured in an Accident in Tampa
If you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, you might have the right to obtain monetary compensation for your injuries. Our Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers understand that you incurred severe financial hardships due to your accident, as injuries can result in an inability to work as well as a great need for medical attention. This results in extensive bills compounded by a loss of income. Monetary damages compensate for this hardship and help you get back on your feet.