Pedestrian safety is an important issue in most communities. Increased awareness and caution at intersections and at other areas on roadways may help drivers and pedestrians keep pedestrians more safe. Additional safety measures can be helpful as well. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable group on the roadways and are susceptible to serious injuries if they are hit by a vehicle.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a 24-hour time period, an average of 430 pedestrians are treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to auto-pedestrian accidents. In addition, during 2013, 156,000 pedestrian accident victims received medical treatment in emergency rooms for nonfatal injuries. Because injuries suffered in an auto versus pedestrian accident can be serious, it is important to understand how critical pedestrian safety is and how serious pedestrian accidents can be when they occur.
Children are at increased risk of becoming the victim of an auto-pedestrian accident. However, victims of all ages may suffer harm in a pedestrian accident. Drivers should remain aware and on the lookout for pedestrians and should avoid distractions while driving, as the problem of distracted driving continues to increase.
When a pedestrian has been struck in an auto-pedestrian accident, the victim may be able to recover damages from a negligent driver for the physical, financial and emotional harm associated with the accident.
Florida law seeks to help protect people who have been injured in a pedestrian accident. It is important for pedestrian accident victims to be familiar with their legal options when they are harmed by a careless or inattentive driver.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Walk This Way! Taking Steps for Pedestrian Safety,” Accessed July 11, 2016
