Florida is one of the 4 most dangerous states for pedestrians in the country. While this is in part because of the weather that allows residents to walk outside year-round, it also speaks to the negligence of drivers and their lack of understanding of a pedestrian’s right of way. To illustrate the point, 41% of pedestrian accidents nationwide occur on roadways and at intersections.
To see how Florida pedestrian accidents affect the state, below are the 2009 Florida pedestrian accident statistics as compiled by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office:
- there were 8,248 reported pedestrian accidents in Florida in 2009;
- of those, 7,676 pedestrians were injured; and
- 482 pedestrians died as a result of their injuries.
While those numbers have actually decreased slightly from 2008, in which there were 8,471 Florida pedestrian accidents, it does highlight how common these types of accidents actually are. The numbers are even more disturbing when compared with other statistics from the same 2009 Florida traffic crash report.
In the same time period, more people were killed in Florida pedestrian accidents than in:
- bicycle accidents (99 fatalities);
- motorcycle accidents (376 driver fatalities and 26 passenger fatalities);
- drug-related crashes (113 fatalities); and
- teen crashes (80 driver fatalities and 73 passenger fatalities).
Drivers and pedestrians should have a good understanding of the pedestrian laws in Florida in order to prevent accidents. In the event that you or a loved one is seriously injured in such an accident, a Florida pedestrian accident lawyer can talk to you about your options for legal recourse.
Contacting a Florida Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When it comes to choosing an attorney, you can’t afford to play a game of chance. Picking a Florida pedestrian accident lawyer based on a colorful bus ad or a touching TV commercial won’t necessarily put you in touch with the attorney best suited for your case.
Palm Beach pedestrian accident lawyer Theodore Babbitt has spent years building his practice and growing his network of trusted colleagues and well-respected lawyers. Simply fill out our online form for Florida injury victims, and Mr. Babbitt will personally review your story to see if you have a valid pedestrian accident claim. He will then put you in touch with the attorney best suited to handle your case. There is no cost to get started – 1-877-751-8087.