Pedestrian accidents can lead to devastating injuries, and victims often face significant medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial hardships. Fortunately, the Ward Law Group is here to help. As experienced personal injury attorneys in Miami Lakes, we represent victims of pedestrian accidents in the Town of Miami Lakes and throughout the state to help them exercise their rights and seek just monetary compensation.
Pedestrian Accident in Miami Lakes: Know Your Rights Under Florida Statutes
As a pedestrian, you have little to no protection in the event of a vehicle collision. Accidents like these are devastating and can change a person’s life forever. Many pedestrian accidents result in debilitating and painful injuries that require extensive medical attention.
Choosing a Miami Lakes pedestrian accident lawyer who knows the legal process and can defend your rights is crucial if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident. Several laws exist to protect pedestrians from being struck by vehicles.
Under Florida Statutes 316.130, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and pedestrians are expected to obey traffic signals and use designated crosswalks.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Miami Lakes
Many pedestrians in Miami Lakes are active, as should be expected. Walking is one of the most convenient ways to get around the city. However, Florida is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians in the country.
There are several reasons why pedestrian accidents occur in Miami Lakes, including negligence by motorists, poor infrastructure, and poor visibility. Miami Lakes pedestrian accidents are caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Driving while distracted: Drivers who are talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise not paying full attention to the road are more likely to collide with pedestrians.
- Driving unsafely: Speeding, aggressive driving, and failing to yield leave pedestrians vulnerable to being struck.
- Intoxicated driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are at a greater risk of an accident involving pedestrians.
When filing a lawsuit against a negligent driver, it is necessary to prove that the individual was at fault. To prove your claim, a Miami Lakes pedestrian accident lawyer can help you gather evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
Pedestrian accidents in Florida and Miami Lakes are on the rise
Accidents involving pedestrians have become a major problem in Florida in recent years. In 2020, Florida was ranked as the second most dangerous state in the US for pedestrian accidents, with 660 reported deaths. The high number of pedestrian accidents in Florida is largely attributed to the state’s warm climate, high population density, and heavy traffic, and Miami Lakes is no exception. Based on a study conducted by Smart Growth America, an organization dedicated to pedestrian safety, Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach-Miami was ranked 13th among the country’s most dangerous metro areas in 2021.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 9,758 pedestrian crashes in Florida in 2020, resulting in 8,581 injuries and 704 fatalities. Miami-Dade County had the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in the state, with 85 deaths in 2020.
In Miami-Dade County alone, there were 1,529 pedestrian accidents, resulting in 1,311 injuries and 94 fatalities.
In Miami Lakes, there were 23 pedestrian crashes in 2020, resulting in 22 injuries and 2 fatalities. This is a significant increase from the previous year when there were 10 pedestrian crashes and 7 injuries.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Miami Lakes
An accident caused by a vehicle can result in serious injury. The best course of action after a pedestrian accident is to seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. The severity of these injuries can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, resulting in a wide range of physical and emotional injuries.
The most common physical injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident:
- Head injuries: This is one of the most severe types of injuries that can occur in pedestrian accidents. Head injuries can range from concussions to skull fractures, which can cause significant damage to the brain.
- Spinal cord injuries: These types of injuries can lead to paralysis or other neurological disorders. They can occur when the pedestrian’s spinal cord is compressed or severed in the accident.
- Broken bones: Pedestrians can suffer from broken bones in a variety of areas, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can be painful and may require surgery or prolonged immobilization to heal.
- Soft tissue injuries: Pedestrians can suffer from bruises, cuts, and other types of soft tissue injuries in accidents. These injuries can range from mild to severe and may require medical treatment to heal.
- Internal injuries: Pedestrians may also suffer from internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, because of the accident. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require immediate medical attention.
- Victims of pedestrian accidents can also suffer emotional trauma:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Pedestrians who are involved in accidents may develop PTSD, which is a mental health condition that can cause anxiety, flashbacks, and other symptoms.
- Depression: Pedestrians may also experience depression because of the accident, which can cause an overwhelming sense of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in their former hobbies.
- Anxiety: Pedestrians may experience anxiety following an accident, which can cause nervousness, fear, and other symptoms.
- Insomnia: Pedestrians may have trouble sleeping after an accident, which can exacerbate emotional distress and impact their ability to function in their daily lives.
Some injuries do not become apparent until several days or even weeks after the accident, and it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure that all injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. Additionally, it’s important to remember that emotional injuries can be just as severe as physical injuries and may require professional help to manage them effectively. Injured pedestrians can seek compensation through our personal injury lawyers. As pedestrian accident attorneys, we understand the types of injuries sustained and will assist you in recovering financial compensation.
Florida Statutes Pertaining to Pedestrian Laws
Florida law states that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all marked and unmarked crosswalks. This means that if a pedestrian is crossing the road at a crosswalk, a driver must stop and allow them to cross. Additionally, drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian, and they must give an audible signal if necessary to warn a pedestrian of their approach. Pedestrians also have responsibilities under Florida law. They must obey traffic signals and use crosswalks when available. If a pedestrian is crossing the road at a place other than a crosswalk, they must yield the right-of-way to vehicles. It is important for both drivers and pedestrians to follow these laws to prevent accidents and ensure safety on the roads.
Statutes in Florida and Miami Lakes that pertain to pedestrian accidents:
- Florida Statute 316.130: This statute outlines the rules and regulations that drivers must follow when driving on Florida’s roadways. It specifically addresses the duty of drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and requires drivers to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians crossing in a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with a stop sign.
- Florida Statute 316.003(76): This statute defines a “crosswalk” as any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere that is distinctly marked for pedestrian crossing.
- Florida Statute 316.027: This statute pertains to the criminal penalties that drivers may face if they cause serious bodily injury or death to a pedestrian while committing certain traffic offenses, such as reckless driving or driving under the influence.
In addition to these state-level statutes, Miami Lakes also has local ordinances that pertain to pedestrian safety, such as regulations governing the use of crosswalks and pedestrian signals. For example, Miami Lakes Town Code 25-74 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and also specifies the types of signals that may be used at pedestrian crossings.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit in Miami Lakes After a Pedestrian Accident?
Personal injury lawsuits in Florida, including those involving pedestrian accidents, have a four-year statute of limitations. This means that if a pedestrian wishes to file a lawsuit against the responsible party, they must do so within four years of the accident or risk losing their right to seek compensation. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a pedestrian accident to ensure that all deadlines are met, and evidence is preserved. Overall, these statutes and ordinances aim to promote pedestrian safety by requiring drivers to exercise caution around pedestrians and follow traffic laws, while also providing legal recourse for pedestrians who are injured because of driver negligence or recklessness.
Mistakes Pedestrian Victims Make That Can Hurt Their Accident Claim
If a pedestrian is involved in an accident, there are certain mistakes they can make that could hurt their accident claim. These can include:
- Not reporting the accident: Pedestrians involved in an accident should report the accident to the police as soon as possible. Failure to report the accident could make it more difficult to prove fault.
- Failing to seek medical attention: Pedestrian accident victims should seek medical attention right away, even if they don’t feel injured. Some injuries, such as head injuries, may not be immediately apparent and could worsen if left untreated.
- Not gathering evidence: Pedestrian accident victims should gather as much evidence as possible, including witness statements, photographs, and the other party’s contact and insurance information.
- Admitting fault: Pedestrian accident victims should never admit fault, even if they think they may have contributed to the accident. Admitting fault could hurt their claim.
I was injured in a Miami Lakes pedestrian accident. Why should I contact a lawyer?
It is possible to suffer a life-changing injury or loss due to a pedestrian accident. If a pedestrian is struck by a car or other vehicle, the injuries can be severe, and recovery can take a long time. It is imperative that you contact a personal injury lawyer in such circumstances. You should seek the assistance of a Miami Lakes pedestrian accident lawyer who is experienced in dealing with these types of cases if you have been injured. The following are a few reasons why you should contact our Miami Lakes pedestrian accident lawyers at The Ward Law Group following an accident:
- Protection of your rights: An attorney who specializes in personal injury can assist you in protecting your rights following a pedestrian accident. They will ensure that you are treated fairly by insurance companies and that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. The lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine who is responsible for the accident. They will also ensure that you receive the medical attention you need and that your injuries are properly documented.
- Experience in handling similar cases: A personal injury lawyer with experience in handling pedestrian accident cases will have the knowledge and expertise necessary to navigate the legal process. They will be familiar with the laws and regulations governing pedestrian accidents, and they will know how to handle insurance companies and other parties involved in the case. They will also have a network of experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and investigators, who can help build a strong case for you.
- Maximizing your claim: One of the most important benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer is that they can help you maximize your claim. The lawyer will work with you to determine the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. They will negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that compensates you for all your losses.
- Better chances of success in court: If the case goes to court, a personal injury lawyer with experience in handling pedestrian accidents will have the skills and knowledge necessary to present a strong case. They will know how to navigate the legal process, and they will be prepared to argue your case before a judge and jury. With a skilled lawyer on your side, you will have a better chance of success in court.
- Peace of mind: Finally, hiring a personal injury lawyer can provide peace of mind during a difficult time. You will have an advocate on your side who will fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. You can focus on your recovery and leave the legal process to your lawyer.
Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers in Miami Lakes can protect your rights, maximize your claim, and provide peace of mind during a difficult time. With the help of a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life.
Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Miami Lakes
Miami Lakes pedestrian accident victims are represented by the Ward Law Group. It is our goal to assist you in exercising your rights and seeking monetary compensation for the damage caused by the accident. There is no way to predict how long it will take to resolve a pedestrian accident after the accident occurs. When someone else’s carelessness causes severe injury, you deserve fair compensation. Often, insurance companies undervalue your claim or try to shift the blame, leaving you without compensation. It is a well-known fact that insurance companies pressure struggling accident victims to settle. Taking money up front may seem tempting but talk to a pedestrian lawyer in Miami Lakes before accepting anything. It is common for the insurance company to offer you a much lower settlement than you deserve. Furthermore, if you take the money, you will forfeit the right to sue the policyholder.
You can count on Ward Law Group to protect your rights from the moment you contact us, to guide you through every step of the legal process, and to fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to. If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident in Miami Lakes, call us today at 855-dolor-55.