Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
With beautiful year-round weather, gorgeous beaches, and a number of outdoor activities, it comes as no surprise that Florida has more pedestrians on average than almost every other state. However, this also means that Florida routinely has some of the highest rates of pedestrian accidents that result in injury or death. The Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez in Fort Lauderdale respect the rights of pedestrians and zealously advocate on their behalf with the insurance companies and the court.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2016 there were 5,987 pedestrians killed in traffic accidents nationwide, which is an increase of over nine percent from the year before. It accounted for sixteen percent of all traffic fatalities and averaged one death every 1.5 hours. Florida had the third highest number of pedestrian accidents, with 652 fatalities in 2016. It accounted for over twenty percent of all traffic accidents for the state.
Pedestrian accidents are more common in urban areas than in rural areas. The vast majority of pedestrian accidents occur at night when compared to any other time and almost three-quarters of all pedestrian accidents happen at non-intersections. Twenty percent of all fatal pedestrian accidents happen to children ages fourteen and younger, but the age group with the highest number of accidents are victims in their fifties.
Over one-third of all pedestrian accidents involve a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Twenty percent of fatal pedestrian accidents are caused by a hit-and-run driver. Ninety percent of all fatal pedestrian accidents involve a single car and the vast majority are struck by the front of the vehicle.
Injuries Caused in Pedestrian Accidents
The lack of protection for pedestrians means that more often than not the injuries sustained in an accident are severe. Some require a lifetime of care and can permanently alter a victim’s life. Some of the most common injuries seen in pedestrian accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Concussions
- Skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Bone fractures
- Bruising, dislocations, sprains, strains
- Amputation of limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Paralysis
- Emotional trauma
- Death
Compensation for Pedestrian Accidents
Given the often serious nature of the injuries in a pedestrian accident, it is vitally important that victims are fully compensated for the harm that is caused. Restitution for pedestrian accidents can include both compensatory and non-compensatory damages. Compensatory damages include things such as present and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage. Non-compensatory damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement and disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In cases of fatal pedestrian accidents, the family of the victim may sue for wrongful death. This includes costs for any final medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of love, security, companionship, and consortium.
Call Our Office Today
If you or a loved ones has been injured in a pedestrian accident in the Fort Lauderdale area, the expert personal injury lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez are here for you. Call the office or contact us today to schedule a free consultation of your case.