Crosswalk Accidents

According to a recent study, numbers of pedestrian fatalities have been increasing nationwide since 2008. There have been approximately 12,000 pedestrian fatalities in the United States in the years 2016 and 2017 combined. The Pedestrian Danger Index (PDI) breaks down the 20 most dangerous states for pedestrians in the United States, with Florida being the most hazardous. If you have been a victim of a pedestrian accident in Sarasota, Florida contact a crosswalk accident attorney at Pallegar Law to discuss your case (941)-893-5816. Consultations are free and there is no fee unless we recover damages.

In Sarasota, walking is a standard mode of transportation, however it can be unsafe for pedestrians due to the rising number of vehicles on the road. Although pedestrians have the right of way on crosswalks, motorists often neglect to yield due to either not paying attention, drunk driving, or texting and driving. At Pallegar Law, we represent victims injured due to another drivers’ negligence. The common classifications of driver negligence include distracted driving, violation of traffic laws, and driving while intoxicated. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13% of pedestrian fatalities in the United States resulted from an intoxicated driver in 2016. A driver has the obligation to obey traffic rules and take proper care when traveling on the road. If a driver has failed to act responsibly and comply with traffic laws the driver should be held accountable for the accident. A Sarasota crosswalk accident lawyer at Pallegar Law, P.A. can guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive substantial compensation for your accident related injuries.

The most common accidents involving pedestrians include: crosswalk, parking lot, and loss of control accidents.

• Crosswalk accidents occur when a pedestrian is legally crossing the street and a negligent driver hits them.
• Parking lot accidents typically occur when a driver is backing out of a parking space and fails to acknowledge any pedestrians that may be behind the vehicle.
• Loss of control accidents occurs when a driver drifts into the sidewalk and hits a pedestrian.

Pedestrians involved in a crosswalk accident have a higher possibility of being injured compared to the driver. During an impact, a pedestrian may be likely to experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This type of injury occurs when a significant force strikes the head. Depending on the severity of the impact, a victim can encounter loss of consciousness, headaches, and memory impairment.

Road rash occurs when there is friction between the skin and the road. A first-degree rash is considered minor, resulting in scrapes and some bleeding. A second-degree rash is more serious because it can lead to exposure of the muscles and tendons. The severity of a road rash sustained by the pedestrian can result in permanent consequences. For instance, a third-degree rash can lead to tearing of the skin, resulting in exposure of the fat beneath the skin. A third-degree rash can ultimately cause a skin infection or permanent disfigurement. Regardless of the extremity, a victim is advised to seek medical assistance following a pedestrian accident.

Common injuries resulting from an accident involving a pedestrian include scrapes, broken bones, cuts, spinal and back injuries, and sometimes death. If you or someone you know have been the victim of a crosswalk accident, it is vital that you reach out to a Sarasota, Florida crosswalk attorney. At Pallegar Law, we help victims pursue damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and permanent injuries.

In some scenarios, a pedestrian may be partially responsible for a crosswalk accident. However, it is advisable for any injured pedestrian to seek an experienced Sarasota, crosswalk accident lawyer. At Pallegar Law, we will work diligently on your case, coordinate treatment and issue letters of protections to providers so that you are not directly responsible for any medical expenses until we win your case.

Florida occupies eight of the most hazardous metro areas in the country. This is a huge concern for pedestrians. A report conducted by Smart Growth America revealed that pedestrian fatalities have risen by 35.4% between 2008-2017. Pedestrian deaths stem from multiple causes such as faulty street designs, violations of traffic laws by the driver or pedestrian, and substance abuse by the driver or pedestrian. In a study carried out by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida, scholar’s utilized data from vehicle-pedestrian crashes occurring in urbanized areas around Sarasota and Florida to determine how pedestrian and driver attributes play a role in the probability of a pedestrian dying once being struck by a vehicle. The results of the study concluded that a pedestrian who is under the influence has a higher probability of death after being struck by a vehicle compared to a driver who has been under the influence. Researchers also found that pedestrians have a higher chance of being killed if they have been struck by the front of vehicle as opposed to the sides or the back of the vehicle.

If you or someone you know has been injured as a pedestrian in a car accident, contact an experienced Sarasota Crosswalk Accident Attorney now. Call Pallegar Law, P.A. at (941)-893-5816 to schedule a free consultation.