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We Fight for Pedestrian Rights
Were you or a loved one hurt while crossing the street? Were you injured by a negligent motorist? If so, you may be entitled to compensation and an experienced Fort Myers pedestrian injury attorney can help you obtain justice.
The Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., represents people and their family members who were injured or killed in all types of pedestrian accidents. These accidents include people being struck by cars while walking down the street, people struck in parking lots, people struck in crosswalks, people struck by distracted or drunk drivers, and people struck by drivers who pulled out of driveways or side streets without being cautious of pedestrians. If you've been involved in a pedestrian accident or lost a loved one, call (888) 477-4839 for a free consultation with a top pedestrian injury attorney to discuss your rights.
Our Fort Myers Pedestrian Injury Attorney Identifies the Most Common Causes of Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported there is about one pedestrian death every 88 minutes in the United States. When annual pedestrian accident statistics are compiled, Florida usually ranks at the top of the list. Here are some of the most common accident causes:
Alcohol
NHTSA says 47 percent of crashes that involve pedestrian deaths involve alcohol for the driver and/or the pedestrian. Some of the fatal crashes involve both being under the influence, but one in every three (33 percent) involve a pedestrian with a high blood alcohol concentration; drivers account for 17 percent.
Older Adults and Children
Pedestrians aged 65 and older accounted for 20 percent all pedestrian deaths and an estimated 10 percent of all pedestrian injuries in 2017. One in every five children under the age of 15 killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians.
Tourism
Florida is a popular tourist state attracting Americans and foreigners. Many of these people are first-time visitors who are unfamiliar with our roads and may be paying more attention to their GPS than what is around them.
Intersections and Crosswalks
The NHTSA reports that pedestrians are particularly vulnerable at intersections from right-turning vehicles or red-light runners.
Pedestrians are also apt to be injured in “dart-out” accidents where they may suddenly appear between parked cars. One third of dart-out accidents result in serious injury or a fatality.
Florida pedestrian law says the driver of a vehicle at any marked crosswalk shall stop and remain stopped to allow pedestrians to cross once they are in the crosswalk, either on the half of the roadway where the vehicle is traveling or closely approaching from the opposite half of the roadway.
No Sidewalks
Many pedestrians are walking on the shoulders of our roads because of a lack of sidewalks, which makes them more vulnerable to being hit by vehicles.
Night Driving
NHTSA statistics show that most of Florida’s pedestrian-related accidents occur at night. Nighttime accidents may be caused by drowsy drivers, inattention to the road, pedestrians walking without visible clothing, and slower reaction times.
Road Obstacles
When there is debris or other objects in the road, such as construction materials or objects that force drivers to deviate from their predictable pathways, pedestrians in the area may be hit and injured.
Drivers Must Yield to Pedestrians Under Florida Law
Florida law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks. This means that pedestrians are free to cross the street at any time, so long as there is a marked pedestrian crosswalk allowing for their safe passage. However, some Florida drivers fail to recognize and abide by the requirement to stop. Unfortunately, Florida drivers are often distracted or speeding, and they blow through pedestrian crosswalks without giving them a second thought. While many cities and local governments have attempted to make these crosswalks safer by adding blinking lights that pedestrians can push before crossing the street, they aren’t always effective.
Such improvements to area crosswalks are certainly not foolproof, and some tourists may not fully understand that they are able to take advantage of these marked areas when they’re visiting. Additionally, after an accident, they may not be aware of local laws or understand that they may be entitled to compensation for a driver’s failure to follow traffic safety laws and yield to them.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Result in Severe Injuries
A pedestrian being struck by an automobile is likely to result in a devastating course of events. Our Fort Myers pedestrian injury attorneys have seen firsthand the aftermath of a pedestrian-vehicle accident, as well as the permanently disabling and even fatal injuries that can result. Pedestrians do not stand a chance of escaping serious injury when drivers of cars do not watch out for them and strike them.
While drivers and passengers in vehicles have safety features such as seatbelts, airbags, and the actual framework of vehicles to protect them during a car accident, pedestrians enjoy no such benefits, leaving them completely vulnerable to being hit by a much larger, forceful vehicle. These accidents often happen completely unexpectedly and quickly, and pedestrians are rarely able to move quickly enough to escape injury. As a result, a pedestrian is likely to suffer very serious injuries, which may even be fatal. On the other hand, the driver and passengers in the vehicle that hit a pedestrian are more likely to escape the accident injury-free.
Learn About Your Options for Recovery From a Fort Myers Pedestrian Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one were hurt by a motorist while crossing the street or on the sidewalk, a Fort Myers pedestrian injury attorney can help you obtain your rightful compensation. Contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. for a free consultation with a Fort Myers pedestrian injury attorney in order to determine whether you have a valid personal injury or wrongful death claim.
There are strict timelines within which these lawsuits must be filed, or you are forever barred from seeking recovery from the responsible party. For your convenience, you don't pay us any fees or costs unless you win. Please visit our settlements and verdicts to view the results in some of the Florida pedestrian accident cases and other types of cases handled by Randall L. Spivey.
More Helpful Information
Lee County Sheriff’s “Safe Kids, Safe Schools” Initiative Protects Pedestrians
School children are vulnerable to the potential of pedestrian accidents. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is making their protection a priority.
Are Crosswalks Safe for Pedestrians?
Crosswalks may seem to be safe for pedestrians, but even with Florida’s pedestrian safety law, they may not be safe enough.
Pedestrian Accidents Increase in Southwest Florida’s Populated Areas
Southwest Florida is growing, and new developments are being built. As the population increases, there is a risk of even more pedestrian injuries and tragic deaths.
Push for Walkable Communities Grows in the U.S.
Pedestrians are tragically killed or injured in the U.S. every day. Walkable communities and safe driving will reduce these preventable accidents.
Pedestrian Alert - April 5th is National Walking Day
National Walking Day will lead to more pedestrians sharing the roadways with motorists. It is important for motorists to always be vigilant when driving to avoid pedestrian accidents.
Why Are There So Many Florida Pedestrian Accidents?
There are several factors contributing to Florida pedestrians being more likely to be injured here than in most of the other states in the nation.
Pedestrian Right of Way Accidents
National Walking Day is April 6, 2022. It is observed every year on the first Wednesday in April to celebrate the easiest way to be the healthiest. This is a good time for all of us to remember to watch out for pedestrians in crosswalks and be mindful of their right-of-way.
Florida Accident Attorney Assists Brain-Injured Pedestrians Caused by Reckless Drivers
The Brain Injury Association recognizes March as Brain Injury Awareness Month. Because of this, we at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. would like to discuss pedestrian brain injuries that are caused by reckless driving and how we can assist pedestrian victims.