Florida Pedestrian Accidents Finally Decreasing!

A recent study by the Governor's Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has found that Florida is no longer the worst state for pedestrian accidents. The rate of pedestrian accidents may be decreasing due to better lighting at intersections and on roadways, new bike lanes, sidewalk crosswalks, and foot bridges. This is really good news for Florida! The pedestrian accident rate is the lowest it has been in nearly 20 years. The situation is nowhere near perfect and Florida is still an extremely dangerous state for pedestrians. The most dangerous states for pedestrians determined by the number of fatalities per 100,000 people are:

  • Delaware
  • New Mexico
  • South Carolina
  • Louisiana
  • Florida
  • Pedestrian Accident Injuries:

Victims of a Florida pedestrian accident can sustain serious, catastrophic or fatal injuries when struck by a motor vehicle. The following injuries are very common after a pedestrian accident:

  • Head injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Facial injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Coma
  • Death

Ways to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents:

In Florida, an average of 10 pedestrians and 2 bicyclists are fatally injured every week. Florida roads were built to accommodate high volumes of fast-moving traffic. Pedestrians have to be extremely cautious. In order to avoid accidents, pedestrians should take the following steps:

  • Cross at a corner and use traffic signals when available
  • Make eye contact with drivers
  • Always look left, right and then left again before crossing a street
  • Carry a flashlight when walking at night
  • Avoid parking lots
  • Wear bright, reflective clothing at night
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol as they can hinder your ability to walk safely
  • Don't talk or text on your cell phone while crossing the street
  • Always supervise small children when they are crossing the street

What to do After a Pedestrian Accident:

If you have sustained injuries from a Sarasota or Bradenton pedestrian accident, do not make any statements to any drivers or insurers without first consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney. You will also want to:

  • Call the police immediately.
  • Obtain names, phone numbers, and addresses of any witnesses.
  • Stay at the scene of the accident until help arrives.

Sarasota and Bradenton Pedestrian Accident Attorneys:

If you have been injured in a Sarasota or Bradenton pedestrian accident, please contact the pedestrian accident attorneys at Michael L. Morgan Law Group, P.A. at (941) 218-8220. We will help you to obtain the best possible compensation and we work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no cost to you unless we recover on your behalf. Please call us for a free consultation.

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