Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When you are out walking for exercise, pleasure, or to get to where you are going, you certainly don’t ever expect that they you be involved in an accident on the road. Crosswalks and traffic signals are supposed to keep pedestrians safe, but every year thousands of people are killed and countless more are injured across the country in pedestrian accidents. The experienced Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers at Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian understand how traumatic a pedestrian accident can be for the victim and their family, and our office is here to help.
Tampa Pedestrian Accidents
According to the Center for Urban Transportation Research, Florida had the highest pedestrian fatality rate in the country in 2011. The state accounted for 11 percent of all pedestrian fatalities across the country and has the top four most dangerous cities for pedestrians, which include Orlando-Kissimmee, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Jacksonville, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach.
In 2010, the state reported that pedestrian traffic accidents caused a total of 499 fatalities, 2,072 nonfatal hospitalizations, and 7,650 nonfatal emergency room visits. The Vital Statistics death records for Florida show that from 2008 to 2010, “39.8 percent of pedestrian traffic fatalities were associated with multiple body regions, 30 percent with traumatic brain injuries, and 27.6 percent with injuries to other regions.” Seek help from the experienced Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen
There are certain situations where pedestrian accidents happen more often, but negligent or inattentive drivers almost always play a role in the crash. Pedestrians crossing mid-block without a crosswalk are more likely to be struck, but the second most common location for pedestrian accidents is at an intersection with a crosswalk when a driver is not paying attention while turning. Other common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Inattentive driving or backing up in a parking lot;
- Distracted driving;
- Driving while texting;
- Aggressive driving;
- Failure to obey traffic signals;
- Failure to yield the right of way;
- Driving under the influence;
…and other negligent or reckless driving habits that ultimately injure pedestrians on the road.
Types of Injuries as Explained by Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users because of the complete lack of protection afforded to them in an accident. As a result, a pedestrian is far more likely to suffer from fatal or life-threatening injuries than the occupants in a vehicle. The most common types of injuries caused by a pedestrian traffic accident include:
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Spinal cord injury;
- Broken bones;
- Internal organ damage;
- Lacerations and bruising;
- Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons;
- Blunt force trauma;
…and other severe injuries that can take years of recovery, cause permanent disability, or be fatal.
Contact a Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident in the Tampa Bay area, let the experienced Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers at Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian help. Call the office or contact us today for a confidential review of your claims at no charge to you. We promise to help you get back on your feet and obtain the compensation that you deserve.
