Dunedin Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When it comes to pedestrian accidents, the person on foot is usually the one who suffers the worst injuries. In fact, the CDC has reported that a pedestrian is one and a half times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident as a passenger in a vehicle when going out somewhere.
Many cities, especially in the south, were built for motor vehicles, not foot traffic. Florida is among the most deadly states for pedestrians in the country.
A pedestrian crash can be devastating for the person involved and for their family, who must deal with the repercussions and financial costs after the accident. Lost wages, medical bills, and the physical pain caused by an accident can take their toll on a victim’s life. A Dunedin pedestrian accident lawyer can represent your case and ensure that you and your family receive the necessary compensation to recover after an accident. To begin your claim, consult with an injury attorney in Dunedin today.
Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recorded 6,845 pedestrian crashes from January to October of 2016 with 6.5 percent of those accidents resulting in a fatality.
Florida has an extremely high rate of pedestrian accidents compared to the rest of the country. Part of the reason is that roadways in the state were built to handle motor vehicles with little consideration for people who might need to walk to get around, or people who choose to exercise by running or jogging.
Urban areas have much higher rates of pedestrian accidents because there are more pedestrians and cars. Even so, the suburbs can also be dangerous because drivers are not as accustomed to watching out for pedestrians and many roads have no sidewalks for people to safely move along.
People with limited mobility and those who cannot afford a vehicle but live in an area with little public transportation are most at risk of being involved in an accident with a motor vehicle.
Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident
For a pedestrian who is struck by a vehicle, whether it is a car, truck, motorcycle or other motor vehicle, the injuries tend to be much more serious because the pedestrian has little protection. Injuries are more severe when the automobile driver was speeding. The most commonly seen injuries that warrant the attention of a pedestrian accident attorney in Dunedin include:
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Lacerations
- Organ/tissue damage
- Spinal cord injury/paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Death
The recovery period after an accident can be an emotionally trying and financially costly time involving hospital visits, surgeries, medications, as well as physical therapy and ongoing care costs.
In the event of a serious injury that is permanently debilitating, the victim and their entire family will have to learn how to readjust to life after the accident. In this difficult period, it can be a relief to have a pedestrian accident lawyer in Dunedin to help sort through the legal issues in order to get compensation for the losses that have resulted from the accident.
Taking Legal Action
When a pedestrian is injured in a crash, the aftermath can impact every part of their life as recovery requires hospitalization, time away from work and more responsibilities placed on family and friends who must help their disabled loved one. The lasting effects of a serious injury should merit a fair compensation that will take into account the income lost from disability and medical costs, as well as the cost of pain and suffering. The emotional and psychological toll can be as hard to endure as the physical pain. When an accident and injury is severe, taking legal action may be the best option to ascertain the adequate financial reparations.
The family of someone who was a fatality in a pedestrian accident deserves financial support for the funeral services and guidance from a pedestrian accident attorney in Dunedin who can advise them on what steps to take to make sure that they are properly compensated for their tragic loss.