Orlando Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Of all road users in Florida, the pedestrian is by far the most vulnerable. Cyclists and motor vehicle drivers have the benefit of protective gear and equipment that ensure their injuries are minimized in the event of a crash. Pedestrians on the other hand enjoy no such buffer on impact. They are therefore at serious risk of injury or death if they are hit by a vehicle.
Statistics on pedestrian accidents in Florida are particularly worrying. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were more than 9,000 pedestrian crashes in 2015, which was a 2.79% rise from the previous year. The collisions resulted in 632 fatalities and 7,870 injuries.
Children and senior citizens are the most vulnerable. For kids, pedestrian accidents are most common around schools, bus stops and parking lots. For the elderly, accidents are likely to happen where there are uneven sidewalks, potholes, broken steps and hazardous roadways. That being said, a pedestrian accident can happen to anyone.
The most common serious injuries pedestrians experience following a crash include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Brain concussion, swelling, hematoma and hemorrhage
- Compound fractures to the legs, arms, hips, pelvis and ribs
- Dislocation of hip and shoulder joints
- Sprained or torn ligaments
- Internal bleeding
Serious injury may require treatment for months or years after the incident. This can cause significant financial strain to all but the wealthiest of families. Even if the pedestrian had a health insurance cover, their policy will not necessarily cover all the piling costs.
Pedestrians often don’t consider themselves “major” road users and are less aware of their rights when compared to motor vehicle drivers and cyclists. If you are a pedestrian injured following a collision, the legal process thereafter can feel intimidating and confusing. You have to not only contend with the immediate treatment of your injuries but do so while battling the insurance companies and the at-fault party whose interests are contrary to yours.
An Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer from Badgley Law Group would come in handy. We know the difficulty and frustration a pedestrian faces navigating the legal system on their own. This can be a strain on you and your loved ones. Our team of attorneys is one of the best in class and can demystify the process for you. We will work hard to ensure you recover the medical expenses, wage loss and other compensation due to you as a result of the accident.
Doing all you can to avoid being in a pedestrian accident is key. Follow the requisite laws that guide pedestrian behavior on the road. For instance, steer clear of wide multilane roads as crossing them poses great risk. Avoid jaywalking, make use of crosswalks and sidewalks, and yield to vehicles in road sections with no crosswalk. That said, an important aspect of Florida’s laws is that you may still qualify for compensation even if you were partly responsible for the crash.
Contact Our Orlando Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
If an accident does take place, you want an Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer who knows the ins and outs of Florida’s laws. Talk to the Badgley Law Group today.
Call us for a free consultation at 407-686-1819 or contact us online.