TAMPA IS AMONGST THE TOP 10 DEADLIEST CITIES FOR PEDESTRIANS
Florida is sadly famous for being one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians due to the high number of pedestrian accident cases.
A report from Smart Growth America, a coalition of national organizations that advocates for smart development and metropolitan expansion, found out that the Sunshine State is the deadliest state for pedestrians, with nine of its cities and metro areas in the top two.
Tampa is in the seventh position amongst the 20 most dangerous metro areas for walking in the United States. It’s the fourth time the group has published this report, and Florida tops the list each time.
The Dangerous by Design 2016 report states that older adults are similarly at higher risk: individuals 65 years or older are 50% more likely than younger individuals to be struck and killed in pedestrian accidents while walking. The study states that the way Florida designs its streets is a significant factor in these fatal collisions.
And according to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 6,590 pedestrian deaths occurred in 2019, with 368 people reported dead in Florida as a result of pedestrian accidents between January and June of 2019.
Many of these pedestrian accidents occur on streets with fast-moving cars and poor pedestrian infrastructure. As a result, people walk along the roads despite the clear safety risks— often because they have no choice due to the lack of pedestrian crossing opportunities.
Unfortunately, this is a sign that our streets are not adequately serving everyone in the community and protecting them from potential pedestrian accidents.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT VICTIMS SHOULD STAY CALM AND MOVE OUT OF THE ROAD
The stress of a pedestrian accident is overwhelming, and you’ll probably feel a mix of furry, shock, and adrenaline (assuming you’re conscious).
But, even if it is easier said than done, it won’t help you unleash rage on the negligent driver. By remaining calm, you will be able to better communicate with the driver, the witnesses, and the police officers when they arrive on the scene.
KEEP THE DRIVER PRESENT AND REPORT A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT CASE
Call the police immediately and do not let the motor vehicle driver leave, even if you think you are unharmed. You need to file a car accident report – which might save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Unfortunately, the Ligori Law personal injury attorneys team knows that people make that mistake all the time.
It is incredibly common to see pedestrians think they are okay and haven’t sustained any serious injuries. So, they simply shake off a driver only to later find out they have a broken wrist, rib, or worse. Remember that your adrenaline may mask serious injury at the moment.
You should calmly ask the driver to stay while you are waiting for the police to arrive. If witnesses are gathering around you, ask them to stay too. If it’s a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, try to snap a picture of the license plate or make a mental note of the car’s make and color.
Car accident and pedestrian accident reports are necessary to help determine fault and identify the names and addresses of witnesses and parties involved. It is crucial that you (or a witness) call the police while you are at the scene.
GATHER SUFFICIENT INFORMATION FOR YOUR PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Make sure that the pedestrian accident report is thorough and complete. You might have to repeat the story several times to law enforcement or your insurance company. Our Tampa pedestrian accident attorney team recommend that you immediately write down the following information and include information of all parties and witnesses:
- Get the driver’s basics: name, address, insurance company name, and policy number, as well as the make, model, license plate number, and color of their vehicle.
- Take a lot of pictures. It’s crucial to take pictures of the pedestrian accident. Remember: a picture is worth a thousand words and won’t be altered by your being shaken up.
- Gather the names and phone numbers of all pedestrian accident witnesses.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION ASAP
Any pedestrian accident claims you may have for damages resulting from serious injuries depend on the medical records linking the pedestrian accident to the serious injury.
The more time lapses between the car accident and your treatment, the more difficult it is to prove a connection. We recommend getting to a doctor as soon as possible: possible injuries will be detected earlier and treated more quickly, in addition to helping your case when filing your insurance claim.
TALK TO YOUR PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER
Contact your pedestrian accident lawyer before you speak to any insurance adjuster, even if it is your own insurance company.
Our pedestrian accident attorney team know this too well: insurance companies often prioritize profit rather than people and might not be looking out for your best interests. This advice also applies to interactions with the insurance provider of the party who drove the motor vehicle and caused the car accident.
A pedestrian accident lawyer can advise how to craft your letter to the insurance company and provide the information you’d never otherwise think about.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU WITNESS PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS
The victim needs assistance even if they appear okay and without serious injuries. Consider it a moral imperative that you help them through these same steps.
Help them by being a calm, reassuring presence. Make sure the driver sticks around and maybe take pictures of the car and license plate yourself: the victim is most likely too shocked or injured to even think about it. Then, call the police or call 911 if needed and give your testimony to the police when they get there.
Every pedestrian accident witness should get involved and have the courage and the dignity to respond – it could make a significant difference in the event of a pedestrian accident lawsuit.
LET US HELP
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, our Tampa pedestrian accident attorneys can help.
We know that the last thing you need is another legal battle to fight. Our goal is to make this pedestrian accident case process as easy and painless for you as possible. Our law firm will handle all of your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages so that you can focus on getting better again.
You don’t have to go through this alone – we are here for you every step of the way and will protect your attorney-client relationship.
Christopher Ligori & Associates has over 40 years of experience helping people like yourself get back on their feet after pedestrian accidents. So let us put our knowledge and expertise to work for you today! There are no fees unless we win your pedestrian accident case – it’s that simple!
Get your FREE consultation from one of our experienced Tampa pedestrian accident attorneys by filling out our contact form or calling us at 877-444-2929.