Hey, I’m Walking Here! Pedestrian Accidents
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
It was a nice day while it lasted. The Florida sun was shining, the air was fresh and warm, and you were really enjoying that long walk that your doctor suggested you take. Just as you stepped off the curb into the crosswalk, it all went black. You didn’t have a clue what happened until you woke up in the hospital and that’s when the tragedy really began.Common Injuries
Pedestrian accidents are quite common all over the world and Florida sees more than its fair share of them. The most common age groups who are most involved in accidents as pedestrians are those who are over the age of 70, or between the ages of 5 and 9. People who are under the influence of alcohol also find themselves on the unfortunate end of a pedestrian accident.
Injuries can be as minor as a few scrapes, or as severe as death. Common injuries include broken bones and head trauma. There can be, however, a host of problems that occur for anyone who is struck by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian. These injuries can cause a lifetime of pain and suffering no matter how hard the hit, or how fast the vehicle was moving. Even an accident at a speed lower than 30 mph can cause fatal injuries.
Common Types Of Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can happen in many different ways, but the most common are:
- Crosswalk Accidents. When a pedestrian is legally in a crosswalk, they have the right-of-way. This does not mean that vehicles always yield the right-of-way, and this is where accidents can happen.
- Back–Over and Parking Lot Accidents. Back-over accidents are common in parking lots and near driveways. As a driver backs up, they might not see the pedestrian behind them. Small children can get injured in this type of accident as they are sometimes too small to see.
- Accidents During Turns. Making a right-hand turn requires extra care and awareness for a driver. Often, they are watching traffic coming from the left and when the coast is clear, they punch it. This can be a problem if a pedestrian is crossing the road to their right.
- Loss of Control Accidents. This is where the most injury to a pedestrian can occur. If a driver loses control of the vehicle, they can hit the pedestrian or fully run them over. Sometimes a pedestrian can become trapped between the vehicle and a stationary object, like a building. This type of accident can cause the most damage to a body.
Hit-And-Run
Many times, a driver becomes panicked after colliding with a pedestrian and flees the scene of the accident. These are called hit-and-run accidents. Florida law requires that a driver who has been involved in an accident with a pedestrian remain at the scene if they have caused injuries. Fleeing the scene is considered a hit-and-run accident and it is a felony in Florida. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident and have struck a pedestrian, your best bet is to stay at the scene until the police arrive. If you are the pedestrian, don’t assume that your injuries are minor and head back home. Stay at the scene and see a medical professional.
Who Is At Fault
The law in Florida requires pedestrians to follow all traffic control devices, stay in crosswalks, use the sidewalk, and keep out of the way of moving vehicles. If you elect to cross the street outside of a crosswalk, or if you run suddenly into the road, you could be held at least partially responsible for the incident.
On the other side of that, all drivers in Florida must exercise due care in order to avoid an accident with a pedestrian, especially those who are elderly, incapacitated, or children.
The liability of a pedestrian accident usually falls upon the shoulders of the person operating the motor vehicle, but there are many other factors that go into the ultimate decision. Doing your part as a pedestrian or a driver to stay safe and keep others safe should be the ultimate concern.