Pedestrian accidents are known for their overwhelming potential for catastrophic outcomes. Because they have no protection against passenger cars and commercial vehicles, pedestrians involved in accidents commonly suffer injuries, including life-altering and fatal injuries. As such, our roadways regulations and traffic laws are essential to protecting the lives of the most vulnerable people on our public roads.
Unfortunately, not all drivers uphold their legal duty of operating a motor vehicle safely or in accordance to the law, and pedestrians are not immune to their negligence. In fact, recently released statistics from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) are showing that pedestrian accidents and fatalities are on the rise nationwide. Here are some of their notable findings:
- Pedestrian accidents resulted in nearly 6,000 deaths nationwide in 2016, the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in over 20 years.
- 2016 saw an 11% spike in pedestrian fatalities over 2015
- Pedestrian deaths are increasing at a faster rate than motorist fatalities.
Experts have speculated a number of factors that could contribute to the increasing number of pedestrian deaths, including more drivers on the road and reduced gas prices. However, they believe that cell phone use – both by drivers and pedestrians – is one of primary reasons why preventable deaths continue to happen on our roads.
Cell phone use is pervasive, and pedestrians and motorists are increasingly buried in their phones sending text messages, browsing the internet, e-mailing, and using apps. Unfortunately, this creates major distractions, and commands a person’s mental, manual, and visual attention all at once. When behind the wheel, this can cause drivers to severely limit their field of vision, miss pedestrians who may be entering intersections, and reduce the chances of avoiding a potential collision. For those on foot, cell phone distraction prevents a person from being vigilant, spotting when it’s clear to cross an intersection or enter onto a roadway, or seeing an oncoming car.
At Todd Miner Law®️, our Orlando pedestrian accident attorneys have fought for numerous clients throughout Florida who were injured by the negligence of others while navigating our roadways on foot. Because the stakes are high in these cases and because victims often have extensive damages, we know the roie we play in fighting for the maximum compensation possible is critical to our clients’ futures. It is why we leverage our decades of experience, resources, and commitment to ensure they have the support and representation they need.
If you have questions about a pedestrian accident and your legal rights, contact our legal team for a FREE consultation.
