Car v. Pedestrian Accidents

Florida is the most dangerous state in the nation for pedestrian accidents. In fact, a landmark study by Transportation for America found four of the nation’s five most dangerous cities were located in Florida.

Car Accident Lawyers in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Naples understand the extreme risk. Lee County pedestrian accidents account for 1 in 5 traffic fatalities – more than 40 percent higher than the national average. About 20 people a year are killed in Fort Myers pedestrian accidents. Dozens more are seriously injured. In Collier County, 1 in 10 fatal accidents involve pedestrians.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 5,000 people are killed in pedestrian accidents each year and another 60,000 are injured. Florida reports an average annual average of 500 fatal pedestrian accidents, only California (563) reports more pedestrian deaths each year.

At Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, we understand the medical and legal challenges that frequently arise after a pedestrian accident. Very serious injuries – including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries – can require extensive medical care, rehabilitation and long-term treatment.

Sometimes, the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is not adequate enough to provide meaningful compensation to a family dealing with medical bills and lost wages. And, in a significant number of cases, a driver may not have even stopped after an accident, leaving a family struggling to find answers and the resources necessary to seek recovery.

Florida Pedestrian Safety Tips

• Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians – in most cases, this is true regardless of whether they are in a marked crossing lane.
• Be aware of your visibility, especially at night. Carry a flashlight and wear bright colored or reflective clothing.
• Be especially mindful at intersections. Drivers turning into a pedestrian’s path are a leading cause of serious and fatal pedestrian accidents.
• Always use the sidewalks. If you must walk along the road, always walk facing traffic.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Our Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of families dealing with a serious or fatal pedestrian accident. We will work with authorities on the criminal side of your case, while moving legally to protect your rights and the financial well-being of you and your family. In some cases, we can move to make a recovery from the assets of an at-fault driver. In other cases, we may be able to seek a recovery from insurance policies in place on other vehicles in the household. And, in still other cases, we may seek a recovery from your own insurance carrier.

Statistics suggest older adults may be particularly susceptible to being involved in a pedestrian accident – as are visitors to the area. At Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, we strive to treat each individual with the dignity and respect we would afford a member of the family. In each case, you can rest assured that you will be updated in a timely fashion and that your calls will be promptly returned.

Recovering from an accident and rejoining your life should be your priority. Our job is seeking justice for your injuries and the compensation you deserve under the law.

800-646-1210 – Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner – Focused on Justice

Florida Pedestrian Accidents

• Miami/Ft. Lauderdale: 1,500 (21.6 percent)
• Tampa/St. Petersburg: 900 (21.5 percent)
• Panama City: 75 (19.6 percent)
• Fort Myers/Cape Coral: 175 (17 percent)

Source: Transportation for America, Pedestrian Deaths last decade