Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Vero Beach, FL
Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Vero Beach, FL: Keith Bregoff
In the State of Florida, pedestrian accidents are at a ten year high, and the injuries resulting from these accidents have landed the state on Smart Growth America’s top twenty list of most dangerous cities to walk through across the United States. In fact, Florida cities claim the top seven spots in the study.
At the Law Offices of Keith Bregoff, our pedestrian accident attorney in Vero Beach, FL understands that our clients have endured a traumatic experience. Being hit by a vehicle, truck, motor or bicyclist can lead to severe, long-term medical requirements that no one is capable of planning for. Our accomplished Vero Beach personal injury lawyer has nearly 25 years of successful representation experience, helping thousands of injured people regain their livelihoods. We can help you, too.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics: Florida and Nationwide
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, their records indicate the following statistics, reflecting the dangers of traversing Florida cities on foot.
In the State of Florida, last year alone, there were:
- 8,830 pedestrian crashes
- 7,737 pedestrian injuries
- 606 pedestrian fatalities
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides a nationwide look at the dangers of pedestrian travel, including:
- Over 70,000 pedestrians are injured each year
- Nearly 5,500 pedestrian fatalities recorded annually
- On average, there are 15 pedestrian fatalities each day
The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles created a public service announcement reminding drivers to slow down when approaching intersections, remaining alert for pedestrians always, as they have the right of way. Conversely, the campaign reminds those on foot to take care when crossing streets, walking through parking lots, and busy areas where they may not be as visible in crowded conditions.
Distracted Driving is a Lethal Threat to Pedestrians
Over the past three years, pedestrian roadway fatalities have risen by a startling 22% nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lacks an official explanation for the rise in these deaths, but many safety experts believe that the answer lies in distracted driving. When drivers are preoccupied with their phones while on the road, typing text messages or reading emails, they tend to look up at the roadway ahead only briefly. These short glances don’t afford them time to conduct a complete scan of the roadway. This causes drivers to miss smaller objects in the road, such as cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians, driving up the number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities due to this inattentive driving.
Texting and driving aren’t just careless and dangerous; it’s illegal in the state of Florida. When evidence proves that a driver was breaking a law while causing injury to someone else and that law was intended to prevent the type of harm they caused, this can serve as conclusive proof in court that the driver was negligent in causing the accident and bears financial liability for the injuries they caused.
At the Law Offices of Keith Bregoff, our determined and effective Vero Beach pedestrian accident attorney will investigate your pedestrian accident to learn whether the at-fault driver was texting when they caused your serious injury accident. We’ll look at eyewitness interviews, accident reconstruction expert reports, and surveillance video to learn what really happened. We’ll use evidence of the driver’s actions prior to the crash to prove their negligence in court. Contact our law firm today at (772) 492-8967 so that we can begin investigating your Indian River County accident.
Understanding the Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents
When an individual is on foot, they are completely exposed to motorized vehicles of all sizes. The vulnerability a person experiences in a near encounter with a vehicle is terrifying. When a car or truck collides with a person, the consequences can be catastrophic.
These life-changing injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns, scrapes and bruising
- Loss of limbs
- Loss of mobility
- Neck injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Wrongful death
The resulting treatment needs can lead to devastating financial strain, including:
- Short and long-term medical costs
- Lengthy hospital stays, and the costs associated
- Medical equipment rental and prescriptions
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- At-home, around the clock care
- Lost wages for the injured, and family members who assume their care
- Inability to return to work after the accident
- Temporary or permanent disability
At The Law Offices of Keith Bregoff, our Vero Beach, Florida law firm focuses on the following practice areas:
- Auto Accident
- Dog Bite
- Motorcycle Accident
- Serious Injury Law
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Truck Accident
- Wrongful Death
How Can the Law Offices of Keith Bregoff Help?
Our solution-focused Vero Beach pedestrian accident lawyer works tirelessly to return our clients to the quality of life they once enjoyed, prior to their injuries. No two pedestrian accidents are alike. Each injured person will require different care, and their recovery efforts can vary greatly. At the Law Offices of Keith Bregoff, our experienced Vero Beach pedestrian accident attorney reviews each case individually to ensure no detail is left to chance. This allows your recovery outlook to be viewed as a big picture, so the financial recovery sought is exactly what you will need now, and going forward.
Call Our Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Vero Beach, FL Today for a Free Consultation
If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident, or have lost a loved one because of an accident, contact our Vero Beach, FL pedestrian accident attorney today at 772-492-8967 for a free consultation. Our experience and determination to assist our clients in rebuilding their health and financial stability are unmatched in the State of Florida. We can help you, and your family too. Call us today to find out how.
Related Links:
- Vero Beach Pedestrian Accident Claims
- Elderly Pedestrian Dies after Parking Lot Incident
- Recent Stuart Pedestrian Fatality in Line with National Trend of Rising Pedestrian Deaths
- Five Shocking South Florida Personal Injury Statistics
- Top Three Plaintiff Personal Injury Claim Mistakes
- The Basics of Personal Injury Cases in Florida
- The Inherent Dangers of Being A Pedestrian In Florida
- Pedestrian Deaths In The United States Reach 30 Year High
- The Inherent Dangers of Being A Pedestrian In Florida
Frequently Asked Questions for Pedestrian Accidents in Vero Beach, Florida
Pedestrian accidents can be prevented through a combination of education, infrastructure improvements, and enforcement of traffic laws. Some strategies to prevent pedestrian accidents may include improving street lighting and crosswalks, installing traffic signals and speed bumps, and educating both drivers and pedestrians about safe behavior on the road.
Whether a scooter accident is considered a pedestrian accident in Florida will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. In general, if the scooter rider was operating the scooter on a sidewalk or crosswalk, they may be considered a pedestrian for the purposes of the accident. However, if the scooter rider was operating the scooter on the road or in a bike lane, they may be subject to different rules and regulations.
Pedestrian accidents may be treated differently than car accidents because pedestrians are more vulnerable to injury and may have less protection than vehicle occupants. As a result, pedestrian accidents may be subject to different legal standards and may require specialized medical attention and rehabilitation. In some cases, a pedestrian may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, including damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is generally a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer to help you understand your legal rights and options. A personal injury lawyer can provide legal guidance and support throughout the claims process, including negotiating with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and representing you in court if necessary. A lawyer can also help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is generally not advisable to try to drive yourself to the hospital, especially if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort. Instead, you should call 911 or ask someone else to call for emergency medical assistance. This will ensure that you receive prompt medical attention and that any injuries are properly evaluated and treated.
While pedestrians generally have the right-of-way in crosswalks and other designated areas, there are situations where a pedestrian may be at fault for an accident. For example, if a pedestrian crosses a street outside of a designated crosswalk, or if they walk into traffic without looking both ways, they may be found partially or fully at fault for the accident. Additionally, if a pedestrian is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if they are distracted by their phone or other devices, they may be considered negligent and at fault for the accident.
In order to prove a pedestrian accident case, several elements must typically be established. These may include proving that the driver had a duty of care to the pedestrian, that the driver breached that duty of care (for example, by failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk), that the breach of duty caused the accident, and that the pedestrian suffered damages as a result of the accident (such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering). Evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and medical records may be used to support these elements.
Yes, if you hire a personal injury attorney to handle your pedestrian accident case, they will typically speak to the insurance company on your behalf. Your attorney will be responsible for negotiating with the insurance company to try to reach a settlement that fairly compensates you for your injuries and losses. This can help alleviate some of the stress and burden of dealing with insurance companies and allow you to focus on your recovery.
According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, children are more likely to be victims of pedestrian accidents in Florida than adults. However, pedestrians of all ages are at risk for accidents, and it is important for everyone to take steps to stay safe when walking near roadways.
It is also important to note that the process of filing a pedestrian accident claim can take several months or even years, depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and other factors. Your attorney will need to gather evidence, consult with experts, negotiate with insurance companies, and potentially file a lawsuit in court.
