According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is a crash-related pedestrian death in the United States once every 1.6 hours. In 2015 alone, nearly 130,000 pedestrians were seen in emergency rooms for non-fatal crash injuries. Moreover, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a car crash each trip than a vehicle passenger.
As any seasoned Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer knows, these types of accidents are usually quite serious since pedestrians not protected by a vehicle’s frame. If you were struck by a car while walking and subsequently injured, an accomplished personal injury attorney could assist you in seeking damages.
Pedestrian Accident Risk Factors
Pedestrian accidents could happen to anyone, no matter their age, gender, fitness level, or location. However, there are certain factors that may increase the risk of an accident happening or of a serious injury or fatality occurring due to an accident.
Age
As reported by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), adults older than 65 accounted for nearly 20 percent of all pedestrian deaths and an estimated 13 percent of injuries in 2015. Children are also at a higher risk. One out of every five children age 15 or younger who were killed in car accidents in 2015 were pedestrians at the time of the incident.
Alcohol
Both pedestrians and drivers may be impacted by alcohol consumption. According to the NHTSA, nearly half of all crashes that caused a pedestrian fatality involved alcohol. One-third of those involved a pedestrian with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) and 15 percent involved a driver with a BAC of at least 0.08 g/dL.
Speed
As is the case in most types of accidents, speed is always a risk factor. When traveling at a higher speed, it takes longer for a vehicle to stop, which subsequently leaves drivers with less time to react to a pedestrian in the road. Crashes that occur at high speeds may also naturally cause more damage.
A Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer could gather evidence and determine if one or more of these factors played a role in a plaintiff’s pedestrian accident.
Statute of Limitations
In order to ensure that civil claims are based on freshly available evidence, the state of Florida places time limits on filing a civil lawsuit after a pedestrian accident. Hiring a Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer could help ensure a case is filed within the state-determined deadline.
For accidents involving a vehicle, this time limit is set at four years. This is known as the statute of limitations and is detailed in Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a). Although prospective plaintiffs may file a suit after this deadline has expired, more often than not the accused person would be able to have the case thrown out based on the statute of limitations. It may be advised for an injured person to contact a Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer immediately before the statute of limitations runs out.
Speaking with a Clearwater Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, a well-practiced Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to help you obtain compensation for your damages no matter the specific cause. Experienced attorneys in Florida know how painful and expensive these types of accidents might be and could fight for justice on your behalf.
While money alone may not be enough to make your life exactly the way it was prior to your accident, a fair settlement or judgment could give you peace of mind and help you get back to living your life. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about pedestrian accident services available to you.