Pedestrian accidents keep increasing in the United States, and Florida is the state where these mishaps are the most prevalent. The Orlando area has the eighth highest incidence of pedestrian accidents in the United States, while the Tampa bay metro area ranked fourth in the nation. The statistics keep getting worse, too. Here is what you need to know about this accident epidemic.
Several factors may contribute to increasing pedestrian accidents
The exact reason why Florida has so many motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians is unclear. However, several trends have apparently emerged. One indicates that metro areas where lower-income residents live appear to have a higher incidence of pedestrian accidents. A recent report in the New York Times has indicated that the United States has not taken steps to make roads safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, while other developed countries have done so. In countries where governments have taken steps to make roads safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, accident rates have decreased dramatically.
In addition to the higher pedestrian accident rates, Florida also has some of the highest motor vehicle insurance rates in the United States, with pedestrian mishaps being one of the reasons behind those higher costs. Unfortunately, the United States has long emphasized speed, larger vehicles and quick-moving traffic with little regard for walkers, runners, bikers and other vulnerable persons.
What is next if I am injured in a pedestrian accident?
If you or a family member have suffered a serious injury in a pedestrian motor vehicle accident, you may not know what you should do. No matter what type of accident you may be involved in, you deserve compensation if someone else in the mishap was negligent. Negligence can occur due to various factors, including distracted driving, not paying attention to weather conditions, speeding, and more. Pedestrian victims do not have to suffer needlessly.
Victims of all types of accidents can file a lawsuit if they believe the driver or drivers who hit them are guilty of negligence. Proceeds from a successful case can help pay for medical bills, living expenses and more.