Pedestrian Accidents

Walking can be deadly. It is a sad fact that pedestrians are injured and killed in traffic accidents at an alarming rate, especially here in Florida.

Consider these startling statistics:

• In 2015, 5,376 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This averages to one crash-related pedestrian death every 1.6 hours.
• That same year, almost 129,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2015.
• Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash on each trip.
• According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and an estimated three percent of those injured in traffic crashes were pedestrians.
• Florida had the second highest pedestrian fatality rate in the nation in 2015; only Delaware’s was higher.
• More than 100 people were killed walking in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties in 2017, according to state data.

When a pedestrian is hurt or killed because of a driver’s negligence or reckless conduct, those responsible can and should be held accountable. At Alley, Clark & Greiwe, our Tampa pedestrian accident attorneys fight to obtain compensation for those whose lives have been upended after a pleasant stroll becomes an ongoing nightmare.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

The number of pedestrian deaths and injuries continues to rise every year. One of the leading contributors to these tragic accidents is the increased use of smart phones by both pedestrians and drivers, leading to distractions on all sides. But pedestrians have been involved in accidents since the first car hit the road over a century ago. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Failing to stop or yield the right of way
• Failing to compensate for poor weather or lighting conditions
• Left–hand turns, where drivers are more focused on oncoming traffic and not crossing pedestrians.
• Back–up accidents, such as in driveways or parking lots

While negligent drivers are usually at fault for pedestrian accidents, a negligent pedestrian can also cause a tragic incident by failing to cross at designated crosswalks or otherwise disobeying traffic and safety rules. This can cause injuries to drivers and passengers who may have to take evasive action and wind up in a collision with other vehicles or objects.

How Alley, Clark & Greiwe Helps Pedestrian Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help preserve critical evidence, obtain witness statements, and deal with insurance companies determined to pay as little as possible.

As advocates for pedestrian accident injury victims, the experienced Tampa personal injury attorneys at Alley, Clark & Greiwe are relentless in pursuing compensation from negligent drivers and others responsible for such accidents. We understand the challenges faced after a debilitating injury and are committed to helping our clients get back on their feet so they can move forward with their lives.

Please call one of Alley, Clark & Greiwe’s Tampa pedestrian accident attorneys today at 813-222-0977 or contact us online to arrange for your free initial consultation and case evaluation. We look forward to assisting you.