A pedestrian was recently hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle at a busy Miami intersection. According to reports, the pedestrian was hospitalized with minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. Police are still searching for the driver responsible for the injury-causing accident.
Florida is the Most Dangerous Place in the Country for Pedestrians
Florida is home to some of the nation’s most popular cities. While popularity is great for the economy, it can create traffic safety concerns. Roads are increasingly packed with full and part-time residents, commuters, and tourists. As traffic gets heavier, the chances of being involved in an accident increase significantly. Many drivers become impatient and engage in behaviors that create hazardous situations.
Pedestrians are the individuals most at risk when this happens. Why? Florida’s roads are built to accommodate high-speed traffic. Some cities are embracing dedicated infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians. However, most roads still lack safety features that are necessary to keep pedestrians safe.
A recent study revealed that Florida is the state where a pedestrian is most likely to be struck and killed by a driver. In fact, of the 20 deadliest cities in the country for pedestrians, nine are located in Florida. Orlando ranks as the most dangerous city for pedestrians. The Miami-Dade metropolitan area ranks as the 14th most dangerous place in the nation for pedestrians.
Pedestrian Accidents Continue to Be Problematic in Miami
Despite efforts to make roads friendlier for those on foot, Miami-Dade County continues to be a dangerous place to walk. Accidents peaked back in 2015. However, since then, the number of crashes involving pedestrians has slowly continued to rise.
- 2015: 1,604 pedestrian accidents
- 2016: 1,450 pedestrian accidents
- 2017: 1,547 pedestrian accidents
- 2018: 1,549 pedestrian accidents
There have already been 292 pedestrian accidents in the first two and a half months of 2019. Accidents tend to spike in the warmer months, which could make 2019 the most dangerous years in a long time.
What Should I Do After a Miami Pedestrian Accident?
Florida law gives you the right to demand compensation when someone else is responsible for your injuries. It’s important to keep in mind that the things you do immediately after your pedestrian accident will affect your right to recover the money you need. Protect your rights by following these steps after your accident.
1. Report the Accident
Call the police and explain that you’ve been involved in a Miami pedestrian accident. An officer will be dispatched to the scene to investigate and write a report. This police report will serve as proof of your accident. It will contain important details that would otherwise be lost or forgotten over time, including:
- Names of parties involved
- Time, date, and location of the accident
- Weather and traffic conditions
- Sketches of the scene, and
- Witness information.
The officer may even provide a preliminary assessment of fault. Your attorney can rely on the details in this police report to conduct a more thorough investigation into your accident.
2. Go to the Hospital
As a pedestrian, you are vulnerable to life-changing and catastrophic injuries. It’s important to get checked out by a doctor right away, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. Many injuries can develop internally. You risk developing life-threatening complications if they’re not diagnosed and treated right away.
The medical report generated by your visit will be an important piece of evidence. It will not only serve as proof of your injuries but also tie them to your accident.
3. Document Everything
The more information and evidence you have to support your claim for damages, the better your chances of obtaining the money you deserve. You can help your case by gathering evidence and documenting everything.
- Take photographs and videos of your injuries and the scene of the accident.
- Gather names and contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Put aside the clothes and shoes you were wearing at the time of the collision.
- Request copies of footage from local security cameras.
- Write down your recollection of the accident as soon as you can.
- Ask for copies of your medical records.
The information you gather can be incredibly helpful in your pursuit of compensation.
4. Deny Early Settlement Offers
An at-fault driver’s insurance company may approach you with a settlement offer shortly after your accident. While getting money in your hands right now may be helpful, accepting the offer could do more harm than good. Early offers tend to be incredibly low. In most cases, the amount offered won’t be enough to cover all of your accident-related costs. It’s best to be patient and wait until the full extent and impact of your injuries have been assessed.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
You can pursue compensation on your own. However, you risk not recovering every dollar you deserve. Your chances of maximizing your financial award are best when you hire a personal injury lawyer in Miami to handle your case. Contact the legal team at Lavent Law, P.A. to learn more.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami pedestrian accident lawyers at Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer
17295 NE 19th Ave
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 257-9464
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