Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

At one point or another, everyone is a pedestrian. As the expense of driving and insuring a vehicle rise, more and more people choose to walk to their destinations. As the number of pedestrians increases, so do the number of pedestrian accidents. To see where the Miami and Fort Lauderdale regions rank in terms of pedestrian collisions nationally, please go to this National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report.

Despite safety improvements, pedestrian accidents are common in Miami and Fort Lauderdale

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nationally in 2012:

• 69% of pedestrians killed in 2012 were males;
• 73% pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas;
• 32% of all pedestrian fatalities occurred between 8:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.;
• 34% of pedestrians killed had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 g/dL or higher.

Pedestrian Laws in Florida

Both motorists and pedestrians can engage in behaviors that cause collisions. According to state pedestrian law as described by the State of Florida Department of Motor Vehicles -

Pedestrians must obey any official traffic control device - sign, signal or pavement striping - specifically applicable to the pedestrian unless otherwise directed by a police officer.

Where a sidewalk is available, a pedestrian is not allowed to walk upon the roadway.

Where sidewalks are not provided, pedestrians shall walk on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway facing traffic.

Pedestrians are subject to traffic signals at intersections.

A pedestrian may not leave the curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.

Pedestrians crossing the roadway at any point other than within a marked or unmarked crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to the vehicles upon the roadway.

Get information on pedestrian crashes from the region's police departments

The Miami Police Department offers information on accidents. You can request copies of their collision reports at this link. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department can also be contacted, and can provide collision reports as well.

The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles provides information on traffic and safety laws.

These departments are a good resource to get information after a pedestrian accident.

Common causes of Miami and Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accidents include:

• a failure by drivers to check for pedestrians in crosswalks;
• drivers failing to stop at stop signs or lights;
• texting and other driver distractions;
• drivers choosing to make turns without paying attention to their surroundings;
• speeding;
• driving under the influence.

When someone is injured in a Miami-Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident, what needs to happen next?

When a pedestrian is injured, it is crucial to get appropriate medical treatment, regardless of the financial cost. The major hospitals in the area include:

• Memorial Regional Hospital South

• Jackson Memorial Hospital

• Mercy Hospital

• University of Miami Hospital

As soon as possible, an injured person should contact their insurance company to find out how medical treatment is covered under their insurance policy. Since insurance policies often have unique provisions to deal with pedestrian-accident injuries, it is important to review the policy and speak with the insurance adjuster to get clarification on coverage.

What to do after a serious injury accident in Miami or Fort Lauderdale

When someone has been injured or killed in an accident, the accident victim and their family members are left with medical bills, lost income, and other costs. It is important to get legal assistance to help the accident victim recover, or when the accident is fatal, to help the family members get fully compensated for their losses. Learn more about how a Miami personal injury attorney will help injured victims and families.