Pedestrian accidents have become a pressing concern, particularly in populous and fast-growing states like Florida. According to recent data, Florida consistently ranks at the top for pedestrian fatalities per capita. In 2021 alone, there were over 700 pedestrian fatalities and thousands more non-fatal injuries. These incidents, where a pedestrian is struck by a moving vehicle, often result in severe injuries or fatalities. With the state's increasing urbanization and bustling tourism industry, the risk of pedestrian accidents is alarmingly high. From busy intersections in Miami, Orlando, Clearwater, and Tampa to the quieter streets of smaller towns, including St. Petersburg, no area is immune. Pedestrian accidents not only cause immediate physical harm but also have long-lasting emotional, financial, and social repercussions.
Common Types of Pedestrian Injuries
Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the most severe and potentially life-altering consequences of pedestrian accidents. These injuries can impact various aspects of a person’s cognitive and physical abilities.
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Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and even temporary loss of consciousness. While many concussions resolve with appropriate medical care and rest, repeated concussions can lead to more serious issues like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are more severe than concussions and can result in long-term or permanent damage. TBIs may cause cognitive deficits, emotional disturbances, and physical disabilities. Immediate medical attention is critical to minimize the damage, and long-term rehabilitation may be required to aid recovery.
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Skull fractures occur when the bone of the skull is broken, often due to a direct impact. These fractures can range from simple breaks to complex ones that may injure underlying brain tissue. Depending on the severity, treatment can vary from rest and observation to surgical intervention.
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Orthopedic Injuries
Orthopedic injuries involve damage to the skeletal system, including bones, joints, and connective tissues. These injuries can significantly affect mobility and quality of life.
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Fractures and breaks are common in pedestrian accidents. They can occur in any bone but are most frequently found in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. Treatment typically involves immobilization with casts or braces, and in severe cases, surgical repair with pins, plates, or screws.
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Dislocations happen when the ends of your bones are forced out of their normal positions, often affecting joints like the shoulder, knee, or hip. Immediate medical treatment is necessary to realign the joint, followed by physical therapy to restore function.
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Sprains and strains affect the ligaments and muscles, respectively. These injuries can be painful and debilitating, often requiring rest, physical therapy, and sometimes surgical intervention for complete recovery.
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Soft tissue injuries involve damage to the muscles, ligaments, and other non-bony parts of the body. These injuries can be as debilitating as bone fractures and often require extensive treatment.​
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Lacerations
Lacerations are deep cuts or tears in the skin, often requiring stitches or surgical repair. These injuries can lead to significant blood loss and, if not properly treated, may result in infections.
Bruising & Contusions​​​​​​​
Bruising and contusions occur when small blood vessels are damaged, causing blood to pool under the skin. While typically less severe than other injuries, they can still cause significant pain and may indicate deeper tissue damage.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are some of the most dangerous, as they can be life-threatening without immediate medical attention. These injuries may involve damage to vital organs, internal bleeding, and other complications. Symptoms can be subtle, making it crucial to seek medical evaluation after any significant impact.
Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Accidents
Factors commonly contributing to pedestrian accidents relate to driver behavior and typically involve distractions, speeding, and operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Whether drivers are texting, dialing a number, on an active phone call, or using a GPS, any form of distraction can result in a failure to notice pedestrians crossing the street or walking along the roadside. The split second it takes to glance at a phone can be the difference between life and death.
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Speeding
Speeding significantly increases the severity of pedestrian injuries in the event of a collision. At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react to unexpected situations, and the force of impact is much greater, leading to more catastrophic injuries.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a pervasive issue. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and diminished motor skills, making them far more likely to be involved in accidents. This not only endangers themselves but also puts pedestrians at significant risk.
Legal & Financial Implications
Understanding the insurance landscape is essential. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that your own insurance policy's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) will cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit, regardless of who was at fault. However, for more severe injuries, you may need to pursue claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance or even file a lawsuit to receive full compensation.
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​Filing an insurance claim promptly is essential, as delays can complicate the process. Documentation, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, plays a crucial role in substantiating your claim. It's also important to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing claims, which in Florida is generally two years from the date of the accident.
Medical Treatment Options
Immediate and ongoing medical care is critical following a pedestrian accident. The types of treatment required will depend on the nature and severity of the injuries sustained.
Emergency Care
Emergency medical services (EMS) are often the first to respond to pedestrian accidents, providing initial assessments and urgent care. This may include transportation to the nearest hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Emergency care can range from life-saving interventions to diagnostic tests like X-rays and CT scans.
Rehabilitation
After the initial emergency has passed, many victims require rehabilitation to recover fully. This can include physical therapy to restore mobility and strength, occupational therapy to regain daily living skills, and speech therapy for those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. Rehabilitation aims to help victims return to their pre-accident level of function.​​​​​​​​
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Long-Term Care
Some injuries may necessitate long-term or even lifelong medical care. This can involve regular follow-up visits with medical specialists, ongoing therapy sessions, and possibly in-home care services. Long-term care planning is essential to ensure that victims receive the necessary support to manage their conditions over time.
Counseling
​Victims of pedestrian accidents may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Professional counseling can provide a safe space to process these experiences and develop coping strategies.
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​Filing a personal injury claim is often the first step in seeking justice and compensation. Navigating the complexities of personal injury law can be daunting, especially when dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of an accident. Engaging an experienced personal injury lawyer can significantly increase the chances of a favorable outcome. An attorney can provide invaluable assistance, from negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary.
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Don't leave money on the table that you may be entitled to. Protect your rights and future by contacting Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Bethany Dolezal of Dolezal Law, P.A., at (888) 411-7854 or bethany@dolezallaw.com.