Study Determines What Makes Pedestrians More Likely to Die in Auto Accidents

Pedestrian injuries can have long-term effects. If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident due to someone else’s negligence, you need to consult a seasoned Miami pedestrian accident attorney. With extensive experience in Florida personal injury law, we can analyze the facts of your case and provide you with an honest assessment of your claim.The University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research found socioeconomic status is not a statistically relevant factor when considering the likelihood of a pedestrian dying after being hit by a car. These findings refute the assumption that pedestrian crashes disproportionately affect lower-income residents in Tampa – a city that has consistently been rated one of the most dangerous places for walking and biking in the country.

The study found that pedestrians hit at night are more than two times more likely to die in an accident that those hit during the daytime, suggesting that lighting affects accident outcomes.

In the data analyzed from 2011 to 2015, the top five variables contributing to pedestrian deaths all involved drug or alcohol use either by the pedestrian or by the driver. In fact, the numbers highlight that pedestrians with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher are 58 times more likely to die in a crash than an individual who has not consumed any alcohol. Even for those who are mildly inebriated (i.e., have a blood alcohol content of less than 0.08 percent), the likelihood of dying is 19 times higher than someone who is sober.

If you were a pedestrian who was struck by a negligent motorist, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. In all injury cases, the victim is responsible for providing clear evidence of negligence. Negligence is a legal term that describes conduct that a reasonable person in a similar situation would not have undertaken. In order to win a negligence case, the plaintiff must establish the following elements:

  • The at-fault party owed the victim a duty of care;
  • The at-fault party breached the duty of care owed to the victim;
  • The at-fault party’s negligence caused the victim’s injuries; and
  • The victim suffered actual harm (i.e., injuries or losses) as a result.

Victims of pedestrian accidents in Florida may be entitled to a variety of damages, such as medical/rehabilitation costs, lost income and benefits, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, disability, and any other losses stemming from the accident. Each case is unique, and the specific dollar amount a victim will be entitled to obtain will depend on the nature and extent of the harm suffered.

Florida is the most dangerous state for pedestrians. If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a pedestrian accident that was not your fault, our skilled Miami pedestrian accident attorneys can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your harm. We understand that these cases can be challenging, which is why we will handle your case as attentively as possible. Call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online.

More Blog Posts:

Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children in Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, July 19, 2018

City of Lauderhill Offers Parents $475,000 in Personal Injury Case, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, July 19, 2018

Traveling Fairs and Carnival Injuries in Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, July 19, 2018

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