Fitzgerald Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Every two hours in the United States, a pedestrian is killed in a vehicle crash. Pedestrians are more vulnerable to injury and death than vehicle occupants when involved in a traffic collision. When a pedestrian’s injuries are caused by a careless driver, they have the right to file a personal injury claim to earn compensation for the injuries they have suffered.

At the Dove Law Firm, we help clients get the compensation they deserve. No victim should have to shoulder the costly burden placed on them by a negligent driver. If you’d like to learn more about how these claims work or to get an evaluation of your case, contact our attorneys today to learn more.

The Characteristics of a Pedestrian Accident

• Pedestrian collisions are much more likely to occur in urban areas than in rural areas.
• They are also more likely to occur at non-intersections.
• Most pedestrian collisions occur at night when visibility is low.
• A significant number of pedestrian collisions – up to one in five – involve hit and run drivers.

The Role of Alcohol in Pedestrian Accidents

Around half of all collisions involving pedestrians involve alcohol use by either the driver of the vehicle or the pedestrian. Drivers have a responsibility towards pedestrians. If a driver gets behind the wheel of their automobile after drinking alcohol, they pose a threat to every pedestrian in their path.

Alcohol affects judgment, focus, coordination and reaction time. This delayed response time can have massive implications on a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, which is why it is illegal for drivers to get behind the wheel when their blood alcohol content is above 0.08 percent. Sadly, pedestrians struck by drunk drivers bear the consequences of the decision to drive while intoxicated.

Pedestrians Often Suffer Dearly in Collisions

Pedestrian injuries are often severe. Being struck by a vehicle can lead to several catastrophic personal injuries, including:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries, or organ damage
• Head and brain injuries
• Multiple bone fractures

In many cases, a pedestrian will suffer several injuries in an accident. After being struck by a vehicle, a pedestrian will often suffer another collision upon impact with the ground or other surface. The increased risk for serious injuries to pedestrians corresponds with the speed of a vehicle. For example, a pedestrian is five times more likely to suffer a serious injury when struck by a vehicle traveling at 31 miles per hour than they are when struck by a vehicle traveling 16 miles per hour.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

While many pedestrian collisions are the fault of a negligent driver, pedestrians can still take measures to ensure that their next walk is a safe one. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

• Always use designated crosswalks, sidewalks and pedestrian pathways when walking along streets.
• If there is no walkway available, walk on the side of the street facing traffic to avoid being struck from behind.
• When walking at night, wear reflective or brightly colored clothing to increase your visibility to drivers.
• Don’t assume that just because you see a driver, the driver sees you. If possible, make eye contact with a driver at an intersection before crossing the street.

How the Dove Law Firm Can Help

The Dove Law Firm realizes that clients often come to us when they are at their most vulnerable and in need of help. Many of our clients have suffered life-altering injuries at the hands of a negligent person. Their injuries impact their ability to work, their relationships and their overall quality of life.

Our attorneys put every resource we have towards meeting the needs of our clients. We make sure that every case is investigated thoroughly. We stand up to the legal teams of insurance companies who seek to limit the payment they offer our clients. The Dove Law Firm is proud to fight for the interests of our clients and get them the help that they need.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries because of a negligent driver, we urge you to contact the Dove Law Firm to learn more about your legal options. We offer free consultations. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form today.