Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL

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Florida is the most dangerous place for pedestrians in the country. Florida has the second-highest rate of pedestrian accidents in the US. These accidents often cause severe injury or even death. Florida experienced 899 pedestrian accident deaths in 2021. 

Pedestrians are far more vulnerable to serious injury when involved in an accident because they have no protection when struck by a moving vehicle. If you or your loved one have been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to contact Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorney Devon Workman as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights.

Pedestrian Rights in Fort Lauderdale

In Fort Lauderdale, as with the rest of Florida, pedestrians have certain rights and responsibilities when it comes to road safety. Understanding these rights can be crucial if you ever find yourself involved in a pedestrian accident:

Right of Way at Crosswalks

Pedestrians have the right of way at both marked and unmarked crosswalks. This means drivers must yield to pedestrians who are legally crossing the road. However, pedestrians shouldn't suddenly step into the path of a moving vehicle, making it impossible for the vehicle to yield.

Walking Along the Road

In areas without sidewalks, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway, facing oncoming traffic.

Signal-Controlled Intersections

At intersections controlled by signals, pedestrians should obey the pedestrian signals. It's unlawful to start crossing if the "Don't Walk" or flashing "Don't Walk" signal is displayed.

Duties when Crossing

While pedestrians generally have the right of way at crosswalks, they must still exercise care. This means not unnecessarily stopping or delaying traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Prevention and Safety Tips for Fort Lauderdale Pedestrians and Drivers

Ensuring safety on Fort Lauderdale roads is a shared responsibility between both drivers and pedestrians. Here are some guidelines to follow:

For Pedestrians:

• Be Visible: Wear reflective clothing or use lights when walking at dawn, dusk, or night.
• Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions like texting or using earbuds while crossing streets.
• Use Crosswalks: Always use crosswalks and pedestrian signals where available.
• Make Eye Contact: Before crossing, try to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.

For Drivers:

• Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, marked or unmarked.
• Stay Vigilant: Be especially careful in school zones, residential areas, or any location where children might be present.
• Limit Distractions: Avoid texting, adjusting the radio, or other distractions while driving.
• Observe Speed Limits: Stick to the speed limits, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, FL

After a pedestrian accident, an injured pedestrian can potentially file a negligence lawsuit against the at-fault driver. To succeed, the pedestrian will need to show that the driver owed a duty to the pedestrian. It must also be proven that the driver breached that duty and the pedestrian was injured because of this.

Drivers owe all other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists a duty to act like reasonably safe and prudent drivers. Drivers often breach this duty and injure pedestrians when they:

• Fail to yield
• Speed
• Fail to use turn signals
• Drink and drive
• Drive distracted
• Do not to see pedestrians at intersections
• Violate Florida traffic laws

There are many other reasons a pedestrian could be in an accident. The above are the most common, but are not an exhaustive list. If you were injured by someone operating a vehicle, truck, or motorcycle, you may have a pedestrian accident case.

Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Fort Lauderdale, FL:

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence while walking in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Injuries in pedestrian accidents can be serious and potentially life-changing. With such little protection, the following injuries are often seen after a pedestrian accident:

Broken Bones

Being hit by a vehicle, truck, or motorcycle has a lot of heavy impact on the body. This can lead to broken bones all over, from the skull to the feet. Broken bones aren’t always easy to heal and some require surgery. Many people have several broken bones after this type of accident.

Head Injuries

Head injuries range from mild to life-threatening. In 2020, 176 people died each day from a traumatic brain injury. TBIs must be treated quickly if they are life-threatening. The milder injuries can be life-changing. The symptoms of a TBI include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred or double vision
• Arm or leg weakness
• Lack of balance

These are just some of the most common symptoms. It’s essential you are checked by a doctor if you are in a pedestrian accident.

Back Injuries

Back injuries can be mild to severe. Some people may fracture their spine while others end up with pulled muscles or slipped discs. Back injuries are extremely painful and can cause issues with standing and mobility. Being assessed by a medical professional after a pedestrian accident is vital to discover what injuries you have.

Cuts and Contusions

Some people don’t think cuts and contusions are a big deal, but these injuries can be painful. Cuts can be deep and require many stitches. Occasionally, pedestrian accident victims have cuts and contusions on most of their body, making it very difficult to function.

Necks Injuries

Whiplash, neck strains, and slipped discs are all painful injuries. Being hit by a moving vehicle can cause severe neck injuries that lead to additional problems. Neck pain can cause headaches, loss of mobility, and other challenges that make it difficult to function daily.

Shoulder Tears

A shoulder or rotator cuff tear is a painful injury that requires surgery to fix. The impact of a pedestrian accident can cause these injuries. The symptoms include pain, numbness, and loss of mobility. Some people can’t move their arm at all after one of these injuries.

Knee Injury

A knee tear generally requires surgery to fix. These are severe injuries to your knee that cause a lot of damage. Some people have life-long pain or trouble with their knees after an injury. Symptoms of a knee injury include:

• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Redness
• Warm to the touch
• Crunching or popping noises
• Weakness
• Instability

Death

Injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident can lead to death. Sometimes this happens instantaneously. Other times, the injuries are so severe that the doctors can’t save the victim. If you have a loved one that was killed in a pedestrian accident, we encourage you to speak to a lawyer. Call our office at 954-361-3997 to request a free consultation.

What Can a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do for You in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Pedestrians who are injured due to an accident are often left with medical bills, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering. It is up to the pedestrian to pursue legal action against the at-fault party.

Too often, injured pedestrians go into their claims alone without a Florida personal injury lawyer by their side. Because of this, the injured are often offered a lowball settlement from the insurance company because they do not have a dedicated South Florida injury attorney in their corner.

Here at Workman Injury Law, we aim to ensure clients get fully compensated for their loss and to make their recovery process go as smoothly as possible. We personally assist our clients  in their pedestrian accident claim and aggressively pursue just compensation for the following:

• Hospital and medical expenses
• Future medical costs
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental anguish

Each case is unique, and so are the damages we fight for. Depending on the severity of the injuries, we may pursue several or all of the above. If you would like to talk to a pedestrian accident lawyer about your situation, we want to help! Call our office at 954-361-3997 to request a free consultation.

FAQs Regarding Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, FL:

Below, we’ve answered the most common questions our clients and potential clients have about pedestrian accidents in Fort Lauderdale:

Do I Have a Case in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

This is not a question we can answer without knowing the details of the case. Each accident is unique and has its own set of circumstances. There are also many factors that go into determining if someone has a case. If you would like to discuss it with a lawyer, please call our office to request a free consultation at 954-361-3997.

How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

This is an impossible question to answer without knowing the details of the accident. Each accident is different and therefore have various factors that play into how much the case is worth.

When we work with pedestrian accident victims, we fight hard to get the most compensation possible. After an accident, clients deserve justice. Our team may be able to get compensation for current and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and many others.

Do I Really Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

You may or may not need a pedestrian accident lawyer. If you received severe injuries after an accident, or are struggling to pay your medical bills, then you may want to talk to one. They can help you determine your best legal options based on the details.

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Immediately after an accident, you should call the police and report it. Then you should seek medical care. Many injuries are not obvious right away, but can be life-threatening issues. It’s essential you are evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

Why Workman Injury Law as a Pedestrian Injury Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Devon K. Workman, Esq., is an experienced, award-winning personal injury lawyer in Florida. He has been recognized as one of Florida’s Super Lawyers and as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers in the state.

Devon has worked for one of the state’s biggest personal injury firms. He has experience in many personal injury cases, including pedestrian, bus, car, motorcycle, boat, and truck accidents. He has a client-first approach, standing by his clients throughout the process to ensure they are less stressed. He fights for the compensation his clients deserve.

Call Today to Schedule a Free Consultation With a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL

If you were in a pedestrian accident, or you lost a loved one in an accident, you may have a case. There are many factors that determine if there is a case, but only a Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can provide the legal guidance you need to know your next steps.

If you are ready to discuss the accident with Devon K. Workman, Esq., he wants to help! Don’t hesitate to contact our office to request a free consultation.

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