Tampa is ranked the fourth most dangerous city in the US for pedestrians. In the past decade, Tampa pedestrian fatalities have increased by nearly 45%, with the past few years being the deadliest for pedestrians in over 30 years.
Getting hit by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian is quite possibly one of the scariest experiences a person can have. Additionally, pedestrian accidents often result in severe or catastrophic injuries or death. Tampa residents are at higher risk of pedestrian accidents than other metropolitan areas in the country.
If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a Florida pedestrian accident, a Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney can help you get compensation for your losses.
Tampa Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise
Here are some statistics regarding the recent trend in Tampa pedestrian accidents;
- There are an average of 3 pedestrian accidents every day in Tampa. From 2018 to 2020, there were almost 2,000 pedestrian accidents in Tampa.
- Hillsborough County had 655 pedestrian accidents in 2021.
- Hillsborough County also had 223 pedestrian fatalities in 2021.
- 1 in 5 pedestrian fatalities in 2020 involved a child under 15.
- Children, teens, and older adults are at higher risk of being injured in a Tampa pedestrian accident than other age groups. Children are smaller and lack the executive functioning to understand traffic risks. On the other hand, older adults may move slower and have poor vision and slower reaction times.
- Alcohol was a factor in almost half of all pedestrian deaths in 2020
- 77% of roadways in Tampa don’t have crosswalks or traffic control signals. This makes Hillsborough County roadways extra dangerous for pedestrians.
Although these are alarming statistics, the good news is that you have a right to reimbursement for any injuries and accident-related damages. An experienced Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney can help you identify all damages you are entitled to and determine a fair claim value.
Why Are There So Many Pedestrian Accidents in Tampa?
Distracted, drunk, and reckless driving are the most common causes of Tampa pedestrian accidents. All of these are examples of driver negligence. Here are some common negligent driving behaviors that cause pedestrian accidents in Florida:
- Driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs
- Running a red light and hitting a pedestrian crossing the street
- Failing to check for pedestrians before making a turn at an intersection
- Stopping the car in the middle of the crosswalk, forcing the pedestrian to walk into oncoming traffic
- Not checking surroundings before backing or pulling out of a driveway, parking spot, or alley.
- Abruptly swerving around another vehicle that stopped to give the pedestrian the right of way (this is illegal specifically for the level of danger it poses for pedestrians)
If you were injured by a negligent driver who did any of the above, a Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney can help you hold them accountable.
Common Injuries That Result From Tampa Pedestrian Accidents
Injury victims who get hit by a car rarely walk away without severe injuries. Here are some injuries resulting from serious Tampa pedestrian accidents:
- Severe road burns
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations
- Torn ligaments or tendons
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated disc
- Paralysis
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Concussion
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Death
If you suffered any of the above injuries in a Florida pedestrian accident, seek professional legal advice from a Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney. They will ensure you get reimbursement for all your medical expenses and more.
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right-Of-Way in Tampa?
Florida statute 316.130 outlines clear guidelines regarding pedestrian laws. With a few exceptions, pedestrians in Tampa have the right-of-way when crossing a marked crosswalk. That means any vehicle approaching them should stop and yield to a pedestrian entering a crosswalk or already in it. Additionally, the car should stay stopped for as long as the pedestrian is on the same side of the road as the car.
If a pedestrian is coming from the other side of the road and moving forward is unsafe to the pedestrian, the car must remain stopped.
Pedestrians are to stay out of the street and use sidewalks whenever possible. Unless an obstruction keeps them from safely using the sidewalk, pedestrians should use them. Furthermore, if there is no sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
If there is no marked crosswalk, pedestrians should yield to drivers at intersections. Or, if a pedestrian is crossing in the middle of a street without a marking, they should yield to oncoming traffic. While it’s not illegal for a pedestrian to cross where there is no marked crosswalk, it’s their responsibility to yield to motor traffic.
What Are My Options for Coverage After a Tampa Pedestrian Accident?
Your first resort after sustaining injuries as a pedestrian is your Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Even though you weren’t driving at the time of the incident, you can still get up to $10,000 in medical coverage and lost income.
If your PIP does not cover your injuries and lost wages, you might be able to get coverage through the at-fault driver’s PIP.
It’s not always easy to determine how to get coverage. That’s where you will benefit from asking a knowledgeable Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney. Depending on your case circumstances, they can help you decide on the best course of action.
Do I Need to Hire a Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
Pedestrian accidents seldom have minor outcomes. They are more likely to result in severe injuries that exceed policy limits. As such, if you want to recover full and fair damage compensation, it’s best to hire a Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney. They can assist you with the following:
- Identifying all liable parties for your injuries
- Gathering evidence to support your Tampa personal injury claim
- Documenting all your damages and losses
- Enlisting the help of appropriate experts if necessary
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- And give you sound legal advice to make well-informed decisions
Contact a Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a Tampa pedestrian accident, you need a qualified Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney to fight for you. We value the importance of results and will work efficiently and diligently to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free initial case review.
