What You Need to Know About Pedestrian Injuries

Pedestrian injuries can happen virtually anywhere and are a growing problem in this country. According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian fatalities due to collisions in the United States have increased substantially faster than all other traffic-related deaths.

In a recent report, the GHSA found that pedestrian fatalities increased 27 percent from 2007 to 2016, while during the same time period, all other traffic deaths decreased by 14 percent. The report also indicated that the number of Floridians hit by cars increased during the period from 2016 to 2017 rose from 299 to 303. It is surmised by some that this mounting threat to Florida pedestrians is rooted in poor urban and road planning and an increase in the state’s population. Whatever the source may be, it is evident that pedestrians are at daily risk on Florida roadways.

How Pedestrian are Injured

Pedestrians who are involved in accidents are typically struck by either a car, truck, or bicyclist. These accidents occur for various reasons such as distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, or not practicing safe driving skills. Depending on the degree of impact, the individual’s injuries can range from minor to life-threating.

Types of Injuries

When someone is hit with the force of a motor vehicle or bicycle, he or she could suffer wounds such as broken bones, dislocated joints, head injuries, internal bleeding, severe bruising, or other damage to his or her internal organs. Some injuries may seem minor at the time of the accident but later may develop into more serious conditions.

What to do after an Accident

• If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident and are conscious the first thing to do is assess your injuries and determine if you require medical attention. If help is needed, ask someone to call 911 and try to move as little as possible to avoid making your injuries worse.

• If you are able to move safely, get the driver’s name and data and the contact information from anyone who saw the event. If you can, talk to the driver and other witnesses and record what they saw by either by writing the information down or with a cell phone video feature.

• If the person who hit you tries to leave the scene, write down their license plate number.

• Contact the police to come to the scene and be sure to report if you believe the driver has been drinking or is under the influence of drugs.

• Take pictures of the accident, your injuries, and the vehicle which hit you. Make sure you capture images from different angles.

• If you do not require treatment at the scene, get prompt medical attention for your injuries. Do not try and shake off seemingly minor injuries. Go to a doctor for a proper evaluation as soon as possible after the accident.

• Contact your insurance company and report the incident.

• Meet with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Florida law allows for the recovery of damages when a pedestrian is injured due to a driver’s negligence. You need to confer with a personal injury attorney to assess your case and determine the right steps to take to ensure that you protect yourself and have the resources you need to recover.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, we have experienced attorneys who can provide you with the help you need to assess your case and understand your options. To learn more, contact Draper Law Office today at 866-767-4711 or online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation in one of our Central Florida offices.