Florida is a beautiful state to get out, walk around, and enjoy the sunshine. Unfortunately, it is not always safe for walkers to do so. According to one study which broke down the 20 most dangerous states for pedestrians, Florida ranked first, making the Sunshine State the most hazardous for those on foot.
When people think of pedestrian accidents, they often think of people that dart out into the street in front of traffic. However, that is not always the case. In many instances, people become hurt even when they are legally in a crosswalk and trying to cross the street. Below, our Miami pedestrian accident lawyer breaks down the most common crosswalk injuries walkers sustain while in crosswalks.
Crosswalk Laws in Florida
According to the Florida Statutes, all motorists in Florida must stop when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, or is about to enter a crosswalk, and they have a signal that legally allows them to cross. Likewise, pedestrians must remain on the sidewalk and yield right-of-way to drivers until a legal walk signal displays. All motorists and pedestrians must follow these laws. Any time a person does not comply with these laws and they cause an accident, they can be held liable for paying damages.
Common Crosswalk Injuries
A pedestrian can sustain many different types of injuries when they are in an accident. The most common of these include:
- Broken bones: When a pedestrian is struck by a car, they are often first hit in the legs and the bones in this area of the body can easily break. After being hit, a pedestrian can also fall to the ground, which can result in broken bones in other parts of the body.
- Traumatic brain injuries: A pedestrian can sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) when they fall to the ground after being struck. Additionally, pedestrians are sometimes lifted off the ground, onto the hood of the vehicle. When this occurs, their head may strike the hood or the windshield, which could also result in a TBI.
- Road rash: Road rash is a series of cuts and scrapes, usually accompanied by bleeding. This injury occurs when there is a great deal of friction between the skin and the road. Road rash may sound like a minor injury, but it is not. All road rashes have the potential to become infected. The injury can also result in the muscles, tendons, and fat under the skin becoming exposed, which is even more dangerous and poses a greater risk of infection.
Sadly, the above are just a few of the most common types of injuries pedestrians incur when they are struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk. If you or someone you love has been hurt, a Miami pedestrian accident lawyer can help you claim the compensation you deserve.
Call Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Miami Today
If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle while in a crosswalk, our Miami pedestrian accident lawyer is here to provide the sound legal advice you need. Call Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein today at 305-371-2692 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.