Whether you’re walking to a local store to run errands or taking your dog out for a walk, the last thing you expect is to end up with serious damages due to negligent drivers or property owners. Unfortunately, pedestrian injuries are not uncommon. As such, it’s important to understand the hazards you can encounter while traveling on foot and the steps you should take in the event you are involved in an accident. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of connecting with an experienced Broward County personal injury attorney to help you fight for your rights during these times.
How Do Pedestrian Injuries Happen?
Unfortunately, there are several dangers pedestrians can encounter when walking around their neighborhoods. The most serious of these hazards is vehicles. Unfortunately, many locations, including Florida, have become car-centered, making it increasingly unsafe for those on foot to travel. As such, vehicles are striking pedestrians at much higher rates. Negligent drivers can strike pedestrians crossing the road or walking on sidewalks, resulting in serious injuries. Unlike accidents involving two vehicles, pedestrians can take the full impact of the car, as there is no vehicle to absorb some of the blow from a negligent driver. As such, those on foot who are struck by vehicles can sustain serious injuries like internal organ damage, broken bones, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage.
Pedestrians may also encounter unsafe premises that lead to slips and falls. When a property owner does not ensure their property is safe for those walking by, such as walking on sidewalks or walkways on the premises, pedestrians can sustain serious injuries. For example, if a property owner does not clear debris from their sidewalk, leaves a walkway damaged, or fails to provide adequate notice of a hazard, a pedestrian may slip, trip, or fall as a result. These accidents can cause soft tissue damage, broken bones, back injuries, and even facial and dental damage.
What Should I Do if I Sustain Injuries?
In the event you are injured as a pedestrian, it’s important to understand that you have legal rights. Unfortunately, many assume these are just accidents and end up bearing the financial burden associated with these severe injuries. However, it’s critical to understand that you can take steps to fight for the best possible outcome in these matters.
One of the most important steps you should take in this process is to contact emergency services. Regardless of whether or not you were struck by a vehicle or slipped and fell due to unsafe property conditions, ensuring you seek immediate medical attention is in your best interest. Not only can this help you treat any injuries inflicted, but it aalso llows you to establish medical care immediately after the incident, helping your case if you choose to pursue legal action.
You should also gather as much evidence at the scene as possible if you are physically able to. This includes photos, videos, witness contact information, and police reports. This information can be used if you wish to pursue a case against the negligent party.
When you sustain injuries as a pedestrian, one of the most important things you can do is connect with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options. At the Finizio Law Group, we understand how difficult these matters can be, which is why we will do everything possible to help fight for your rights in these matters. Contact our team today to learn how we can fight for you.
