Broward County saw an increase of 21% in pedestrian accidents. That brings the numbers from 1,500 to almost 2,000. The increase of pedestrian death due to negligent drivers was 28%, moving from 57 deaths to 73. Ft. Lauderdale is ranked as the 5th most dangerous city in Florida for pedestrians and cyclists.
When a pedestrian is hit by a car the devastation is astronomical. Often it leaves the accident victim disabled in multiple ways. Fortunately, the law firm of Brian Pabian can help you along the way. The team will construct a case that pursues compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills and your lost wages.
If you have been injured by someone’s careless operation of a vehicle, call Brian Pabian today for a free consult: 954-337-2288.
Why is Ft. Lauderdale so dangerous for pedestrians?
South Florida, including Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach, are meccas for vacationers. During peak season, millions of tourists flood the area. This makes Fort Lauderdale extremely congested.
When you have so many individuals in a small geographic area, mistakes are going to be made. Some of the most common reasons pedestrians are injured include the following:
- Distracted driving (most notably texting)
- Driving while intoxicated (alcohol, drugs or both)
- Running traffic light or stop sign
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Unfamiliarity with the area
What to Do in Case of a Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident
The first thing to do when a motor vehicle hits you is to seek medical care immediately. Both the police and the emergency medical team will be called to the scene. However, if for some reason you were not seen by a medical professional, then set up an appointment immediately.
Next, if you’re able to do so, note the conditions around you. Take pictures of the scene and get witness contact information. Have the driver give you their information. This should include the driver’s license number, tag number, and insurance company information.
Ideally, you also want to get a copy of the police report. However, if your injuries are too great, get a copy of your report at a later date. Or, if you are working with legal counsel he or she can obtain the report on your behalf.
Make sure you follow up with your doctors and appointments. Also, document everything as it occurs so nothing is forgotten. If this seems daunting, reach out to the law firm of Brian Pabian. He specializes in Fort Lauderdale personal injury cases and can make sure nothing is overlooked. Call today at 954-337-2288 for your free consultation.
What does a Ft. Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorney do?
As an injured pedestrian, you can be damaged physically, mentally emotionally and even financially. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Ft Lauderdale FL helps you to navigate through the often complex nature of filing a claim. The team at Brian Pabian can help you do the following:
- Estimate damages: Many categories qualify for compensation. Everything from lost wages to medical expenses, to the loss of a relationship, can figure into the estimate. Brian Pabian investigates all of the potential damages and helps you to get the compensation you deserve.
- Prove Responsibility: In pedestrian accidents, where you are sharing the road with others, the driver of the vehicle may claim you are responsible. A good personal injury lawyer knows how to respond. They will gather evidence, secure expert testimonies and obtain video or photo evidence to prove the driver’s negligence. He or she can help determine the comparative negligence percentages if you were also partially responsible.
- Communicate: When you hand over your case to an attorney from Brian Pabian, communication is timely and responsive. Your pedestrian accident lawyer in Ft Lauderdale FL keeps you informed about the latest developments. Also, they work to guide you through each step of the process.
- Schedule Medical Appointments: If you are unable to make medical appointments for yourself, Brian Pabian is happy to help. He and his law firm can schedule your appointments as they pertain to the case.
Ft. Lauderdale Pedestrian Accidents: Who’s at Risk?
Potentially, anyone walking where there are vehicles is at risk. However, the majority of pedestrian-car accidents happen more to certain demographics than others. The elderly, children and bike riders are most frequently victims.
Additionally, Ft. Lauderdale is home to many retirees whose reflexes and eyesight may not be what it once was. This means they may be prone to making poor choices when it comes to crossing a street or standing too close to the road.
Likewise, children are often unaware of the danger of vehicles. Unsupervised children can dart out into the road without warning, or attempt to cross the street at a dangerous intersection.
As a favorite tourist city, Ft. Lauderdale’s cyclist population triples in the spring and summer months. Spring break sees a large majority of the visitors, many of them under 21, riding bikes in the beaches areas.
Consider that most tourists who visit the city bring their vehicles and while on vacation may be tempted to drink or text while driving.
By law, a driver involved in a crash with a pedestrian must stop and help. If there has been an injury to the pedestrian, the driver must provide his or her information, speak to the police and remain at the scene until help comes. Did the driver who struck you stay to help?
Are you an accident victim? Discuss the particulars of your accident for free with Brian Pabian today: 954-337-2288
About Ft. Lauderdale
One of the largest cities in Florida, Fort Lauderdale has much to offer visitors and its 160,000 residents. Each year millions of visitors enjoy the beaches, cultural and sporting events in Broward County.
Many tourists time their trip so that it lines up with spring break or summer vacation time. The spring and summer are considered peak times to visit and congestion is common. However, the city is beautiful and offers a wide variety of offerings at other times of the year.
The city of Broward wants everyone to be safe and enjoy their time while in Fort Lauderdale. To that end, understanding the rules of the road, and being extra aware when traveling on foot is important to enjoy your stay.
Ft. Lauderdale Information
$10 billion dollars are spent each year by Ft. Lauderdale’s visitors. Consequently, the tourist industry accounts for hundreds of thousands of jobs. The impact of visitors to Lauderdale’s shores is enormous. And with that comes the congestion that popularity brings. It is a good idea for visitors to already have important information for the following city departments:
Ft. Lauderdale Courthouse
201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301
954-831-6565
Ft. Lauderdale Medical Center
1600 S. Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
www.browardhealth.org/services
954-355-4400
Ft. Lauderdale Police Department
1300 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 828-5700
Ft. Lauderdale Fire Department
528 NW 2nd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
www.fortlauderdale.gov/departments/fire-rescue
(954) 828-6800
Ft. Lauderdale City Hall
100 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/
(954) 828-5000