An experienced Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer reveals what you should know
A driver was allegedly drunk and speeding when his vehicle recently struck and killed a man walking his bicycle across Seminole Boulevard in Tampa.
According to a WTSP news report, police charged the man with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), saying speed and impairment played a role in the death of the pedestrian.
Sadly, this tragic incident demonstrates how serious pedestrian accidents can be, as people on foot are the most vulnerable road users. That's because pedestrians don't have any protection when they get hit by a car, which is why drivers should always stay alert and use caution on the road, especially around pedestrians.
common Injuries in pedestrian accidents
When someone gets struck by a car, the injuries are often severe and sometimes fatal. Injuries to the lower part of the body are common and typically include trauma to the muscles and ligaments, broken bones, cuts, and pelvis fractures.
Other common injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Spinal cord damage, which may cause partial or permanent paralysis
- Punctured lung
- Abdominal injuries
- Road rash
- Facial injuries
Common causes of pedestrian accidents
Accidents involving pedestrians are preventable and usually can be traced back to driver negligence. Drivers who understand the reasons why these accidents occur can help to prevent them.
The top causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Driver distraction: A motorist using a cellphone either to text or talk is not focused on the road. Distractions come in all forms. Eating, daydreaming, adjusting an audio system, and even talking to other passengers can raise the risk of an accident. It’s important to stay focused.
- Drunk or drugged driving: Driving while intoxicated puts everyone sharing the road at risk. An impaired driver is slower to react and might not stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Driving too fast also means there is less time to stop for someone crossing the road. Reckless drivers might not look for pedestrians in a crosswalk or might fail to slow down for a pedestrian walking on the side of the road when there is no sidewalk.
- Left turns: Drivers who are turning left at an intersection might be focused on the oncoming traffic rather than a pedestrian using a crosswalk. It’s important to be alert at intersections. Pay attention to the crosswalks as well as the oncoming vehicles.
Legal help is available in Tampa
The impact of a pedestrian accident can be devastating. An injured victim might require hospitalization and extensive physical therapy, in addition to other medical treatment. An injured pedestrian might experience a loss of income because he or she is unable to work or needs to take time off.
If you or a loved one got hit by a car and suffered an injury, the legal team at Armando Personal Injury Law can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable and fight for the financial compensation you deserve. Your initial consultation is free, it costs no upfront money to hire us, and you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. In short, you have nothing to lose and potentially much to gain by talking to us.
See what an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can do for you, and contact us today for a free case review.