Pedestrian accidents frequently happen at intersections in Hillsborough County, and one of the most dangerous is North Rome Avenue and West Columbus Drive in West Tampa, according to a recent ABC Action News report.
"My biggest fear… is this intersection," Tampa resident David Green said in an interview with ABC Action News. "It's just a bad place for cars pulling out, turning left or right. It's really white-knuckle driving. If you have to stop at this intersection to cross Columbus Drive, there's a blind spot from the bridge, and it's just difficult to navigate that left-hand turn coming out of the street."
Why This Intersection is a Pedestrian Danger Zone
In the ABC Action News story, local residents highlighted several reasons why the intersection at North Rome Avenue and West Columbus Drive in West Tampa is so dangerous for pedestrians:
- Speeding drivers: Many drivers fail to slow down for pedestrians, particularly on West Columbus Drive, a busy four-lane road. Without a stop sign in either direction, cars often fly through the intersection, making it extremely risky for people trying to cross on foot.
- No visible crosswalk: The lack of a clearly marked crosswalk at this intersection leaves pedestrians with no designated space to safely cross, forcing them to navigate traffic and hope that drivers see them.
- Increased traffic: With new developments popping up nearby, there's been a significant rise in vehicles on the road. This added congestion creates more opportunities for accidents, especially in an area already known for its hazards.
- Blind spots: Approaching the intersection from the bridge on West Columbus Avenue is particularly dangerous, as blind spots make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians in time to react. This lack of visibility adds another layer of risk for anyone trying to cross the street.
What are the most dangerous intersections in Tampa?
The intersection at North Rome Avenue and West Columbus Drive isn't the only spot in Tampa where pedestrians are at risk. Several other intersections across the city are known for being hazardous, especially for those on foot. Some of the most dangerous intersections in Tampa include:
- 301 Highway South at Gibsonton Drive
- Hillsborough Avenue West at Sheldon Road
- Waters Avenue West at Hanley Road
- Bruce B. Downs Boulevard at Fletcher Avenue East
- Sheldon Road at Waters Avenue West
- Bloomingdale Avenue at Providence Road
Why Pedestrians Are Frequently Hit at Tampa Intersections
Tampa ranks as one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians, with the eighth-highest number of pedestrian fatalities in the country, according to the Dangerous By Design study from Smart Growth America. Several factors contribute to the high rate of pedestrian accidents at intersections in Tampa, including:
- Drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians: Many motorists disregard traffic laws that require them to stop for pedestrians crossing the street, putting lives at risk.
- Motorists who don't share the road: Some drivers are reluctant to share the road with pedestrians walking alongside, leading to accidents as they speed by without allowing enough space for safety.
- Lack of visible crosswalks: Without clearly marked crosswalks at intersections, pedestrians are left without a safe path to cross, forcing them to navigate unpredictable traffic on their own.
- Distracted drivers: With distractions like texting or using navigation apps, drivers often fail to notice pedestrians, leading to preventable collisions.
- Speeding drivers: Excessive speed leaves drivers with little time to react to pedestrians crossing the road, dramatically increasing the likelihood of an accident.
How CAn Tampa Make Intersections Safer for Pedestrians?
In response to the high rate of pedestrian accidents, the Smart Growth America study, city officials, and pedestrian safety advocates in Tampa have proposed several measures to improve intersection safety. These suggestions aim to reduce accidents and make Tampa a safer place for pedestrians:
- Make crosswalks more visible: Enhancing the visibility of crosswalks at intersections with better signage, road markings, or lights helps ensure drivers are aware of pedestrians crossing the street.
- Increase police enforcement: By ramping up police presence at intersections and issuing tickets to drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians, Tampa can hold drivers accountable and encourage safer behavior.
- Lower speed limits: Reducing speed limits at high-risk intersections gives drivers more time to react and stop for pedestrians, decreasing the likelihood of accidents and saving lives.
How Compensation Works for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Florida
If you've been hit by a vehicle while walking, understanding how compensation works is crucial to getting the financial support you need. In Florida, pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Florida's no-fault insurance system means your own insurance may cover your initial medical expenses.
If your injuries are considered serious, you may qualify to step outside Florida's no-fault system. These injuries typically include broken bones, significant scarring or disfigurement, permanent disability, or any condition that substantially affects your daily life. In such cases, you can file a claim directly against the at-fault driver's insurance for additional damages like long-term medical care, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering. This process allows you to seek the full compensation you're entitled to, ensuring you're not left covering costs on your own.
Get the Maximum Compensation You Deserve After a Tampa Pedestrian Accident
Costs can quickly pile up after a pedestrian accident in Tampa. Unfortunately, many insurance companies focus on minimizing payouts, offering injured pedestrians as little as possible—or nothing at all.
That's why having a skilled Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer from Armando Personal Injury Law on your side makes all the difference. Our attorneys know how to gather the right evidence, ask the important questions, and build a solid case. We've secured significant settlements and verdicts, including a multi-million-dollar settlement for an injured cyclist.
Trust a Tampa law firm that puts your needs first. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with a dedicated pedestrian accident attorney. Our office is located on East 5th Avenue in Tampa, and we work on a contingency fee—meaning you don't pay unless we win your case.