Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Fort Myers, and Florida in general, is not known for its safe and efficient pedestrian infrastructure. Wide streets, fast speed limits, and limited pedestrian resources characterize Fort Myers, Florida, and just about all of the sun belt states, where cities have primarily been designed around motor vehicles, not people. If you were injured in a pedestrian collision, the Fort Myers pedestrian accident lawyer at Cardinal Law, P.A. can help you file a personal injury claim for full compensation.
Pedestrian Rights in Fort Myers
Pedestrians have more rights to the road than most people realize. They have the right to:
- Use crosswalks and have drivers yield right of way
- Use the sidewalk and have drivers yield right of way when crossing the sidewalk at a parking lot, driveway, or side street
- Wear dark clothing at night
- Walk without a light at night
- Run on sidewalks
- Walk on the side or shoulder of most roads
- Cross streets where no signed or lined crosswalk exists
Furthermore, even if a pedestrian attempts to cross the road or steps onto the road as a vehicle is approaching, the driver is obligated to do everything in their power to avoid a collision. Tragically, some drivers will intentionally come too close or refuse to brake in these scenarios in an effort to “teach the pedestrian a lesson.” This type of driving behavior would just make the driver liable for damages, but would also warrant criminal prosecution.
Pedestrian Casualties are on the Rise
While automobile occupant deaths and injury rates have remained relatively stagnant in the last few years, pedestrian deaths have skyrocketed. Our nation is witnessing a 40 year high in pedestrian deaths at a time when fewer people are walking than ever. Why is this? Across the country, there are a number of contributing elements to this increase in pedestrian harm, including the following:
- Reduced police enforcement, resulting in speeding, drunk driving, and road rage
- Growing sense of driver entitlement and impatience as traffic problems intensify
- Larger and taller SUVs and pickup trucks are being purchased at higher than ever rates
- Increased road rage and impatience in the aftermath of COVID
- All time high cell phone use among drivers
- Vehicles are still primarily designed for occupancy safety, not the safety of other road users, particularly those on foot
Typical Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrians can be catastrophically injured or killed in relatively low speed collisions. A pedestrian struck by a tall pickup truck at “just” 25 miles per hour is lucky to only receive multiple fractures, deep lacerations, and a concussion. Death or permanent impairment is a very common result in pedestrian collisions. Injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Facial lacerations
- Broken limb bones
- Fractured ribs
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractured vertebrae
- Fractured skull
- Soft tissue damage
Contact a Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
The Fort Myers pedestrian accident lawyers at Cardinal Law, P.A. are here to help you file a claim for compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, loss of joy of life, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and more. Call 844-874-PAIN to schedule a free consultation today.
