Deerfield Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
With miles of beautiful beaches, world-renown amusement parks, and gorgeous year-round weather, it comes as no surprise that Florida is one of the best states for people to walk around outside. However, not all people on the road look out for pedestrians, and when an accident happens the resulting injuries can be devastating. At Leifer & Ramirez, our Deerfield Beach pedestrian accident lawyers have years of experience representing the victims of pedestrian accidents and can help you, too.
Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles division (FHSMV), in 2017 there was a total of 9,390 pedestrian accidents and 649 fatalities statewide. Of those, Broward County accounted for 1,094 pedestrian accidents and 62 deaths. In 2018, the FHSMV has already reported 4,878 pedestrian accidents and 353 fatalities, with Palm Beach County already accounting for 607 of those accidents and 34 deaths. Every year, national surveys report that Florida is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians and is always one of the top states in the number of pedestrian injuries and death.
The U.S. Department of Transportation reported that nationwide, three-quarters of pedestrian accidents take place at night and at non-intersections. Children are the most likely to be injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, followed by adults ages 65 years and older. Passenger cars and light trucks strike pedestrians more often than any other type of vehicle on the road, and ninety percent of pedestrian accident fatalities involved being struck head-on by a vehicle. Sadly, almost one-fifth of all pedestrian accidents nationwide involve hit-and-run-drivers.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can often lead to traumatic injuries that can take years to fully recover from and permanently affect someone’s ability to work. As a result, it is vitally important that a person suffering from harm caused by a pedestrian accident to be fully compensated for their damages.
The victim of a pedestrian accident is entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include the cost of medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages. Non-economic damages include payment for pain and suffering, lost earning ability, permanent disability or disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. In cases of fatal pedestrian accidents, the family of a victim is also allowed to collect damages for wrongful death.
Under Florida law, a person has four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for damages before the statute of limitations runs out for the claim if the personal injury case is based on negligence. However, if the pedestrian accident results in death, the family of the victim only has two years to file a lawsuit for wrongful death.
Contact Our Deerfield Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Now
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident in Deerfield Beach, call the personal injury lawyers at the Leifer & Ramirez today for a free consultation of your case. We promise to help you navigate the complex legal process and get you the compensation you deserve.
