Belleair Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrians are being struck and injured at higher rates than ever. Speeding, road rage, texting, and other forms of distracted driver are the primary cause of the uptick in pedestrian injuries and deaths across the country. Injured pedestrians can seek compensation from the at-fault driver whether they were on the sidewalk, in a crosswalk, or walking across or along the road in non-pedestrian-designated areas. Do not assume that the incident was your fault, whether or not the police or another party made such a claim. An experienced Belleair pedestrian accident attorney at The Reep Law Firm will review your case and help you decide what action you wish to take.
The Problem With Modern Cars
Cars have gotten significantly safer in recent years—but only for drivers and occupants, not pedestrians. Certain features, like backup cameras, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring cameras, and large infotainment screens have actually made it possible for drivers to be incredibly distracted behind the wheel. Car occupant deaths have not significantly increased because, at the same time, airbag protection and other features that keep car occupants safe when crashes do occur have become more advanced. Additionally, cars, pickups, and SUVs are significantly larger and taller than ever before, adding to the danger. Tragically, pedestrians are paying the price for drivers’ entertainment and inability to stay off their cell phones, as well as drivers’ desire to operate three to six ton vehicles.
Most Common Pedestrian Accidents
In all of the following scenarios, the driver can, and most likely should, be found liable for causing the incident:
- Hit while crossing at a crosswalk
- Hit while crossing the street at a non-crosswalk section of road
- Hit while you were on your phone crossing at a crosswalk—there is no law against pedestrians texting and walking
- Hit on the sidewalk
- Hit in a parking lot
- Hit on a sidewalk while crossing a driveway, side-street, parking lot, or other road that intersects a sidewalk
- Hit while walking or running on the side of the road
- Hit while using a wheelchair
Pedestrian Hit and Runs
The majority of fatal hit and run victims are pedestrians. 63 percent of all deadly hit and runs, in fact, involve pedestrians, despite pedestrians making up less than one percent of road user groups. If you were struck by a hit and run driver, you have options for being compensated even if the driver is never caught. Most people have an uninsured motorist policy within their auto insurance, and this can be used to cover all of the damages, such as medical expenses and pain and suffering, that you would otherwise be able to seek from the at-fault party if they had not fled the scene.
Call a Belleair Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at The Reep Law Firm Today
Whether you only suffered minor road rash lacerations and whiplash, or you are still in the hospital recovering from fractured vertebrae and a traumatic brain injury, do not hesitate to reach out to a Belleair pedestrian accident attorney at your soonest availability. The lawyers at The Reep Law Firm will help you understand your rights, and direct you towards the best path possible. Call us today at 727-330-6502 to schedule a free consultation.
