Hollywood, Florida, is a beautiful city with warm weather and sunshine that makes it an ideal location for pedestrians. However, despite initiatives to enhance sidewalks, crosswalks, and public spaces, pedestrian accidents continue to plague our city.
If you are injured or a loved one dies in a pedestrian accident resulting from the negligence of another, you may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit.
The experienced Hollywood pedestrian accident lawyers at Kaiser Romanello can evaluate your claim, identify the parties at fault for your injuries, and fight for compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages.
Our office serves clients throughout South Florida, including Hollywood. Call us today at (844) 877-8679 to speak with one of our experienced bicycle accident lawyers.
Why Choose Kaiser Romanello for Your Hollywood Pedestrian Accident Claim?
After a pedestrian accident in Hollywood, Florida, you could recover compensation. Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries, lost income, and medical expenses, so work with an experienced personal injury lawyer to evaluate your claim and fight for your rights.
At Kaiser Romanello, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers in Hollywood, Florida, can evaluate your case, identify the parties responsible for your injuries, and help you navigate the legal process. We will work tirelessly to help you obtain maximum compensation for your damages.
Our team of experienced attorneys provides personalized legal solutions to our clients. We have a proven track record and understand the Florida laws and regulations surrounding pedestrian accidents and how they affect your case.
Our Florida office is conveniently located in Broward County, and our attorneys are committed to serving clients throughout the region. We offer a free consultation and evaluation of your claim, and there is no obligation to work with us. Contact us today for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.
Our Hollywood, Florida Office Location and Headquarters
Kaiser Romanello P.A. is located at 11555 Heron Bay Boulevard in Broward County, Florida, approximately 23 miles north of Miami and 42 miles south of Palm Beach. You can call us at (844) 877-8679 to meet with one of our personal injury attorneys to discuss your claim.
Hollywood, Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), on its Florida Crash Dashboard, reports there were 6,860 total reported pedestrian crashes in Florida, with 513 pedestrian fatalities. The Hollywood area reported 620 pedestrian crashes and 28 reported pedestrian deaths.
In total, FLHSMV reports 276,492 traffic crashes in the state according to recent figures, accounting for 2,331 deaths and 176,029 injuries. The Hollywood area reported 28,249 crashes with 135 fatalities and 17,264 injuries.
A recent study by the Governors Highway Safety Association found pedestrian fatalities in the United States reached a 41-year high last year, taking the lives of more than 7,500 hit while walking.
Pedestrian deaths are also increasing faster than all other traffic fatalities. Pedestrian deaths have gone up 77 percent since 2010, compared to a 25 percent increase in all other traffic fatalities.
The report also noted that most pedestrian fatalities continue to occur at night, although nighttime deaths have accounted for an even larger share over the past few years – 77 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes occurred in the dark, with approximately 20 percent happening in daylight and 3 percent during dawn or dusk.
Since 2010, nighttime fatal crashes have increased by 86 percent, compared with a 31 percent rise in daytime pedestrian deaths.
Drivers of passenger cars have consistently accounted for the greatest number of fatal pedestrian crashes. However, over the past decade, the number of pedestrian deaths in crashes involving sport utility vehicles (SUVs) increased at a far faster rate (120 percent) than deaths in crashes involving passenger cars (26 percent).
Because of their greater body weight and larger profile, SUVs and other light trucks can cause more harm to a person on foot when a crash occurs.
An average of 118 million people from all over the world visit Hollywood, Florida, each year to take advantage of its pristine coastline with sandy beaches and sunny skies. Tourism is the state’s number one industry. Additionally, Hollywood is the third-largest municipality in Broward County, with a population of roughly 153,000 residents.
Where Are Pedestrians in Hollywood at the Highest Risk of Traffic-Related Injuries?
In Hollywood, Florida, pedestrians are at the highest risk of traffic-related injuries in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic and significant road congestion.
These areas often include:
- Downtown Hollywood: The heart of the city tends to have more pedestrians and vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Busy intersections: Locations with heavy traffic, such as Hollywood Boulevard and Federal Highway, are high-risk areas.
- Tourist districts: Areas near popular attractions like the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a 2.2-mile-long pedestrian promenade, can also see increased pedestrian activity and therefore increased risk. Visiting drivers may be unfamiliar with traffic patterns and rules, driving an unfamiliar rental car, and distracted from following maps or looking at the sites. These distractions can result in a collision with a pedestrian.
- School zones: Zones around schools during pick-up and drop-off times can be risky due to increased foot traffic.
- Residential neighborhoods: Areas with a mix of pedestrians and vehicles, especially where crosswalks may be less common.
While many people enjoy Hollywood scenery and attractions on foot, Broward County also draws traffic congestion and impatient drivers. Hectic traffic patterns pose a risk for pedestrians in public spaces. Pedestrians may be struck by vehicles including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even bicycles.
Who are Pedestrian Accident Victims?
Certain groups are more vulnerable to pedestrian accidents, including:
- Elderly individuals: Older people may have reduced mobility and slower reaction times.
- Children: Kids are often less aware of traffic dangers and can be difficult for drivers to see.
- Impaired individuals: People under the influence of alcohol or drugs are at higher risk.
- Pedestrians in urban areas: High-traffic urban areas pose a greater risk due to more vehicles and interactions.
- Jaywalkers: Those who cross the road improperly, outside designated crosswalks, are more vulnerable.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
The most serious pedestrian accident injuries can have significant and long-lasting consequences.
These injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries can be severe, leading to brain damage, cognitive impairment, and long-term disability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or loss of motor function, impacting a person’s quality of life.
- Multiple Fractures: Pedestrians may suffer multiple bone fractures, such as broken legs, arms, or ribs, which can be painful and require extensive recovery.
- Internal Injuries: Injuries to internal organs, like the liver, spleen, or lungs, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- Severe Soft Tissue Injuries: Extensive damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can result in long-term pain and mobility issues.
- Amputations: In some cases, the severity of injuries may necessitate amputation of limbs.
These injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term disability. Even seemingly minor pedestrian injuries can have long-term effects, and immediate medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Hollywood, Florida, it’s essential to seek legal counsel to understand your rights and potential compensation options. In pedestrian accidents resulting in serious injury or death, a lawyer can quickly assess the incident to determine if you have a claim and will advocate for compensation for your losses.
Wrongful Death
Facing the death of a loved one after a pedestrian accident is a challenging time. Seeking support from professionals and loved ones is essential.
If the accident was due to negligence, consider consulting a personal injury attorney to explore potential legal actions, such as a wrongful death claim. Your lawyer can investigate the accident and gather any relevant documents, including the accident report, medical records, and insurance information.
Take your time to make informed decisions regarding any legal actions. Your attorney can guide you through this process.
If the deceased had a will or estate plan, you may need to address estate matters. A personal injury lawyer experienced in handling wrongful death claims can help your family tremendously.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Pedestrian Accident?
Having a local lawyer experienced in personal injury cases is crucial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve and that your legal rights are protected. A lawyer will assess the accident to determine if you have a valid personal injury or wrongful death case.
Your lawyer will handle:
- Investigation: They can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work to establish liability for the accident.
- Insurance Claims: The lawyer can navigate the complex process of dealing with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Medical Bills: They can assist in managing medical bills and negotiations with healthcare providers.
- Recovery for Damages: Your attorney will work to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one died, the lawyer can pursue a wrongful death claim for financial and emotional losses.
- Negotiation or Litigation: Your attorney can negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party or, if necessary, represent you in court.
- Legal Guidance: They can provide you with legal advice and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
- Paperwork and Deadlines: Lawyers are skilled at managing paperwork and ensuring all legal deadlines are met. In Florida, the statute of limitations for a personal injury or wrongful death claim is typically two years. If you don’t file your claim within the required timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Your lawyer will advise you about the statute of limitations as it applies to your claim.
- Settlement Structuring: If you settle, your attorney can structure the payments to best meet your long-term financial needs.
In the chaotic aftermath of a pedestrian accident with injuries or death, don’t try to handle things by yourself. The legal team at Kaiser Romanello has more than 20 years of combined experience handling pedestrian accident claims in Florida. We are skilled negotiators and will represent you against the insurance company’s team of lawyers, protecting your rights.
With our local offices, we are accessible to meet with you and keep you informed at every step of the way.
What are Pedestrian Accident Damages?
Pedestrian accident victims or their families may be eligible for various types of damages, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the applicable laws in Hollywood, Florida.
These damages typically fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for hospitalization, surgeries, medications, therapy, and future medical needs related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the accident, including potential future earnings if the victim can’t work.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of damaged personal property, such as clothing or personal items.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress, including pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of Consortium: If applicable, this compensates the victim’s family for the loss of companionship, care, and support.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In cases of a pedestrian fatality, the family may recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, a court may award punitive damages for the at-fault party’s especially reckless or intentional actions.
The specific damages available depend on factors like the severity of injuries, the degree of negligence, and the applicable laws. To understand what damages you or your family may recover after a pedestrian accident, consult a local attorney experienced in personal injury cases. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
How Much Does a Hollywood, Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorney Cost?
Kaiser Romanello works with clients on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you receive compensation. This arrangement reduces the financial burden on you as the client, as there are no upfront costs to you.
Contingency fee arrangements level the playing field, making it possible for individuals to obtain fair compensation from a big insurance company and its team of lawyers.
Contact Kaiser Romanello Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious personal injury after a pedestrian accident, or if someone tragically died because of this type of accident, contact the experienced team of Hollywood, Florida, personal injury lawyers at Kaiser Romanello today.
Based locally, our lawyers know what to look for in establishing liability for your pedestrian accident claim. Pedestrian accidents may result in catastrophic physical and emotional injuries, medical costs, chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and lost wages. They also can result in wrongful death. We are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation for your losses.
Kaiser Romanello P.A. offers a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our lawyers to evaluate your potential claim. Call us today at (844) 877-8679 to set up a free consultation or fill out the contact form on our website.
