With its abundance of warm weather and sunshine, Pompano Beach seems an idyllic location for pedestrians. While it’s not one of the most walkable cities in the United States, initiatives have enhanced sidewalks, crosswalks, and public spaces. However, the city is more car- than pedestrian-oriented, and Pompano Beach pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries or wrongful death.
If you are injured or lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident resulting from the negligence of another, you may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit.
The seasoned Pompano Beach pedestrian accident lawyers at Kaiser Romanello have experience representing pedestrians injured in traffic accidents in Broward County. We can evaluate your claim, identify the parties at fault for your injuries, and fight for compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Our Pompano Beach office serves clients throughout South Florida, including Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. Call us today at (844) 877-8679.
Why Choose Kaiser Romanello for Your Pompano Beach Pedestrian Accident Claim?
When you work with Kaiser Romanello’s Pompano Beach pedestrian accident attorneys, we take your claim seriously. Our clients are our neighbors in the community. With our offices located in Pompano Beach, we can identify the traffic patterns that factor into your claim. Our team of personal injury lawyers knows the Florida laws surrounding pedestrian accident claims and how they may affect your compensation.
Selecting the right law firm will give you peace of mind as you recover from injuries or deal with the death of a loved one. We have a proven track record of representing people in Broward County to secure maximum compensation for serious injuries or wrongful death resulting from the negligent actions of others. We provide tailored solutions to help our clients seek rightful compensation.
There is no cost or obligation to talk to one of our personal injury attorneys. Contact us today for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.
Our Pompano Beach Office Location and Headquarters
Kaiser Romanello P.A. is located at 11555 Heron Bay Boulevard. You can call us at (844) 877-8679 to meet with one of our personal injury attorneys to discuss your claim.
Pompano Beach Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to WFLA News, a recent study by the Governors Highway Safety Association found pedestrian fatalities just reached a 41-year high, taking the lives of more than 7,500 hit while walking. Pedestrian deaths are also increasing faster than all other traffic fatalities. Since 2010, pedestrian deaths have gone up 77 percent, compared to a 25 percent increase in all other traffic fatalities.
The deadliest city for pedestrians was Pompano Beach, where nearly 15 pedestrians died on average every year.
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.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), on its Florida Crash Dashboard, reports 276,492 traffic crashes in the state according to recent figures, accounting for 2,331 deaths and 176,029 injuries. Broward County reported 28,249 crashes with 135 fatalities and 17,264 injuries. Florida counted 6,860 total reported pedestrian crashes, with 513 pedestrian fatalities. In Broward County, 620 pedestrian crashes caused 28 reported pedestrian deaths.
Pedestrian Hazards in Pompano Beach
While many people enjoy Pompano Beach scenery and attractions on foot, Broward County also draws traffic congestion and impatient drivers. Hectic traffic patterns pose a risk for pedestrians in crosswalks, parking lots, and other public spaces. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even bicycles may strike pedestrians.
Some hazards for pedestrians include:
- Traffic: The city’s streets can be busy, and drivers may not always yield to pedestrians, so exercise caution when crossing roads.
- Lack of Sidewalks: In certain areas, sidewalks may be missing, making it challenging for pedestrians to walk safely.
- Tourists: In tourist-heavy spots, there might be congestion and increased pedestrian traffic. Visiting drivers may not know traffic patterns and rules. They may drive an unfamiliar rental car or maps and the sites may distract them. These distractions can result in a pedestrian collision.
- Crosswalks: Accidents can happen when pedestrians cross at marked crosswalks, even when they have the right of way.
- High-Speed Roads: Roads with high speed limits and limited pedestrian infrastructure can be dangerous for walkers. Drivers may not notice pedestrians on these roads.
- School Zones: Children walking to and from school make school zones risky. Drivers should exercise extra caution in these areas.
- Distracted Driving Areas: Distracting areas near shopping centers or entertainment districts can pose risks to pedestrians.
- Alcohol-Impaired Areas: Bars, clubs, and areas with a high concentration of alcohol-serving establishments may have a higher likelihood of accidents involving intoxicated drivers. In cases involving alcohol-related accidents, establishments that over-serve alcohol to someone who crashed into a pedestrian may face liability under dram shop laws.
- Construction Zones: Construction areas often disrupt pedestrian pathways and can create hazardous conditions.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians involved in traffic crashes can sustain a range of injuries, and the severity often depends on various factors such as the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, and the pedestrian’s age and health.
Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Pedestrians may suffer fractures in the arms, legs, hips, or other bones due to the impact of a vehicle.
- Head Injuries: Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), can occur when a pedestrian’s head strikes the vehicle or the ground. These injuries can range from concussions to more severe brain trauma. Treat every head injury seriously. Even “mild” closed-head injuries may have serious repercussions and the potential to cause long-term effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, which can result in paralysis.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or injuries to the chest and abdomen can occur due to the force of the collision.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions (bruises) are common soft tissue injuries that pedestrians may experience.
- Road Rash: When a pedestrian slides along the pavement after being hit, they can suffer abrasions and road rash, which can range from minor scrapes to more serious skin injuries.
- Psychological Trauma: Witnessing or being involved in a traffic accident can lead to psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
- Fatal Injuries: Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents can also result in fatalities, especially in high-speed collisions.
Even seemingly minor pedestrian injuries can have long-term effects, so seek immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Particularly in pedestrian accidents resulting in serious injury or death, talk with an experienced local personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can quickly assess the incident to determine if you have a claim, and will advocate for compensation for your losses.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Pedestrian Accident?
A Pompano Beach personal injury lawyer can play a crucial role in helping you with your Florida pedestrian accident claim.
Here’s how they can assist you:
- Legal Skill: Personal injury lawyers are experienced in Florida laws and regulations related to pedestrian accidents. They can provide you with expert guidance on how to navigate the legal process.
- Investigation: Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident, collecting evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, and any available surveillance footage to establish liability.
- Determining Damages: They will help you assess the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical needs, to ensure you seek fair compensation.
- Negotiation: Personal injury lawyers are skilled negotiators. They will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to achieve the best possible settlement. This includes handling communication and settlement offers.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. They will represent you during the litigation process, including filing legal documents, presenting evidence, and arguing your case.
After a pedestrian accident in Pompano Beach, seek the assistance of a skilled personal injury lawyer to greatly increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Your lawyer will serve as your advocate throughout the legal process, protecting your rights and interests. They will work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Your lawyer will handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being.
Florida’s 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 how the statute of limitations applies to your claim.
What Type of Compensation May Be Available for a Pedestrian Accident?
Victims of pedestrian accidents in Florida may recover compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical bills related to the accident, such as hospitalization, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages: If the pedestrian cannot work due to their injuries, they may receive compensation for lost income, including past and future earnings, as well as benefits like sick leave and vacation days.
- Disability and Impairment: If the accident results in a long-term disability or permanent impairment, the victim may receive compensation for the associated physical limitations and lifestyle changes.
- Property Damage: If the accident damaged personal property (e.g., clothing, personal items), you can recover the cost of repair or replacement.
- Pain and Suffering: You can recover the cost of non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: In some cases, spouses or family members may receive compensation for the loss of companionship and support due to the victim’s injuries.
- Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a pedestrian fatality, surviving family members may seek compensation through a wrongful death claim, which can cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases involving extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may punish the at-fault party and deter future misconduct.
The specific compensation available will depend on the unique circumstances of each case. To ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve, consult a qualified personal injury attorney who can assess your case, determine liability, and advocate for your rights throughout the legal process.
How Much Does a Pompano Beach Truck Accident Attorney Cost?
Kaiser Romanello works with clients on a contingency fee basis, so they only get paid if you receive compensation. 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.
This arrangement reduces the financial burden on you as the client. Fees are dependent on the successful outcome of the case. There are no upfront costs to you.
Contact Kaiser Romanello Today
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.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious personal injury after a pedestrian accident, or if someone tragically died as a result of this type of accident, contact the experienced team of Pompano Beach personal injury lawyers at Kaiser Romanello today.
Based locally, our lawyers know what to look for in establishing liability for your pedestrian accident claim. 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.
