Orlando Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Florida is, unfortunately, one of the worst states in which to be a pedestrian. We have ulta-wide surface streets with high speed limits and long distances between crosswalks. Sidewalks are criss-crossed by parking lots and side streets, where impatient drivers routinely roll through stop signs and fail to yield right of way. At busy intersections, it is common to see long lines of vehicles—not just a single perpetrator—cut off a pedestrian in the crosswalk as the vehicles turn left across the crosswalk. All of these scenarios invite disaster. Over 800 pedestrians are killed every year in Florida, and thousands more are catastrophically wounded, many in hit and runs. If you were injured as a pedestrian, the Orlando pedestrian accident attorneys at The Hornsby Law Group can help you file a lawsuit against the driver who hit you.
Common Injuries Suffered by Pedestrians
One out of 10 adult pedestrians will die when struck by a vehicle traveling under 23 miles per hour (the chances of a child dying at these relatively low speeds is much, much higher). The odds of death grow significantly worse at 32 miles per hour—one out of four people will be killed at that speed. And at ‘just’ 42 miles per hour, the chances are 50/50. Those pedestrians who survive at virtually any impact speed suffer extreme and catastrophic injuries. Common pedestrian injuries include:
- Contusions and deep lacerations
- Fractured arm, leg, wrist, ankle, collarbone, and/or pelvis
- Compound fractures
- Severe blood loss resulting in brain or organ damage
- Concussion or traumatic brain injury
- Fractured ribs and internal organ damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractured vertebrae
- Amputation of the limbs or digits
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement to the face
Damages in an Orlando Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
- Medical expenses
- Future medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Lost earning ability due to short or long term disability
- Loss of joy of life
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
The first line of liability lies with the at-fault driver or other party(s) who caused the collision. If the driver is uninsured, underinsured, or is never found because the incident was a hit and run, you can file a claim with your own insurance company, even though you were on foot. Filing a claim under your UM policy (uninsured motorist policy) works the same way as filling a claim with a negligent driver. As such, you need to work with an attorney to ensure that you are fairly compensated, and there is always a chance that litigation may be necessary.
Call an Orlando Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today for Fair Compensation
Pedestrians are a forgotten and often ignored user group when it comes to city planning and transportation funds. Everything, unfortunately, revolves around cars, not people. But in the civil court system, pedestrians have equal rights to fair and full compensation when they are harmed by drivers. We urge you to call the Orlando pedestrian accident attorneys at The Hornsby Law Group today to schedule a free consultation.
