Miami Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you’re looking for exercise, Miami offers the perfect opportunity to walk. Attractions, shops, restaurants and beaches are all in close proximity. Plus, the weather is warm, making walking the ideal exercise.
We are all pedestrians at some point. Sometimes it is easier to walk from one place to another. But with pedestrian accidents on the rise, is it safer to walk than drive?
In 2015, crashes involving vehicles and pedestrians caused 5,376 deaths. This was the highest number of deaths since 1996. Between 2006 and 2015, pedestrian fatalities increased by 12 percent. During the same time period, pedestrian injuries rose from 61,000 to 70,000. Contact our experienced Miami pedestrian accident attorneys today.
Is Walking Dangerous?
Pedestrians account for just under 11 percent of trips, but account for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities. Just like any other activity, walking can be dangerous, and it’s hard to say that it’s more dangerous than driving. However, there are factors that can increase your risk of becoming involved in a pedestrian accident. By avoiding these factors, you can stay much safer.
Pedestrian accidents are more common in urban areas, where 73 percent of these crashes occurred in 2013. Most (69 percent) occurred at places other intersections. Darkness is also a huge factor, with 72 percent of pedestrian crashes occurring at night.
Nearly 70 percent of pedestrian fatalities are male. The age groups with the highest injury rates were 10-14, 15-19, 20-24 and 25-29. The average age of the pedestrians killed, however, was 46. Ten percent of pedestrian injuries and 19 percent of fatalities occurred in seniors over the age of 65.
Alcohol Use in Pedestrian Crashes
Surprisingly, many pedestrian accidents are caused by alcohol use. In 2013, nearly half of all pedestrian accidents involved alcohol use. In some cases, the driver was the one drinking. In others, the pedestrian was the one under the influence. In some instances, both were intoxicated.
In 2013, 36 percent of pedestrian fatalities involved a pedestrian with a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or above 0.08. Nearly half of pedestrians ages 25-34 and 45-54 had BACs of 0.08 or higher. In 15 percent of crashes, the driver was the one with the BAC of 0.08 or higher.
Hire Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys for Your Case
When a car hits a pedestrian, serious injuries are bound to occur. Pedestrians have no protection in the event of a crash, so they can get thrown by the impact and suffer head trauma, back and neck injuries, broken bones, lacerations and many other injuries. These injuries may result in significant medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, let the aggressive Miami pedestrian accident attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP help you with your case. We have extensive experience helping those injured or killed by pedestrian crashes and can help you obtain compensation for damages. Time is running out, so don’t delay. Contact Pike & Lustig, LLP today at 305-985-5281 to discuss your case with one of our attorneys.
