According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, Florida has the second highest rate of pedestrian deaths per resident in the United States. This is a startling statistic, and one that highlights just how important it is for pedestrians of all ages to be careful while out enjoying the weather in Palm Beach County.
However, as the data show, in many cases even the most careful pedestrians are unable to avoid being hit by negligent drivers. When faced with a rapidly-approaching vehicle, there often simply is nothing that vulnerable pedestrians can do. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed by a careless or inattentive driver, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. At Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers, we will help you Demand More® for your losses.
Important Facts Pedestrian Accidents
Digging into the data a little further, we begin to see some noteworthy trends with regard to pedestrian accidents. Consider the following:
- Vehicle speed is directly correlated to the risk of injury in a pedestrian accident. The average rates of serious pedestrian injuries in accidents are as follows:
- 10 percent at an impact speed of 17 mph
- 25 percent at 25 mph
- 50 percent at 33 mph
- 75 percent at 41 mph
- 90 percent at 48 mph
- Nearly half of all fatal pedestrian accidents occur in areas where the speed limit is 40 mph or less, and 20 percent occur in areas with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
- Seventy percent of pedestrian deaths occur between 6:00 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Seventy-three percent of pedestrian deaths occur in urban environments.
- Individuals age 70 and older have the highest fatality rate in pedestrian accidents.
Drinking, Distractions, and Speeding: Three Major Factors in Pedestrian Accidents
As these facts suggest – and other studies have shown – three of the largest factors contributing to the high number of pedestrian accidents in and throughout the country are: (i) drunk driving, (ii) distracted driving, and (iii) exceeding the speed limit. All three of these mistakes inhibit drivers’ ability to safely react to pedestrians in crosswalks and on the side of the road, and each presents its own unique risks for pedestrians. Tragically, many drunk or distracted drivers do not realize that they are in the presence of pedestrians until it is too late. If this has happened to you, you deserve to demand fair compensation.
Have You Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Palm Beach County, we can help you fight for fair compensation. At Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers, we are passionate about helping accident victims and their families, by helping them Demand More® for their losses. To find out if you have a claim, I invite you to call me, Brian D. Guralnick, personally for a free consultation, or you can contact our offices in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, or West Palm Beach for more information.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. If you need advice on specific legal issues, please consult with a licensed Personal Injury attorney.
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