Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Pedestrian accidents are among the most serious Hialeah traffic accidents in that pedestrians involved in these accidents almost always face serious injuries or even fatal injuries. The size and force of a car, coupled with the fact that pedestrians have little to no protection from the impact of a car crash, combine to create serious accidents. While the driver in this type of accident will often walk away unharmed, the pedestrian is typically rushed to a hospital with Hialeah head injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other life-threatening injuries. According to experts, there are many things that can be done to prevent these types of accidents:
1) Place barriers at intersections. Some experts feel that physical barriers at high-risk intersections would help prevent pedestrians from walking into traffic and helps provide a level of protection for pedestrians waiting to cross a street.
2) Provide more spaces for pedestrians. One issue that often leads to Hialeah pedestrian accidents is the fact that in many cases pedestrians and drivers need to share a space. For example, some residential areas have wide lawns but no sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into the road. Even in places where there are sidewalks, there may not be adequate crosswalks and intersection spaces for pedestrians. Some experts also feel that providing more green spaces and walking trails for pedestrians ensures that there are recreational walking areas that are well away from cars.
3) Educate pedestrians. Pedestrians need to be aware of the dangers of traffic. They need to understand, for example, that texting or listening to music while walking can be distracting, and just as drivers need to focus on the road, so do pedestrians to help prevent accidents.
4) Educate drivers. Drivers need to be reminded often that there is a risk in not anticipating hazards. When drivers drive by a park or school, for example, they should be prepared for the possibility of pedestrians stepping out into traffic. Just as pedestrians play a role in preventing accidents, so do drivers.
5) Address the issue of distracted driving. Currently, Florida does not have any texting bans and of course many types of distractions possible while driving – such as eating or changing music – are not banned anywhere. Nevertheless, distracted driving has been proven to be a contributing factor to many Hialeah car accidents and pedestrian accidents. When drivers are not focused on the road, they can easily fail to notice a pedestrian cross the street.
6) Re-evaluate public transit routes for pedestrian safety. One of the biggest dangers for pedestrian accidents involves the moment when public transit users step off a bus. In many cases, passengers attempt to cross the street and find their way blocked by a bus or traffic. Different street designs at major bus stops would ensure that pedestrians can disembark from a bus safely – right to a safe pedestrian area.
If you have been injured in a Hialeah pedestrian accident or car accident, you may be facing substantial medical costs as well as lost income. Contact the Flaxman Law Group today to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your options. If your injuries were caused by negligence or a wrongful act, Florida law has many remedies that ensure you do not have to pay all the costs of your injuries out of pocket. Contact the Flaxman Law Group today to find out more.