Menu
Get a free consultation
863.225.0254
Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating traffic collisions because people on foot have little protection against the force of a moving vehicle. While many factors contribute to these crashes, speeding consistently increases both the likelihood of an accident and the severity of the injuries that follow. Even driving just a few miles per hour over the speed limit can dramatically reduce a driver's ability to avoid a pedestrian and increase the force of impact.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Winter Haven or elsewhere in Polk County, understanding how speeding affects these cases can help you better understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.
Speed affects nearly every aspect of a driver's ability to react safely. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the less time the driver has to recognize a hazard, apply the brakes, and stop before striking a pedestrian.
Higher speeds also increase:
In busy areas throughout Winter Haven, where pedestrians share the road with motorists near schools, shopping centers, parks, and neighborhoods, even a brief moment of excessive speed can have life-changing consequences.
Drivers are expected to remain alert and watch for pedestrians, especially at intersections and marked crosswalks. Speeding reduces the amount of time available to recognize someone crossing the street.
A driver traveling at a lower speed may have enough time to stop safely when a pedestrian enters the roadway. A speeding driver, however, may not be able to avoid a collision even after seeing the pedestrian.
This reduced reaction time is one reason speeding is often a significant factor in serious pedestrian accident claims.
The severity of a pedestrian's injuries often increases as vehicle speed increases. Unlike occupants inside a vehicle, pedestrians have no airbags, seat belts, or structural protection during a collision.
Common injuries include:
Many victims require emergency surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and months of ongoing medical treatment. Some injuries may result in permanent limitations that affect every aspect of daily life.
Drivers should exercise extra caution whenever approaching crosswalks or intersections. Unfortunately, speeding often makes it impossible to stop for pedestrians who have the legal right of way.
Areas throughout Winter Haven where pedestrian traffic is common include:
Because pedestrians are frequently present in these locations, drivers are expected to adjust their speed accordingly.
When a driver's excessive speed contributes to a pedestrian accident, it may serve as evidence of negligence. In a personal injury claim, proving negligence generally requires showing that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care and that failure caused the victim's injuries.
Evidence of speeding may include:
The stronger the available evidence, the better positioned an injured pedestrian may be to pursue full compensation.
The consequences of a serious pedestrian accident often extend far beyond the initial medical treatment. Many victims experience long-term financial hardships while recovering from their injuries.
Compensation may include damages for:
Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Insurance companies may attempt to argue that the pedestrian was partially responsible for the accident or offer a settlement before the full extent of the injuries is known. Accepting an early offer may leave you without enough compensation to cover future medical care and other losses.
Working with our Winter Haven pedestrian accident attorneys allows us to investigate the crash, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and pursue compensation that reflects the true impact of your injuries.
Speeding continues to be one of the leading causes of serious pedestrian injuries throughout Winter Haven and Polk County. Drivers who choose to exceed the speed limit put everyone around them at greater risk, especially those traveling on foot.
If you are dealing with injuries after a pedestrian accident, our attorneys are here to help. Call us today or connect with us online to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
