Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

The latest report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows that the number of pedestrian fatalities in 2022 could be greater than 8,000 for the first time since 1980. In addition to a record number of fatalities, over 100,000 individuals received treatment in emergency rooms for non-fatal pedestrian accident injuries. Sadly, pedestrian fatalities have surged nationwide in the United States over the last several decades, increasing nearly four percent in the span of a single decade, and comprising an ever-larger proportion of all traffic fatalities.

The State of Florida has witnessed a steady rise in pedestrian accidents in recent years, topping 10,000 for 2022 and 2023. This is concerning news for residents of Lakeland, Florida given that there were 346 pedestrian crashes throughout Polk County in 2023, causing 26 pedestrian deaths and 239 non-fatal injuries. For victims and surviving loved ones, a pedestrian accident can be devastating; however, compensation may be available for the physical, financial, and emotional pain you have experienced or for the loss you have suffered.

Victims and their families frequently face obstacles to obtaining medical treatment, financial hardship, and the daunting task of navigating the legal system following a pedestrian accident. Trying to navigate all of that without help can feel hopeless. At Kemp Personal Injury Law, a Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyer can provide you with hope when the negligence of another party (or parties) caused or contributed to a pedestrian accident.

Let an experienced Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyer help ensure that the party or parties responsible for your pain, struggles, and suffering is held responsible and that you are fully and fairly compensated. Our extensive experience, abundant resources, and steadfast commitment to securing the maximum compensation possible for pedestrian accident victims and their surviving loved ones is what sets Kemp Personal Injury Law apart and what allows us to secure justice for injured victims and their families.

Florida Pedestrian Traffic Regulations

In Florida, the regulations outlined in Statute 316.130 delineate the rights and obligations of both motorists and pedestrians on the roadways. Pursuant to that statute, pedestrians are required by law to adhere to traffic signals, utilize designated crosswalks and sidewalks, and refrain from stepping into the path of oncoming vehicles; however, motorists also bear significant responsibilities, including:

• Motorists must yield to pedestrians within crosswalks where traffic signals or signage are present. Even in the absence of such signals or signs, drivers are obligated to yield to pedestrians.
• Passing another vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians within a crosswalk is prohibited for motorists.
• Motorists are mandated to exercise caution and take evasive action to avoid colliding with pedestrians, especially in the presence of children or individuals who may be confused or incapacitated.
• Failure by a motorist to adhere to these traffic laws can be deemed as negligence. In the event of a collision between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian, the motorist may be held legally accountable for any resulting injuries due to such negligent behavior.

Failing to obey a traffic law can often serve as the basis for a claim of negligence in a lawsuit against a motorist when that failure to obey the law caused or contributed to a pedestrian accident. Negligence, in turn, must be proven by an injured victim for the victim to be entitled to compensation from the negligent party for the injuries or loss caused by the accident.

What Causes Lakeland Pedestrian Accidents?

Florida’s temperate climate coupled with its status as a favored tourist destination results in considerable pedestrian traffic throughout the state. Unfortunately, it also contributes to Florida’s ranking near the top of the list of states with the highest pedestrian accident injury rates.

• Driving Aggressively: Driving aggressively, including weaving in and out of lanes, failing to yield, and tailgating makes it more likely that the driver will fail to notice a pedestrian until it is too late to avoid a collision.
• Speed. In almost 1 in 10 pedestrian accidents, speed plays a role. Speeding in urban areas is particularly likely to add to the likelihood that a motorist will miss the presence of a pedestrian.
• Failing to obey traffic laws. Disobeying traffic laws, many of which are specifically intended to keep pedestrians safe, increases the risk to pedestrians in the vicinity of a motorist.
• Age. The State of Florida is inundated with retirees who frequently enjoy the ability to walk year-round. Sadly, victims over the age of 60 make up over 30 percent of the pedestrian fatalities in the state.
• Driving Distracted. Defined as any activity that could divert attention from the primary task of driving by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), someone dies, on average, every day in the U.S. because of a distracted driving collision.
• Driving While Impaired. Despite efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, about 30 percent of pedestrians ages 16 or older killed in motor vehicle crashes had a BAC of 0.08 or greater.

What Are Some Common Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

It should come as no surprise given the massive difference in weight and speed, that the pedestrian typically fares much worse than the motorist when a vehicle collides with a pedestrian. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Neck and back injuries.
• Internal organ damage.
• Soft tissue injury, including strains and sprains.
• Paralysis and other spinal cord injuries.
• Broken bones.
• Loss of a limb.
• “Road rash”
• Lacerations and scarring.
• Death

Get Reliable, Experienced Legal Help with Your Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Case

Attorney Adam Kemp is dedicated to seeking justice for victims injured or tragically lost in Lakeland pedestrian accidents. At Kemp Personal Injury Law, our commitment is to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that victims receive the compensation they rightfully deserve. With his background as an associate at one of America’s leading personal injury firms and as a former prosecuting attorney, attorney Adam Kemp possesses the skills and resources necessary to effectively advocate for injured individuals and their families affected by Lakeland pedestrian accidents.

If you have been injured in a Lakeland pedestrian accident or have lost a loved one in such an incident, contact a knowledgeable Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyer at Kemp Personal Injury Law to discuss your legal options. Our mission is to ensure that victims of preventable pedestrian accidents are fully and fairly compensated by the responsible parties. Reach out to our team today for a complimentary initial consultation by calling 863-225-0254 or by filling out our convenient online contact form.