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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.