Despite the installation of traffic lights and the enactment of specific laws regulating pedestrian traffic throughout the area, Lakeland streets can still be dangerous for pedestrians.
Pedestrian accidents often cause devastating injuries. Pedestrians often have little or no protection from the road around them or the vehicle hitting them; Unlike passengers in a vehicle, they don't have a metal cage to protect them. As a result, victims of pedestrian accidents often suffer serious and permanent complications from their injuries.
Were you injured in a pedestrian accident in Lakeland? Frank and Jennifer Fernandez of The Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Lawyers have helped countless Lakeland pedestrian accident victims obtain the compensation they truly deserve for injuries sustained in these accidents.ContactALakeland Pedestrian Accident LawyerinsideFernandez FirmaAccidental Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation.
Fernandez Personal Injury Lawyers: Why You Should Choose Us
The accidental injury attorneys at Fernandez Law Firm are 100% dedicated to helping victims receive the personal injury compensation they are entitled to. Frank and Jennifer Fernandez have worked on thousands of personal injury claims for over 25 years.
Pedestrian Hazards in Lakeland
Florida remains one of the most dangerous states in the United States for pedestrians and cyclists, and Lakeland has one of the most dangerous areas in the state, due, at least in part, to the city's layout and several distinct hazards that increase the risk of accidents. with pedestrians. .
Poor lighting at intersections
Bright lighting can make a big difference for pedestrians in Lakeland. Unfortunately, when drivers of other vehicles cannot see these pedestrians, they are more likely to run over them, often resulting in serious injuries. Poor lighting at busy crosswalks can significantly increase the risk of a serious accident.
crosswalk challenges
Crosswalks throughout Polk County have common problems. Many local residents complain that Lakeland crosswalks are too far apart, which can make pedestrians more likely to cross at unmarked locations.
Where crosswalks exist, especially those at intersections with clear intersection symbols, they often do not allow enough time for the elderly or disabled to cross the intersection safely, which can increase the risk of serious accidents.
Highways have wide lanes that encourage high speeds
At many crosswalks in Lakeland, the roads have unnecessarily wide lanes. These wide lanes can reduce some of the risks for pedestrians and cyclists on the roadside, but they can pose an additional danger to pedestrians trying to cross the road: they increase the speed at which motorists are likely to travel on these roads, which can increase the severity pedestrian collisions.
Additionally, these wide lanes transform into right-turn lanes that can direct drivers directly into intersections, even when pedestrians are using them.
dangerous intersections
Lakeland has many known dangerous intersections that increase risk to motorists and pedestrians.
This can include:
- US 98 Norte e Griffin Road
- Memorial Boulevard e North Florida Avenue
- Avenida South Florida e Lake Miriam Drive
- US 98 de Memorial Boulevard
heavy traffic
Lakeland, Florida sees heavy traffic every day. Unfortunately, heavy traffic can significantly increase the risk of accidents for everyone, including pedestrians who also use these streets and intersections.
Fernández's team is getting results
We achieve the results you need and provide legal advice throughout the legal process. Don't be left unprepared when you can have one of the best legal teams to help you. Contact us today for your advice.
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Frank and Jennifer Fernandez can help pedestrian accident victims in Lakeland
The accidental injury attorneys at Fernandez Law Firm are 100% dedicated to helping injured parties receive the compensation they are entitled to in their personal injury litigation. Frank and Jennifer Fernandez have worked on thousands of personal injury claims for over 25 years.
Frank and Jennifer Fernandez work to help their clients achieve the best possible results for their needs. The company recovered more than $100 million in damages for its clients through jury verdicts and insurance settlements. Past pedestrian accidents include aunjustified death$450,000 to the family of a victim killed in a pedestrian accident and $136,000 to a pedestrian accident victim who sustained serious injuries to her lower back.
While these are past results only and do not guarantee future recovery, at The Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Attorneys, we have a long-standing reputation as Florida personal injury attorneys who go above and beyond to help our clients maximize the compensation they receive. You can bounce back after serious accidents that result in significant injuries.
Many insurers take accident victims more seriously when they have a personal injury attorney to help them maximize their compensation. A personal injury attorney also offers several other benefits for your pedestrian accident claim.
We will help you build your case against the responsible party.
A convincing claim can make a big difference in the compensation you get back for your injuries. At The Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Advogados, we work to help our clients discover all the details of their claims. Our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and all parties involved, from the planners of dangerous intersections to the drivers who performed dangerous road actions that resulted in pedestrian accidents and injuries.
We will help you deal with the health insurance company.
Most Lakeland pedestrian accident claims require you to contact the driver's insurance company. Unfortunately, insurance companies often make it harder than necessary to get the compensation you deserve. At The Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Advogados, we can handle the negotiations for our clients and allow them to focus on the other elements of their recovery.
We help our clients understand the compensation they can expect after pedestrian accidents in Lakeland.
Many insurance companies will try to persuade accident victims to accept a low settlement offer rather than offering these victims the compensation they really deserve for their injuries. At The Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Attorneys, we help our clients understand the compensation they truly deserve for their pedestrian accident injuries and put them in a better position to negotiate with the insurer.
Pedestrian Injury Statistics in Florida and Lakeland
Year-round pleasant weather and the large number of tourist destinations in Florida's largest cities mean that many people prefer to walk to their destinations rather than drive. However, all of the things that make Florida cities like Tampa and Lakeland so pedestrian-friendly can also make them more dangerous for pedestrians.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Florida ranks third nationallypedestrian fatalities. While South Florida is considered the most dangerous part of the state for pedestrians, Tampa—St. Petersburg: The Lakeland area is still quite treacherous.
Between 2010 and 2019, 5,893 pedestrians were killed in Florida. The Tampa St. The Petersburg-Clearwater metro area ranked fifth with 223 pedestrian deaths during that period, while neighboring Lakeland-Winterhaven ranked sixth with 215 pedestrian deaths.
Each number represents a tragically shortened life and a family grieving the loss of a loved one, likely facing financial and unreasonable hardship. A Lakeland pedestrian accident attorney can help your family explore legal options if you've lost a loved one in a traffic accident.
Dig Deeper: Facts About Crashes in Lakeland and Tampa
The number of people hit by motorists while walking in the greater Tampa area, which includes Lakeland,increased by an impressive 45%during the last ten years. What's more, the past four years have been the deadliest for hikers in over 30 years.
While newer vehicles are using safety features that can recognize passers-by, like rear view cameras and motion detectors, cities like Tampa and Lakeland are getting in on the act.Vision Zero road safetyEfforts continue to increase pedestrian accidents.
Some of these sobering facts about pedestrian accidents in the area might surprise you, but they might also encourage you to be careful when walking:
- three pedestrian accidents, occur on average daily
- Hillsborough County diedhighest traffic fatality rate in 2021from large metropolitan areas
- 2021,223 pedestrians died in trafficaccidents
- From 2018 to 2020, there were 1,888 pedestrian accidents in the greater Tampa area
- Alcohol played a role in this.47% of pedestrian trafficaccidents
The United States.Centers for Disease Control(CDC) notes that children and youth are at greater risk of pedestrian crashes than other populations. One in five children under 15 killed in traffic accidents in 2020 was a pedestrian. Many children do not understand traffic rules and do not fully understand the risk that drivers pose.
Did you know that77 percent of Tampa streets have no traffic controls or crosswalks? Pedestrian crossings and traffic lights or traffic lights are responsible for controlling the flow of traffic and keeping pedestrians safe. Without this protection, pedestrians are at greater risk when crossing traffic.
If you were hit by a car while walking or biking in Lakeland or Tampa, contact a pedestrian accident attorney who can help you file a compensation claim against the driver who hit you.
Hillsborough County's Most Dangerous Intersections
While a pedestrian accident can happen every time you step onto a street, some places in the metropolitan area are more dangerous for pedestrians than others.
these are theThe ten most dangerous roadsfor pedestrians in Hillsborough County:
- The section of Brandon Boulevard from Dover Road to Falkenburg Road
- Boyette Road/Gibsonton Drive da Balm Riverview Road até a I-75
- Hillsborough Avenue da Florida Avenue até a Longboat Boulevard
- Fletcher Avenue since 50ANDRoad to Armenia Avenue
- Bearss Avenue Dale Mabry and Hillsborough Avenue
- Lynn Turner de Ehrlich Road e Gunn Highway
- Meridian Avenue da Twiggs Street para a Channelside Drive
- Bruce B. Downs de Bearss Avenue e Fowler Avenue
- 50ANDa 56ANDRua de MLK Boulevard a Hillsborough Avenue
- 15ANDStreet from Fletcher Avenue to Fowler Avenue
Other dangerous crossings in Lakeland include:
- US 98 Norte e Griffin Road
- Memorial Boulevard e North Florida Avenue
- Avenida South Florida e Lake Miriam Drive
- US 98 de Memorial Boulevard
When driving these streets, pay close attention to your surroundings. Wear light clothing at night and consider reflective accessories to increase your visibility. As alcohol plays a significant role in pedestrian crashes, be aware of drivers performing potentially dangerous motor maneuvers, especially at night.
Even with the utmost care, accidents involving pedestrians can still occur. When this happens, consider calling the Fernandez Law Office Accidental Injury Lawyers, experienced pedestrian accident attorneys, to represent you.
Pedestrian Injuries in Lakeland: What to Expect
After pedestrian accidents in Lakeland, many victims suffer serious injuries that can lead to lifelong complications. Without protection from the oncoming vehicle, pedestrians often suffer injuries that can have lifelong consequences.
Common pedestrian accidents in Lakeland include:
- head trauma, which can affect the victim's memory, concentration and emotions
- Spinal cord injuries, which can leave the victim with significantly reduced mobility or even paralysis.
- Amputations, where the victim permanently loses a limb as a result of the pedestrian accident
- Broken bones, including multiple fractures, which may affect the victim's ability to work and participate in recreational activities.
- Street rash resulting from the victim's skin being dragged along the sidewalk
- Back and neck injuries, including herniated disc and muscle injury
Division of Compensation Categories in a Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Claim
After sustaining serious injuries in a Lakeland pedestrian accident, contact The Fernandez Firm Accidental Injury Lawyers to learn more about the compensation you can expect for your injuries. A lawyer cannot guarantee the compensation you will receive for your injuries because pedestrian accident compensation depends on several factors, including the insurance policy that covers the person responsible. However, compensation for pedestrian injuries generally falls into these categories.
Compensation for your medical bills
If you suffered serious injuries in your Lakeland pedestrian accident, you could face huge medical costs. Many victims struggle to pay medical bills, which can include everything from emergency medical treatment to a stay in a long-term care facility or home care while they recover from their injuries.
Keep track of all medical bills related to your Lakeland pedestrian accidents as these medical bills may later form the basis of your claim.
Compensation for lost wages due to your injuries
Loss of wages can be an even more difficult financial problem for many pedestrian accident victims than the medical bills and other bills that often add up after a serious accident. Victims often find it difficult to return to work after being seriously injured in a pedestrian accident.
when you sufferhead traumaFor example, you might have trouble concentrating on your work during this time.spinal cord injuriesThis can mean ongoing challenges with physical activity and normal movement.
Talk to an attorney about wages you lost as a result of your traffic accidents, including lost sick leave or vacation you used to earn some income during your recovery.
If pedestrian accident injuries permanently prevent you from doing your job, you may have reason to claim lost potential earnings as part of your pedestrian accident claim. A claim for loss of earnings can help you get the funds you need to go back to school or get a new certificate to help you find a job in the future.
Compensation for suffering suffered
Pedestrian accidents can cause immense suffering in many ways. First, you may face serious physical hardship while recovering from your injuries. Many pedestrian accident victims struggle with ongoing physical pain, including pain that may not subside with time after the accident.
Other victims may struggle with the mental and emotional distress associated with pedestrian injuries. AamputatedFor example, you may struggle with a loss of independence or an inability to engage in activities you once enjoyed.
TBI can affect emotion regulation as well as focus and concentration; therefore, a TBI victim may have to deal with emotional difficulties along with the physical challenges associated with the accident.
Talk to Frank and Jennifer Fernandez about how pain and suffering can affect your pedestrian accident claim.
Responsible parties in pedestrian accidents in Lakeland
Who is responsible for a pedestrian accident in Lakeland? As a victim of a pedestrian accident, you need to identify the person responsible so that you can pursue a personal injury claim that will help you get the compensation you deserve. At The Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Advogados, we may hold multiple parties responsible when investigating your accident and determining how you should claim compensation.
The driver who hit you
Ultimately, the person behind the wheel of a vehicle is responsible for all actions they take behind the wheel. For drivers involved in pedestrian accidents, a variety of factors can contribute to this accident.
Distracted or drunk driving can significantly increase the driver's risk of causing a serious accident. Excessive speed can make the condition worse.collisionand pedestrian injuries. The driver can also be held liable for disobeying traffic rules, including failing to stop at an intersection or failing to avoid a pedestrian who is already in the crosswalk.
driver's employer
Did your Lakeland pedestrian accident have a driver on watch at the time of the accident? In that case, the driver's employer may share responsibility for the accident and injuries you suffer.
If a delivery driver or commercial driver was involved in your accident and company policy caused or contributed to the accident, you may have reason to file a claim against the driver's employer. If your accident involving a pedestrian involved an Uber or Lyft driver, you may need to claim compensation through the insurance policy offered by the ridesharing company.
A mechanic who recently worked on the vehicle
Mechanical failures can pose a particular danger to pedestrians if the failure occurs while a pedestrian is trying to cross the road. For example, failing brakes can make it impossible for a driver to stop, while steering column problems can prevent a driver from pulling away safely from an accident.
If a mechanic recently worked on a vehicle and certified it roadworthy despite obvious defects, or if the mechanic damaged the vehicle in a way that led to the accident, you may be able to file a claim for damages against the mechanic.
If a company has appropriated a vehicle with damaged or defective parts that caused the accident, you can claim against the vehicle's manufacturer.
Contact The Fernandez Firm accident attorneys to learn more about the culprit in your Lakeland pedestrian accident, how much liability each party may have and how to proceed with your pedestrian accident claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Pedestrian Traffic Accident in Lakeland
While every case is different, our clients at Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Attorneys often ask us similar questions. Here are answers to questions you can ask our pedestrian injury lawyers.
How much is my pedestrian accident worth?
The amount of your compensation depends on the severity of your injury and how much it affected your future ability to work. Every case is different and we will let you know what to expect during your initial consultation.
How much does it cost to have a traffic accident attorney represent me?
Our pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. We charge a percentage of the revenue we earn for you. We don't get paid unless we win.
Are drivers often to blame for pedestrian accidents?
In many cases, drivers are to blame, especially when they hit a pedestrian at a crosswalk or guided intersection.
Who is most at risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident?
Children and the elderly are most at risk of being hit by a car. Older adults may move more slowly than younger adults, while children or teenagers may not recognize the danger of crossing certain areas.
My loved one died from injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident in Lakeland. What legal options do I have?
If a family member is killed by a car, our pedestrian accident lawyers can file a wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf. You will receive compensation as in case of personal injury, in addition to funeral expenses and compensation for the loss of the company and the consortium.
These aren't all the questions you might have about pedestrian accidents in Lakeland. We will address your specific questions about your case in your free initial consultation.
Our Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyers can help
If you were seriously injured in aland of lakesIn Florida, you need an experienced Lakeland pedestrian accident attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve.ContactFrank and Jennifer Fernandez of The Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Advogados today(863) 230-8361for your free advice.
Accidental Injury Lawyers at The Fernandez Firm
100 S. Kentucky Avenue nº 285, Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 230-8066