With nightlife, shopping and pristine beaches all in close proximity, West Palm Beach is a popular place for people to get around on foot. Many people who work in Palm Beach County also walk as their primary of transportation, using their lunch breaks and morning and evening commutes as opportunities to soak in the sun and ocean air. Unfortunately, while walking has proven health benefits, in areas with heavy traffic – including most areas of Palm Beach County – it also carries the risk of being injured in a pedestrian accident. Over the past few years, Palm Beach County has seen an average of almost two pedestrian accidents every single day, with roughly five percent of these accidents resulting in pedestrian fatalities. Here are the statistics, according toFlorida’s Integrated Report Exchange System (FIRES): 2014: 634 pedestrian accidents and 35 pedestrian fatalities 2015: 604 pedestrian accidents and 35 pedestrian fatalities 2016: 635 pedestrian accidents and 35 pedestrian fatalities 2017 (last updated April 26): 196 pedestrian accidents and 10 pedestrian fatalities These figures do not include bicycle accidents, of which there are also hundreds every year. Why Do Drivers Hit Pedestrians? To most of us, it seems easy enough to avoid hitting pedestrians: stay alert, stay in your lane and obey the law. Unfortunately, as the data show, many drivers make mistakes that have devastating consequences for pedestrians and their families. Some of the most common factors inpedestrian accidentsinclude: Talking, Texting and Using Social Media Behind the Wheel. Over the past several years, phone use behind the wheel has become a leading cause of all types of vehicle collisions. Other Driving Distractions. Setting music playlists, following GPS directions to the beach, eating and drinking, and a variety of other in-car distractions can all prevent drivers from seeing pedestrians. Aggressive Driving. Speeding, running red lights, trying to pass on the shoulder and other aggressive driving behaviors all put pedestrians in Palm Beach County at risk as well. Inattentive Driving. In many cases, drivers are not necessarily distracted or being aggressive, but are simply inattentive to their surroundings. Despite the fact that we have so many pedestrians in Palm Beach County, many drivers still do not think to look for pedestrians at intersections or on the side of the road. Failure to Yield. Some drivers do not understand the rules of the road. For example, many drivers mistakenly believe that if they have a green light this necessarily means that they have the right-of-way to make a right turn – and they assume pedestrians will behave accordingly. As a result, many cases involve accidents where the driver saw the pedestrian and failed to yield. Get Help for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, it is important to learn about your rights. Our firm has offices in West Palm Beach, and our attorneys regularly represent clients who have been injured and lost loved ones in pedestrian accidents. We offer free initial consultations and do not charge any legal fees unless we win. To discuss your case in confidence, call (800) 780-8607 orcontact us onlinetoday.
...read more