Our Knowledgeable Florida Accident Lawyers Discuss Common Pedestrian Injuries
Florida is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians in the United States. In 2021, Florida had one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the nation, with 833 pedestrian deaths, according to data from the Governors Highway Safety Association. 
Pedestrian accidents can result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the vulnerability of those on foot when they’re struck by a car, truck, motorcycle, or bicycle. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Spetsas Buist can help you understand your rights and legal options.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Florida
A pedestrian is defined as anyone “on foot,” and that includes runners, walkers, skateboarders, people in wheelchairs, and roller skaters. However, a bicyclist is not considered a pedestrian.
If you are on foot and struck by a vehicle, even a seemingly minor collision can cause debilitating injuries that require extensive medical care and time away from work to recover. Some of the most common injuries suffered by victims in vehicle-pedestrian accidents in Florida include the following:
Head and Brain Injuries
Head and brain injuries are some of the most catastrophic types of pedestrian accident injuries. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, their head can violently hit the windshield or hood of the car, or they can be thrown to the pavement. This blunt-force trauma can cause:
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Skull fractures
- Hemorrhaging
- Cognitive impairment
- Memory loss
Brain injuries from pedestrian crashes can have lifelong consequences, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, loss of motor skills, personality changes, and an inability to live independently or work.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
The force exerted by a vehicle collision can compress, fracture, or dislocate vertebrae in the spinal column, leading to severe back and spine injuries such as:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete loss of sensation and mobility below the injury site. Spinal cord injury victims often require lifelong care, mobility aids, home modifications, and other life changes that have significant medical costs.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force involved in pedestrian-vehicle collisions makes broken bones a very common injury for pedestrians, including:
- Broken legs
- Broken arms
- Fractured hips
- Fractured pelvis
Compound fractures, where the broken bone punctures through the skin, have a high risk of infection and complications. Fractures may require surgery to implant plates, rods, or pins to stabilize and align the bones for proper healing. Broken bones take months to heal, making it difficult or impossible to work during recovery.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and crush injuries are also very common in pedestrian accidents. Internal organ lacerations or ruptured organs require emergency surgical intervention.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Even lower-impact pedestrian collisions can cause soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears involving the following:
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Muscles
- Cartilage
While soft tissue injuries may seem less severe, these can still be extremely painful and disabling, especially during the recovery process.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
There are several common causes of pedestrian accidents in Florida, including:
- Distracted driving. Distracted drivers who are texting, changing radio stations, engaging with in-vehicle infotainment systems, eating, or aren’t paying attention to the road often fail to see pedestrians until it's too late to avoid a collision.
- Impaired driving. Drunk or drugged driving is a major factor in pedestrian crashes, as impairment severely impacts reaction time and judgment.
- Failure to yield. If a driver fails to properly yield the right of way to a pedestrian at intersections, crosswalks, and other crossing areas, they put the pedestrian at a high risk of an accident.
- Speeding. Higher speeds increase pedestrian accident risk by reducing a driver's ability to see and react in time while increasing the severity of the impact.
- Poor lighting and visibility. Many pedestrian accidents happen in low-light conditions where drivers struggle to see people on foot.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accident injuries can leave you with expensive medical bills, lost wages during recovery, long-term disability, and a diminished quality of life. Having an experienced Florida pedestrian accident lawyer on your side can help recover the compensation you deserve by:
- Investigating the accident to determine liability and negligence
- Gathering evidence to build a strong case
- Dealing with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiating a maximum settlement for your damages
- Taking your case to trial if negotiations with the insurance company do not result in a fair settlement
No amount of money can undo serious pedestrian accident injuries, but getting the compensation needed to pay for care and hold negligent parties accountable is important. Our skilled pedestrian accident attorneys will advocate tirelessly for your rights.