Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
WSVN reported on the tragic death of a teenager after a hit-and-run accident.
Our Palm Beach personal injury lawyers know that we have one of the deadliest states for pedestrian accidents. An experienced attorney will help you discover the responsible party, identify their insurance company, and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case for your injury claim.
The accident occurred near the intersection of Northwest 27th Avenue and 199th Street, according to Florida Highway Patrol. The 14-year-old was walking with his older brother returning home from shopping when a pickup truck hit him and kept going. Good Samaritans offered assistance until paramedics arrived on the scene. The child was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he died from him injuries.
Injuries from a pedestrian accident caused by a car, truck or bus can be devastating. Such injuries can include disfigurement, fractured bones, brain and head trauma, spinal cord injuries, paraplegia and quadriplegia.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration there were 4,092 pedestrian deaths and 59,000 pedestrians injured in 2009. Their deaths made up 12 percent of all traffic fatalities. In Florida there were 2,558 total traffic-related fatalities. Of these, 466 were pedestrians. Ranking only behind California (563) for the state with the most pedestrian deaths.
Some safety tips that may help prevent a pedestrian from being involved in an accident include:
-Obey the traffic signals and cross the street only at a crosswalk.
-At night, carry a flashlight and wear reflective material.
-Watch for vehicles that may be backing up or turning.
-Always make eye contact with the driver before crossing the street in front of their car.
-Before crossing always look left, right and then left again.
-Don’t be using a cell phone or listening to music while crossing the street.
-Walk quickly but never run when crossing the street.
-Only walk on sidewalks and pathways.
-If pathways and sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach or the surrounding areas, contact the personal injury lawyers at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC. Call for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights at 1-800-529-2368.