Land O’ Lakes Pedestrian Accident Attorney
As innocent as it seems, few activities are as potentially dangerous as sharing the streets with motor vehicles as a pedestrian. Here in Land O’ Lakes, your chances of getting hurt in a pedestrian accident are worse than you probably think. Florida is consistently one of the most dangerous states to be a pedestrian in, with many cities across the state—including nearby Tampa—recognized as some of the most hazardous in the country for walkers.
While Land O’ Lakes offers a more suburban environment with quieter streets compared to Tampa, pedestrian accidents are still a growing concern in Pasco County and the surrounding area. These accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Across the nation, pedestrian collisions are on the rise, with an alarming increase in hit-and-run cases, which can make securing compensation for injuries even more challenging.
Moore Law can help. Attorney Eric Moore has over three decades of experience handling personal injury matters, first for defendants and now exclusively for plaintiffs, giving him the knowledge and perspective to know how much your case is worth and what it takes to secure the compensation you need. Contact Moore Law today for immediate assistance from a skilled and experienced Land O’ Lakes pedestrian accident attorney ready to advocate aggressively on your behalf while remaining open and responsive to your concerns to ensure your needs are being met.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Land O’ Lakes and Pasco County?
Pasco County reports hundreds of pedestrian crashes annually, many of which result in serious injuries or fatalities. Lacking any protection from impact, pedestrians are especially vulnerable to harm after being hit by a motor vehicle, and nearly every pedestrian accident ends in serious injury or worse. Motor vehicle occupants, on the other hand, have significantly lower injury rates, thanks to the protection provided by seat belts and the security of a crash-worthy metal outer surface.
Negligent driving behaviors often place pedestrians at significant risk, even when they follow traffic laws. Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Land O’ Lakes include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone.
- Speeding in school zones or residential areas.
- Failing to yield at crosswalks or intersections.
- Drunk or impaired driving.
- Drivers pulling out of driveways or side streets without checking for pedestrians.
- Running stop signs or red lights.
- Passing vehicles that have stopped to allow pedestrians to cross the street, which is both illegal and highly dangerous.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often cause life-changing injuries due to the lack of protection pedestrians have compared to vehicle occupants. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Fractures, especially in the legs, arms, and ribs.
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding.
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis or herniated discs.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), such as concussions or brain hemorrhages.
- Torn ligaments or tendons.
- Emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Fatal injuries, which may lead to wrongful death claims.
These injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle adjustments. Pursuing maximum compensation is essential to cover these costs and secure your future.
When Pedestrians Do and Don’t Have the Right-of-Way in Land O’ Lakes
Florida law establishes clear rules for pedestrian rights and responsibilities to promote safety. Pedestrians must use sidewalks when available. If sidewalks are unavailable, they should walk on the left shoulder of the road, in the opposite direction of oncoming traffic, which increases visibility. Pedestrians are required to yield to vehicles when crossing outside of designated crosswalks. For their part, motorists are required to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks. They must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has safely crossed the road. Swerving around vehicles stopped at crosswalks is illegal and poses serious risks.
Compensation for Injured Pedestrians
Injured pedestrians can benefit from the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage offered by their auto insurance policy. PIP benefits provide up to $10,000 for medical expenses and lost wages. If they don’t have PIP insurance, they can file a claim on the policy of another driver in the household or file a claim through the at-fault driver’s policy.
For serious injuries, victims may pursue a civil claim against the at-fault driver for the full extent of their damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. However, pursuing compensation beyond PIP coverage requires proving that the driver’s negligence caused the accident. Insurance companies often try to blame pedestrians to minimize their liability. At Moore Law, we know these tactics and how to build a strong case to secure fair compensation for our clients.
Contact Moore Law for Help After a Pedestrian Accident in Land O’ Lakes
If you or a family member has been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Land O’ Lakes, contact Moore Law for immediate assistance. Call 813-510-5400 for a free evaluation of your case. With decades of experience in personal injury law, we will fight to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you—get Moore.
