Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Representing Injured Pedestrians in Jacksonville, FL
We know that walking or biking is good for our health. However, pedestrian deaths account for 17% of all crash-related fatalities. In fact, pedestrian deaths are on the rise, with a 13% increase since 2020.
Jacksonville Ranks Among the Most Dangerous for Pedestrians
Jacksonville is the 6th deadliest city in the nation for pedestrians, with Florida being the deadliest state, according to a report by the National Complete Streets Coalition, an organization that includes AARP and the planning group Smart Growth America that promotes changes in street design. The city's metropolitan area ranked fourth-worst nationally on a "pedestrian danger index." According to the coalition, Florida had eight of the 10 most dangerous metro areas for pedestrians.
Growing Communities Create More Dangerous Walkways
More than half of all pedestrian fatalities occur on arterials, and over 60 percent of these tragedies occur on roads with speed limits of 40 mph or higher. These roads were not planned or designed for more than speeding traffic. Just as we plan and design our communities to protect us from natural disasters, we can and should plan and design our communities to keep pedestrians safe.
Physical separations such as overpasses, underpasses, and barriers can reduce the problem. Increased lighting and improved signal timing at intersections also can be effective. Because traffic speeds affect the risk and severity of pedestrian crashes, reducing speeds can reduce pedestrian deaths. When streets are designed to be safer for people on foot, we get streets that are better for everyone, whether we are driving a car or truck, riding a bicycle, or taking public transit. For a complete review of Florida Law (316.130) pertaining to pedestrian safety click here.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Pedestrians are most at-risk in high foot traffic areas, such as downtown streets, areas with parks or recreation, and school zones. Many pedestrians are killed on crosswalks, sidewalks, median strips, and traffic islands. Victims range from children at school crossings to adults walking through shopping center parking lots.
The majority of these injuries and deaths are the result of:
- Careless drivers of cars, trucks or motorcycles
- Speeding drivers
- Drivers failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
- Drivers failing to observe other traffic signals
- Drunk drivers
Vehicles Are Dangerous By Design
Vehicle factors are important too because the most serious injuries often result from pedestrians being thrown onto the hoods, windshields, or tops of vehicles. Serious head, pelvis, and leg injuries are common, and the severity of such injuries could be mitigated by improving vehicle designs and changing materials.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
Drivers aren’t always looking for runners and cyclists. If the drivers are distracted, they won’t see you. We understand how focused you can get while running or how in the zone you can get when you’re really hitting your stride, but if you are running or biking, make sure you know the rules of the road and how to keep yourself safe:
- If you are running on the shoulder, make sure you run against traffic
- If you are cycling, make sure you ride with traffic
- Always pay attention to the traffic surrounding you
- Always wear reflective clothing and lights if it’s dark outside
Tips for Drivers to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents
Don’t allow yourself to be distracted from the road and the people in front of you. It only takes a second of distraction for tragedy to occur. Remember: no phone call, text message, or song on the radio is more important than getting where you are going safely and without hurting anyone else. You can’t drive safely unless your full attention is devoted to the task of driving.
Coker Law wants everyone to be safe on the roadways. If you need any driving tips or want to learn more about how Coker Law is working to ensure that everyone is safe on the roadways all the way from the car seat to the driver seat, click here to check out our Safer Streets Through Smarter Drivers Initiative.
The Importance of the Coker Law Team Experience
When pedestrians are injured by cars and trucks or other motor vehicles, it's critical to know what to look for when choosing legal representation. The attorneys at Coker Law have the experience, skills, and resources to take action against the drivers of those vehicles that cause these injuries.
Unlike insurance companies that look only to protect their own interests, our firm is dedicated to doing what is right. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate the crash, examine and preserve the evidence, obtain witness statements, and take the steps necessary to overcome the insurance company's tactics. Coker Law's pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to help you obtain justice.
If You're the Victim of a Negligent Driver, What Should You Do?
Coker Law cautions pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to use the roadways carefully. If you are injured by a negligent driver, you may have a case and should speak with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer.
You may qualify to receive compensation for your medical bills, your past and future pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injuries.
To speak with a Coker Law attorney or for more information, call (904) 299-0808 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
