Despite the numerous traffic laws and standards set in place, pedestrian accidents and deaths are gradually increasing in the U.S. No one can predict how many more preventable deaths there will be in the next few years. But, every pedestrian in Florida should have a basic knowledge of the law as it relates to a personal injury.
Roads are becoming more dangerous
In 2020, pedestrian death rates increased to 6,721 fatalities and has shown an increase in 4.8% since 2019, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. The change is significant because the number of vehicles on the road decreased during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. There were significantly increased travel restrictions on the road.
The law in relation to pedestrian accidents
This recent statistic indicates that the roads are becoming more dangerous for pedestrians as only 19 states saw a decline in the number of accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians. This suggests that pedestrians should be more careful when walking on or near roadways. But they also need to understand their legal rights when it comes to pedestrian accidents.
Proving liability is the basic step when pursuing a personal injury claim. The injured person must prove that a particular driver is liable for his or her injuries. The most essential part of the lawsuit is proving negligence and that the driver showed little or no regard for the pedestrian’s safety.
What should pedestrians do after an accident?
Driving is one of the most dangerous activities that humans undertake. Walking alongside speeding cars and trucks can also be extremely dangerous and can lead to injuries. It’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities both as a pedestrian and as a driver to keep the roadways safe.