There are more than 6 million accidents that take place each year in the United States and when you are the victim of an accident the last thing you need to deal with is a driver who flees the scene. Unfortunately for the state of Florida, there is a high rate of hit-and-runs. Florida comes in at number 3 in the country for hit-and-run accidents. New Mexico and Louisiana are also on top of hit-and-run accidents.
According to a study that was performed by the American Automobile Association, during 10 years between 2006 and 2016 hit-and-run accidents across the country were on the rise. There were a reported 682,000 that occurred every year in the country during this timeframe. The country lost 2,049 lives from hit-and-run accidents in 2016 alone. This marked a 60% increase in these accidents from 2009. For the state of Florida, 2006-2016 saw an increase in hit-and-run accidents by 7.2%.
How Can You Decrease Your Risk For Hitting A Pedestrian?
The human body takes a great toll when a car smashes into it. It is important for both the driver and pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings to make sure that they stay safe. Here are a couple of tips:
- Always be alert about what is around you and what is happening in your environment. At any point a pedestrian can come onto the street, children especially are known for randomly running out in the roadways. It is not as easy for drivers to see a quick action of a person versus that of a car so being cognizant of what is going on around you is important to ensure that you can anticipate a possible hazard on the road.
- Know where you are driving. Certain areas have a higher risk for accidents and they are labeled to let the driver know. School zones, bus stops, and busy shopping areas will have many people all over the streets and sidewalks. Especially when kids are around, it is extremely important to keep an eye out.
- Patience is important and it is vital to be kind on the road with others. Sharing the road with bicyclists and runners means giving them more space and taking care to pass or driver near. Always reduce your speed when around these vulnerable groups.
Should you still end up in a situation where you are in an accident with a pedestrian there are a couple of things you should do:
- Stay on the scene
- Assist with injuries
- Call 911
- Mark the scene by turning your flashers on or putting out neon-colored cones to alert other drivers of the accident scene.
- Make sure to file a report at your local police station in the event an officer doesn’t make it out.
How To Obtain Compensation In Florida After A Pedestrian Accident
The best way to ensure your legal rights are protected and you obtain the most compensation for your injuries and damages is to obtain the help of a talented Florida pedestrian accident injury attorney. At the Vaughan Law Group, we have many years working these types of cases and we know how to take on the insurance companies so that victims receive the settlement they expect and deserve.
The Orlando personal injury attorneys at the Vaughan Law Group have more than three decades of experience fighting on behalf of victims in the state of Florida. Don’t wait to call the Vaughan Law Group’s team of Orlando serious injury attorneys at (407) 648-1426 to schedule your free consultation.
