Pedestrians at Most Risk in Automobile Accidents
Jason B. Goldman • May 18, 2023
Pedestrian accident deaths are on the rise in the United States. While other countries have managed to reduce pedestrian fatalities, the U.S. has seen an increase each year over the past decade. Florida ranks as the second worst state for pedestrian deaths, accounting for 12% of all such fatalities in the country. Florida, California, Georgia, Texas, and Arizona together make up nearly half of all pedestrian accident deaths in the U.S.
Several factors contribute to this alarming trend in Florida:
- Distracted, careless drivers: This has always been an issue, but smartphones and in-vehicle technology have amplified the danger. The desire to be constantly available comes with the risk of not focusing on driving safely.
- Larger vehicles: SUVs and crossovers account for about 50% of the market share for all passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. These larger vehicles are harder for the average driver to control.
- An older population: Older people in some communities are more likely to walk than drive. They are more vulnerable to accidents due to slower movement and diminished vision, hearing, and reflexes. When involved in pedestrian accidents, they face a higher risk of serious and fatal injuries.
How We Can Help You After a Pedestrian Accident
Victims of pedestrian accidents, or the surviving loved ones of those killed in such incidents, face challenges in both their personal lives and in pursuing claims against the at-fault party. Our experienced, highly rated personal injury attorneys will guide you and your family every step of the way.
Every case is different, but some potential avenues we help pedestrian accident victims or surviving loved ones explore include:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP coverage is required for Florida motorists, per F.S. 627.736. Obtaining available PIP coverage for an injured pedestrian helps pay medical expenses and lost wages.
- Maximizing compensation for the injured: Pedestrian injuries are often severe due to the lack of safety equipment. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to maximize the value of your claim. Common forms of injury damages include:
- Past and future medical expenses related to your injuries
- Loss of ability if your injuries are permanent in nature
- Loss of income if you need time off work to recover
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Third-party liability claims: You may have a claim against the company that employed the driver responsible for your accident if they were working at the time of the crash. Vehicle owners are also financially responsible for pedestrian injuries caused by their vehicle.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): UM/UIM coverage may compensate a pedestrian covered under a policy even if they weren't driving at the time of the accident. UM/UIM covers pedestrians injured or killed by drivers without insurance, without enough insurance, or by hit-and-run drivers.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident in Southwest Florida, please call. Don't face large insurance companies and their attorneys and adjusters alone – we can help.
How GTS Law Firm Can Help
At GTS Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys are committed to providing personalized legal representation to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that come with personal injuries, and we're here to help you every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else's negligence, don't hesitate to contact GTS Law Firm for a free consultation. Let our team help you get the compensation you deserve. Call (941) 625-6666.
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Halloween is one of Charlotte County’s most festive traditions—costumes, candy, and community celebrations light up neighborhoods across Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and beyond. But amid the fun, the risk of preventable accidents rises significantly. At GTS Law Firm, we believe being prepared protects not only your good times but also your rights if something goes wrong. Why Halloween Poses Extra Risks Increased pedestrian traffic – Children and families fill sidewalks and driveways, often emerging suddenly from between parked cars. Reduced visibility – Costumes, dusk lighting and unfamiliar routes can make it hard for drivers and trick-or-treaters alike to see each other. Distractions & altered terrain – Drivers might be focused on the festivities, while children may be carrying bulky bags or wearing masks that restrict vision. Top Safety Tips for Families & Drivers For families: Use flashlights or glow-sticks so children are visible. Choose costumes that fit well and use reflective tape or bright colors. Walk on sidewalks. If none are available, walk facing traffic and stay as far left as possible. Cross the street at intersections and look both ways before you step out. Inspect all candy at home before snacking—especially if younger children are involved. For drivers: Slow down in residential areas and approach driveways, curbs and sidewalks cautiously. Avoid distractions—phones, music or passing out candy should not take your focus from the roadway. Be extra vigilant between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., when pedestrian traffic peaks in Charlotte County neighborhoods. Park safely so you don’t block crosswalks or create hidden zones where children may step into traffic. What This Means If an Accident Happens Even when we all take precautions, accidents still happen. If your child is injured, or you’re involved in a collision while trick-or-treating, the same principles apply as in any personal injury claim in Florida: duty, breach, causation and damages. At GTS Law Firm, we’ve handled cases across Charlotte County where visibility, distraction or faulty premises played a role. Our team can help you understand if you may have a claim and guide you through the legal steps. Final Thoughts Halloween is meant to be fun—and with a little planning, it can be safe too. Whether you’re handing out candy or driving home afterwards, be alert and respectful of your neighbors. GTS Law Firm is proud to serve the Charlotte County community—not just when something goes wrong, but every day we help you stay safe and informed. If you or a loved one is injured due to another party’s negligence, we’re here to help. Please call (941) 625-6666 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation. Wishing everyone a spooky and safe Halloween from your local team at GTS Law Firm.
Getting injured because of someone else’s negligence is stressful enough but what happens if the person or business responsible doesn’t live in Florida? Many people wonder if they can pursue a personal injury claim against someone out-of-state. The answer is yes, but there are some important details to understand. How Out-of-State Laws Affect Your Case When a defendant lives outside Florida, courts may need to consider jurisdiction . Essentially, whether Florida courts have the authority to hear the case. In many situations, if the incident happened in Florida or caused harm here, the court can still proceed. Additionally, different states have different laws regarding personal injury claims, including statutes of limitations, liability rules, and damages. This can affect how a case is filed and what compensation may be available. Steps to Take Consult an Experienced Attorney: A skilled Florida personal injury attorney can determine whether your case can proceed here or if another state’s laws may apply. Gather Evidence: Documentation such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements is crucial, especially if the defendant is out-of-state. Understand Service of Process: The defendant must be formally notified of the lawsuit. Serving someone in another state follows specific legal procedures to ensure the court has jurisdiction. Consider Legal Strategy: Sometimes, pursuing a claim in Florida is straightforward; other times, filing in the defendant’s home state may be necessary. Your attorney will guide you through the best approach. Protect Your Rights Handling a case with an out-of-state defendant can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone . The team at GTS Law Firm has experience helping clients pursue personal injury claims, even when the responsible party lives outside Florida. We focus on protecting your rights and working toward the compensation you deserve. Contact GTS Law Firm today to speak with an attorney about your personal injury case. (941) 625-6666
Getting injured because of someone else’s negligence is stressful enough but what happens if the person or business responsible doesn’t live in Florida? Many people wonder if they can pursue a personal injury claim against someone out-of-state. The answer is yes, but there are some important details to understand. How Out-of-State Laws Affect Your Case When a defendant lives outside Florida, courts may need to consider jurisdiction . Essentially, whether Florida courts have the authority to hear the case. In many situations, if the incident happened in Florida or caused harm here, the court can still proceed. Additionally, different states have different laws regarding personal injury claims, including statutes of limitations, liability rules, and damages. This can affect how a case is filed and what compensation may be available. Steps to Take Consult an Experienced Attorney: A skilled Florida personal injury attorney can determine whether your case can proceed here or if another state’s laws may apply. Gather Evidence: Documentation such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements is crucial, especially if the defendant is out-of-state. Understand Service of Process: The defendant must be formally notified of the lawsuit. Serving someone in another state follows specific legal procedures to ensure the court has jurisdiction. Consider Legal Strategy: Sometimes, pursuing a claim in Florida is straightforward; other times, filing in the defendant’s home state may be necessary. Your attorney will guide you through the best approach. Protect Your Rights Handling a case with an out-of-state defendant can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone . The team at GTS Law Firm has experience helping clients pursue personal injury claims, even when the responsible party lives outside Florida. We focus on protecting your rights and working toward the compensation you deserve. Contact GTS Law Firm today to speak with an attorney about your personal injury case. (941) 625-6666
When it comes to staying safe on the road, habits matter. Many car accidents are not caused by reckless behavior or extreme conditions, but by everyday driving habits that increase risk over time. From texting while driving to consistently rolling through stop signs, these seemingly minor behaviors can have serious consequences. Common Driving Habits That Lead to Accidents Distracted Driving – Phones, navigation systems, or even conversations with passengers can take attention away from the road. Distracted driving contributes to thousands of accidents each year. Following Too Closely – Tailgating reduces reaction time and can turn a minor slowdown into a major collision. Speeding in Familiar Areas – Drivers often feel comfortable speeding on roads they know well, underestimating risks like sudden stops or pedestrian crossings. Improper Lane Changes – Not checking mirrors or blind spots increases the chance of side collisions. Rolling Through Stop Signs and Traffic Signals – A habit of ignoring stop signs or lights, even slightly, can lead to intersection accidents. Why Habits Matter Repeated behaviors form patterns. Even safe drivers can develop risky habits over time without realizing it. Insurance companies, accident investigators, and courts often consider a driver’s habits when determining fault or liability after a crash. Protect Yourself and Others Be mindful of your driving habits – Small adjustments can prevent accidents. Avoid distractions – Keep your focus on the road at all times. Maintain safe following distances – Give yourself enough time to react. Follow traffic laws consistently – Stop signs and lights exist to protect everyone. At GTS Law Firm , we understand how habitual driving behaviors can affect accident outcomes. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision caused by another driver’s habits, our experienced team is here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your rights. (941) 625-6666