Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Most Often Occur in Tampa?

A pedestrian accident can be a life-changing experience. A nice walk can turn into a nightmare with long-lasting consequences in the blink of an eye. With an estimated population of nearly 400,000, Tampa is no stranger to pedestrian accidents.

Tampa is a densely populated city, with over 3,370 people per square mile. The city’s excellent year-round weather makes it an ideal place for pedestrians. Many people run errands, go shopping, and go to/from work on foot. Unfortunately, more people on the streets also means more pedestrian accidents.

While you can get hit by a car pretty much anywhere, some locations in Tampa tend to be more dangerous than others. Below are some of the hotspots for pedestrian accidents in the city of Tampa. If you suffered injuries, consult a Tampa pedestrian accident attorney immediately.

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Tampa, Florida, and Pedestrian Safety

Statistically speaking, pedestrians are more likely to die in Tampa and other places throughout Tampa Bay than in New York City, which is often considered to be the most accident-prone area for pedestrians.

According to a recent report, Tampa Bay was the fourth-deadliest metro area for pedestrians in the entire country, with a pedestrian fatality rate of 3.55 per 100,000 people. In fact, the situation is becoming worse by the year, as Tampa Bay was ranked eighth in recent years.

The city of Tampa is part of the Vision Zero effort, which is focused on making streets safer for pedestrians to eliminate all deaths and life-altering injuries among those who navigate the city on foot.

Most Pedestrian Accidents Occur Outside of Crosswalks

Contrary to what many people might think, most accidents in which pedestrians get struck occur outside of marked crosswalks and other designated areas for walking. Statistically speaking, close to three-fourths of fatal pedestrian accidents occur outside of a crosswalk or intersection.

Most pedestrians lost their lives on interstates or highways, rural roadways, and on the street’s mid-block. Only 18 percent occurred when the pedestrian was crossing in an intersection, and 9 percent took place in parking lots, driveways, shoulders of the road, sidewalks, and other areas.

Common Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents in Tampa

When a pedestrian is struck by a car, the lack of protection compared to vehicle occupants often results in severe injuries.

Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, pedestrians are not sitting in an enclosed vehicle made of steel and metal with safety features such as airbags and seatbelts. That is why, when an accident occurs, injuries suffered by pedestrians can be substantial and even life-threatening.

Some of the common types of injuries include:

• Head injuries. Head injuries are some of the most severe outcomes of being hit by a car as a pedestrian. This can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can lead to long-term cognitive issues or even be life-threatening.

• Fractures and broken bones. Pedestrians may suffer from fractures or broken bones upon impact, particularly in the legs, arms, and pelvis. Recovering from such injuries often requires surgery and extensive physical therapy.

• Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries due to either the direct impact or the twisting forces of a collision can result in partial or full paralysis. The implications of such injuries are profound and often permanent, affecting nearly all aspects of the victim’s life.

• Soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries include sprains and strains caused by the overstretching or tearing of ligaments and tendons. These injuries can lead to extreme pain and limited mobility.

• Internal injuries. The force of a collision can cause internal injuries, including damage to internal organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

• Neck injuries. Neck injuries like whiplash occur when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward. This can damage the muscles and ligaments in the neck and lead to prolonged pain and stiffness.

• Cuts, bruises, and lacerations. The trauma of being hit can lead to various cuts, bruises, and lacerations, potentially from the impact itself or from secondary factors such as broken glass.

• Road rash and skin abrasions. Road rash occurs when skin skids across pavement, resulting in abrasions or severe skin loss. Recovery may require skin grafts and can leave scarring.

• Amputations. In severe cases, pedestrians may suffer traumatic amputations of limbs, either during the collision or as a required surgical procedure after the accident due to extensive damage.

• Psychological trauma. Pedestrian accidents can cause significant psychological distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can manifest in anxiety, nightmares, or fear of crossing streets, adversely affecting the victim’s quality of life.

Every year, about 60,000 pedestrians suffer injuries after being hit by a car across the United States. On average, a pedestrian suffers an injury every nine minutes in traffic accidents across the country.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Tampa, Florida

One or multiple factors can contribute to pedestrian accidents in Tampa or other parts of the state.

Some of the most common factors that contribute to accidents in which pedestrians get hit by cars include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving, including texting while driving
• Driving under the influence
• Fatigued driving
• Running red lights
• Road rage
• Poor visibility
• Adverse weather conditions
• Left turns
• Right turns
• Failure to yield the right of way

When a pedestrian gets hit, they may be entitled to compensation. However, pedestrians are not always aware of their legal rights and options. The section below will discuss the compensation options available to injured pedestrians in Tampa and other parts of Florida.

Financial Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident in Tampa, FL

Florida – being a no-fault insurance state – offers specific legal avenues to recover costs associated with injuries after a pedestrian accident. The state requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for owners of vehicles with a current Florida registration pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 627.7407.

PIP coverage is usually the first recourse for anyone injured in an accident, including pedestrians. This means that after an accident, you will typically file a claim with your own insurance company to cover medical bills and certain other losses, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.

Seeking compensation through insurance for injured pedestrians in Florida includes the following options:

• Filing a PIP claim. If you own a vehicle in Florida and have PIP coverage, you will start by filing a claim under this policy. Your PIP insurance can help pay for medical expenses, lost income, and death benefits up to your policy’s limits, usually $10,000.
• Using health insurance. If you exhaust your PIP coverage, your health insurance may cover additional medical expenses. However, keep in mind that copays or deductibles might apply.
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If the driver responsible for the accident lacks sufficient insurance or cannot be identified (a hit and run), you can seek compensation under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you have it.

There are circumstances under which you can pursue a claim directly against the at-fault driver’s insurance in Florida:

• Serious injury threshold. Florida law allows you to pursue a claim against the other driver if you suffer a severe injury, such as significant disfigurement, significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, or death (Fla. Stat. § 627.737).
• Insufficient PIP coverage. Suppose your PIP coverage does not fully cover your losses, and you have met the serious injury threshold. In that case, you may file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or a personal injury lawsuit.

In cases of serious injuries or if the insurance claim does not adequately cover your losses, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Remember that Florida has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, generally four years from the accident date under Fla. Stat. § 95.11.

What a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Will Do for You

While, technically, you can pursue compensation after a pedestrian accident on your own, you might want to consider the potential benefits of being represented by a lawyer.

Here are some of the ways a pedestrian accident lawyer in Tampa can help you:

• Secure all accident-related evidence. Your lawyer will work tirelessly to gather all relevant evidence, including surveillance footage, witness testimonies, police reports, and expert testimonies. This step is critical in building a strong case.

• Establish liability for your damages. Your lawyer’s role is to analyze the gathered evidence and apply their understanding of the law to establish liability in the accident. They will examine the details of your collision to identify all available liability and insurance coverage sources.

• Document your damages. Proving the extent of your damages is critical to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will document all of your economic and non-economic damages, which may include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and others.

• Calculate the value of a fair settlement. Understanding how much your claim is worth is key to a fair settlement. Your lawyer will consider current and future expenses related to your injury, pain and suffering, and any lasting effects to determine a fair settlement amount.

• Handle negotiations on your behalf. Insurance companies may employ tactics to minimize payout amounts. Your pedestrian accident attorney will negotiate with the insurer to protect your interests. They will fend off low-ball offers and argue for a settlement that reflects the true value of your claim.

• Take your case to trial if necessary. If negotiations fail and you cannot agree on a mutually favorable deal, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial. They will argue your case before a judge or jury to help you obtain the justice and compensation you are entitled to.

Getting prompt medical care or mourning the loss of a loved one is likely to be the first thing you focus on after a pedestrian accident. However, you will eventually start asking questions about your legal rights and options. You do not have to simply wonder about what you should do or your possible relief.

A consultation with a lawyer can only benefit you in many ways, and it will cost you nothing. Most personal injury attorneys in Tampa offer free, no-obligation consultations so you can learn more about your options for taking legal action without any financial commitment.

Never delay in seeking your free consultation with a trusted Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer today.