Why Pedestrian Accidents Increase in the Summer

Why Pedestrian Accidents Increase in the Summer

Pedestrian accidents, unfortunately, result in numerous fatalities every year. In the last decade, Florida experienced nearly 6,000 pedestrian deaths. Even when a pedestrian accident doesn’t result in death, the affected pedestrian is often left with serious or disabling injuries. 

While pedestrian accidents take place throughout the year, accident rates tend to increase during the summer months. There are a few reasons for the increase in pedestrian accidents in the summertime.

What Are the Reasons for the Increase in Pedestrian Accidents?

Some of the most frequently cited reasons for the increase in pedestrian accidents include:

  • Increased foot traffic — More people are out walking, due in part to a desire to avoid the expense and environmental impact of driving, or to increase daily physical activity. In addition, more people are out and about in the summertime because of more tourists as well as more residents on vacation from school and work. In Florida, many people choose to walk during the early morning hours or in the evening to avoid the midday heat, but this means that pedestrians are out in low lighting conditions that can make it harder for motorists to see a pedestrian.
  • Inexperienced teen drivers on the road — With teenagers out of school for summer vacation, they have more time to be behind the wheel. But younger drivers may lack the experience to know how to safely share the road with pedestrians.
  • Increased road construction — More road construction may take place during the summer. Unfortunately, this may result in sidewalks becoming blocked, forcing pedestrians to get closer to vehicular traffic.
  • Increased alcohol use — The summer months host a number of holidays, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, along with other opportunities for barbecues, picnics, and parties. But this also means more opportunities for people to partake in alcohol. Sometimes, people make the dangerous decision to get behind the wheel after drinking, putting pedestrians and others on the road at risk for an accident. 

Other non-summer specific reasons for increased pedestrian accident rates include the growing popularity of SUVs, which post a greater risk of injury and death to pedestrians in a collision, along with a growing prevalence of bad driving habits such as speeding, texting-while driving, reckless driving, or drowsy/fatigued driving.

What to Do If You Were Injured in a Pedestrian Accident

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you can take steps to protect your legal rights and options to pursue a claim for compensation for your injuries and losses:

  • Get the contact and insurance information from the driver that hit you and from any other drivers involved in the accident.
  • Also make sure to get contact information from any bystanders who may have witnessed the accident.
  • If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including traffic and pedestrian controls, skid marks in the road, and damage to the vehicle that hit you.
  • See a doctor as soon as possible for a physical exam to diagnose any injuries you sustained in the accident.
  • Keep copies of all bills and records of the expenses you incur.
  • Schedule a consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss the details of your case and learn more about what next steps you can take to begin pursuing a legal claim.

Contact a Lake Worth Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Pedestrian Accident Case in Florida

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a pedestrian accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. represent clients injured because of pedestrian accidents in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, and throughout Florida. Call (561) 533-0345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 813 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth, FL 33460, as well as offices in Pompano Beach.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

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