When a pedestrian accident happens, it can cause life-changing injuries and sometimes death to those who are involved. A new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) suggests that pedestrian accident fatalities in 2019 reached the highest level for the first time in over 30 years. Injured victims or loved ones of a deceased victim facing these situations should recover the compensation they deserve after these accidents. If you are facing this situation, contact an experienced Florida personal injury attorney for legal assistance.

What are the Facts of the Report?

GHSA’s report, “Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State,” includes preliminary data from highway traffic safety offices in every state and the District of Columbia. The numbers from 2019 show a new high for pedestrian deaths in the country since the year 1988. In addition to this, the 6,590 deaths in 2019 were a 5% increase from the 6,283 pedestrian deaths in 2018. Unfortunately, most pedestrian accidents are due to negligence. The report shows this by stating that the accidents in 2019 were a result of unsafe road crossings, distracted or impaired driving, and large SUVs and trucks on the road. 

What Do I Do if I am Involved in a Pedestrian Accident?

When an injury or death occurs in a Florida pedestrian accident, there are steps that should be taken to secure a future claim. This includes the following:

  • Call the necessary emergency services (police and an ambulance)
  • Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the incident
  • Take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident
  • Obtain medical documentation after receiving treatment
  • Retain the services of a skilled personal injury attorney to recover additional evidence for a case

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?

After a pedestrian accident, legal action can be pursued in the event that an injury or death occurs. Individuals filing a lawsuit should keep the statute of limitations in mind during this time. The statute of limitations is a deadline that must be met in order to file a claim, otherwise, the injured party or their loved one may lose their chance to recover compensation. In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is four years from the date of injury. However, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death is only two years from the date of death. 

Contact our Firm

To discuss your case with our experienced Panama City personal injury attorneys, contact Manuel & Thompson, P.A. today for your free consultation.