Two Elderly Pedestrians Rushed to Hospital after Car Strikes NW MiamiDade Bus Bench
Two pedestrians were rushed to the hospital after a car struck a bus bench in Northwest Miami-Dade last week. Miami-Dade Police and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units were called to the scene along the 2400 block of Northwest 27th Avenue, after 5:30 p.m. According to MDPD, two pedestrians were struck when a silver Cadillac sedan hit the bus bench. City of Miami Fire Rescue officials said one of the victims was elderly and was transported to the Jackson Memorial Hospital Ryder Trauma Center. The other was taken to the hospital’s regular emergency room. Their conditions remain unknown. The Cadillac involved in the crash could be seen with heavy frontend damage resting on top of the bus bench. The driver of the sedan remained on the scene and is said to be cooperating with police. Authorities say that it remains unclear if charges will be filed in the crash as the investigation is still on going. This is yet another tragic example of careless driving in Florida and it demonstrates the fact that pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable individuals on the road. If you or someone you know was hit by a car, you may be thinking about what you should do next. While the Police will make a report at the scene of the accident determining who they believe is at fault for the accident, it is always in your best interest to reach out to a pedestrian accident attorney. Let us review your case and discuss your legal options.
Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
Pedestrian motor vehicle accidents are extremely common in Florida. In fact, Florida is consistently shown to be one of the most dangerous states in the nation for pedestrians. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has reported that each year there are over 5,000 pedestrian fatalities in motor vehicle related accidents, and about 75,000 pedestrians who suffer serious injuries when hit by a motor vehicle. When a pedestrian is injured due to someone else’s negligence, a pedestrian can recover damages for the injuries sustained.
Right of Way Laws for Florida Pedestrians
In Florida, all pedestrians must obey any and all official traffic control devices unless otherwise directed by a police official. This includes traffic signs, signals or pavement markings. Additionally, if a sidewalk is readily available, pedestrians should not use the roadway. If sidewalks are not available or are under construction, pedestrians should use the shoulder on the left side of the roadway facing traffic. Although a pedestrian has a right to be upon a public highway or street, such pedestrian is under a duty to protect such pedestrian and to avoid injury by approaching automobiles.
What Are the Possible Crossing Hazards for Pedestrians in Florida?
Excessive Traffic on Roadways: Busy roads mean that many drivers are frustrated and drivers who are in a hurry are often more focused on trying to make it to their destinations than they are paying attention to pedestrians who are attempting to cross the road. Therefore, pedestrians should always take extra caution before attempting to cross at busy roads and should assume that drivers are unaware of their presence.
Poor crosswalk markings: Due to high traffic volume and use, crosswalk markings can become faded and may not be seen by drivers in advance. Pedestrians should keep this in mind when attempting to cross a street and take extra caution when it is clear that a crosswalk is poorly marked or has not been marked whatsoever.
Significant distances: The bigger the highway or road that has to be crossed, the longer that it will take to cross it, and unfortunately this also extends the risk of an accident. Long crossing distances mean that the pedestrian is in the road for a longer time, meaning the risk of being hit by a car is greater. This is a specifically important factor for kids and seniors crossing the street who often cannot walk as fast.
Common Types of Pedestrian Injuries Serious injuries can happen when a car hits a pedestrian. The first few hours and days after an accident are critical a period in the management of your injuries and symptoms. Whenever patients are carefully examined soon after the accident, informed of the nature and extent of their injuries, and advised as to what to expect in the way of symptoms, the road to recovery is a lot more stress-free. On the other hand, patients who don’t seek treatment, are inadequately informed about their injuries, or obtained little or no relief from their symptoms by emergency responders after an accident, are more likely to require more time to fully recover from their injuries. Some of the more serious injuries include brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, lacerations, paralysis, and loss of limbs.
If you or your loved one was injured while trying to cross the street due to another’s negligence, the attorneys at Suarez & Montero Car Accident Attorneys can help. We understand that accidents can have a huge impact on you and your family. At the Law Offices of Suarez & Montero Car Accident Attorneys, you are never just another file or claim to us—you are part of our family and your well-being are just as important to us as if you were our own family. Our skillful attorneys are genuinely committed to our clients. We will fight to make sure that you get the maximum amount of compensation owed to you. Let us help you get the medical care you need and fight to make sure you are compensated for your injuries! Our attorneys are ready to provide proven legal representation in pursuing your claim and stand ready to protect your rights. We are available 24/7 to give you a free, no risk case consultation.
We serve clients throughout Florida including those in the following areas:
Miami-Dade: Aventura, Coral Gables, Doral, Fontainebleau, Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, North Miami, Tamiami, and Westchester.
Broward: Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Weston; and Palm Beach County including Boca Raton, Lake Worth, and West Palm Beach.
