🚶‍♂️ Pedestrian Accidents: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe and When to Call an Attorney
Each year, more than 129,000 pedestrians are treated in emergency rooms across the U.S. due to traffic and trip-related injuries. According to the CDC, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a crash than passengers in a vehicle.
Whether you’re walking around a quiet neighborhood or crossing a busy intersection in Deerfield Beach, being alert and informed can protect you from devastating injuries. At Bell & Bell, P.A., we want drivers and pedestrians alike to understand their responsibilities, minimize risks, and know what to do when an accident occurs.
đź“Š Understanding the Risk of Pedestrian Accidents
- Everyone is at risk. The average age of pedestrians killed in accidents is 47 years old, but incidents affect people of all ages.
- Evening and night are the most dangerous times due to reduced visibility.
- Accidents don’t just involve vehicles—tripping on poorly maintained sidewalks or curbs can result in serious injuries like fractures, head trauma, or spinal damage.
🚶 Tips for Pedestrians to Avoid Injury
Walking is healthy and environmentally friendly—but also carries risks in urban areas. Stay safe with these proven tips:
- Wear bright or reflective clothing—especially after dark.
- Carry a flashlight or use your phone light during low-visibility hours.
- Stick to well-lit sidewalks and avoid walking in the street whenever possible.
- Avoid distractions like texting while walking—especially when crossing streets.
- Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
đźš— Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents by Drivers
Pedestrian accidents are often caused by driver negligence, including:
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving (texting, using apps, adjusting music)
- Speeding, especially near crosswalks or school zones
- Failure to yield at pedestrian crossings
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving aggressively through intersections or residential areas
🧠Mutual Responsibility: Drivers and Pedestrians
Both drivers and pedestrians have a legal duty to behave responsibly.
Drivers:
- Keep mirrors clean and check them regularly.
- Slow down at intersections and crosswalks.
- Stay alert for children, seniors, and people with mobility devices.
- Never use a phone while driving.
Pedestrians:
- Don’t walk while texting or scrolling.
- Walk with extra caution if under the influence.
- Cross at marked crosswalks and wait for signals.
- Walk with a friend at night, especially in high-traffic areas.
đź“ž When to Call a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident—whether as a walker or driver—it’s essential to call an experienced personal injury attorney right away.
An attorney can help you:
- Communicate with insurance companies
- Gather witness statements and video evidence
- Document medical treatment and injuries
- Determine liability and maximize your compensation
⚖️ You deserve fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term recovery support. Let Bell & Bell, P.A. help.
🏥 What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
- Call 911 immediately and request medical assistance.
- Document the scene—photos, videos, and witness names.
- Seek medical attention—even if you feel okay.
- Avoid making statements to insurers before consulting an attorney.
- Contact Bell & Bell, P.A. for a free case review.
âś… Your Safety, Your Rights
At Bell & Bell, P.A., our Deerfield Beach pedestrian accident attorneys are ready to help you recover physically and financially. You don’t have to face insurers or legal processes alone—we’re here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
📞 Free Consultation – No Fees Unless We Win
Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.
đź”— bellattorneys.com
đź“ž 954-783-2215
đź“Ť Serving Deerfield Beach and surrounding Florida communities.