In an ideal world, motorists would share the road safely with motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Everyone would look out for one another, and every driver would yield when required and obey all traffic laws.
Of course, we don’t live in that world. The reality is that pedestrians are the most vulnerable people on the road. The human body is no match for a car – especially when a distracted or inattentive driver is behind the wheel.
At Kaire & Heffernan we help people injured in pedestrian accidents recover the compensation they need to heal and get better. Our goal is to get our clients the maximum amount of compensation available, removing the burden of worrying how they’re going to hold it all together and keep paying their bills while they grapple with the effects of a serious personal injury.
If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident, we can help. Our accident team includes lawyers with decades of experience in the courtroom. We have a broad understanding of both the medical and legal implications of pedestrian accident cases, and we put our knowledge to work for our clients and their families.
Pedestrian Deaths on the Rise
The U.S. is in the grips of an obesity epidemic, and many people have turned to a more active lifestyle to combat the health problems that come with being overweight. Walking is one of the most beneficial activities you can do for your body. Not only is walking great for your health, it’s also a boon for the environment
Unfortunately, Americans are also obsessed with their smartphones. The distractions posed by these ingenious little devices are almost too numerous to count. When a motorist is checking email, responding to a text, or glancing at social media behind the wheel, he or she is putting everyone on the road at risk.
More driver distractions have caused pedestrian injuries and fatalities to increase. Estimates of 2019 pedestrian fatalities from the Governors Highway Safety Association reveal that, through last year, the upward trend of deaths has continued. In 2019, according to GHSA, pedestrian deaths were up 5 percent compared to the year prior, with 6590 pedestrians killed, the highest number since 1988. That total translates to 2.0 deaths per 100,000 people, which is the highest since 1997.
Pedestrian Injuries Can Be Catastrophic
Walkers are particularly at risk of suffering a serious injury in a motor vehicle collision. The injuries caused by these crashes are frequently debilitating and life-changing. In the blink of an eye, an individual’s life can forever change, rendering them unable to work, look after children, or enjoy hobbies. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
• Paralysis• Broken bones• Trauma to internal organs• Vision loss and injuries to the eyes• Facial injuries and disfigurement• Amputations
In many cases, an injured pedestrian can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. As experienced Miami personal injury lawyers, we know how insurance companies think, and how they try to minimize an injury victim’s claim. We aggressively challenge these tactics, and we stop insurance companies from devaluing our clients’ claims.
In other cases, a pedestrian is hurt by a hit-and-run driver. In these cases, it’s often possible for a pedestrian to recover uninsured/underinsured motorist damages from his or her own insurance provider.
Taking on a large insurance company with seemingly inexhaustible resources is daunting for anyone. With us on your side, however, you have much more than a fighting chance. We will work tirelessly to make sure you receive the full amount of compensation available, including money for your pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, mental stress, and even future lost wages and support.
Call a Miami Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation
Most pedestrian accidents are completely preventable. If you have been injured because a motorist acted carelessly, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries and other damages.
Mark Kaire has been practicing law in Miami for nearly 30 years. He is dedicated to helping the injured people of Miami receive compensation. Mr. Kaire has been blogging on Miami’s legal issues for many years.