Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

Compared to crashes that involve two vehicles, pedestrian accidents are more likely to lead to fatalities for the victims. Pedestrians are exposed when walking, and have with no protections when it comes to collisions with a car; even slow-moving vehicles can cause catastrophic, life-threatening injuries. Most of these fatal accidents are caused by another’s negligence, and those negligent parties should be held accountable. Miami pedestrian accident lawyer Robert Dixon helps families who have lost loved ones pursue wrongful death claims against those who are responsible. Although no lawsuit or amount of compensation can bring a loved one back or take away a family’s pain, it may be necessary to assist families with outstanding medical bills or financial support the victim provided. The Law Offices of Robert Dixon offers dedicated and compassionate legal representation for clients in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as across South Florida. If you have questions in the aftermath of a fatal pedestrian accident, please contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and find out more about how we can help.

In 2019, Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition issued their “Dangerous by Design” report, which put nine of the twenty deadliest cities for pedestrians nationwide in Florida, with the Miami, and Palm Beach metro area ranked number 14. There were almost 5,500 pedestrian fatalities in Florida between 2008 and 2017. Victims of fatal pedestrian accidents are most likely to be elderly residents, people of color, and those walking in lower-income communities. Intersection and crosswalk accident victims are also more often older adults, rather than young people. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has indicated that the growth in fatalities over the past ten years is partly due to SUVs and pickup trucks being a more popular option for motorists. These vehicles are two to three times more likely to lead to a pedestrian fatality compared to accidents involving a standard passenger-sized car. Some of the most common types of pedestrian accidents that lead to death are due to:

• Vehicles turning at an intersection or light;
• Pedestrians being hit while jogging or running through an intersection;
• Back-up accidents;
• Driver distractions; and
• Pedestrians crossing mid-street, or not at an intersection or crosswalk.

When a pedestrian is killed as a result of a collision, those who are liable can and should be held legally responsible by the family left behind.

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act permits children, spouses, parents, and certain other family members to file wrongful death claims against defendants that have acted negligently in causing a victim’s death. Usually the defendant in these cases is a negligent driver. Drivers are negligent when they have breached the duty of reasonable care they owe to another road occupant, which causes their death and results in damages. For example, a driver who turns at an intersection without looking for a crossing pedestrian may have acted negligently given that a reasonable motorist making the same maneuver would check before turning. Family members who file these claims on behalf of a victim may be compensated for any of the victim’s outstanding medical costs related to the injury that caused his or her death, as well as burial and funeral costs and loss of support. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible following a fatal accident, as wrongful death claims must be pursued within two years of the date of a victim’s death to be valid.

When a loved one dies, families face a long battle with grief. When that death is unexpected and due to the fault of another, those families have the right to seek compensation as well. Attorney Robert Dixon is committed to making sure clients receive the support they need during this difficult time, offering knowledgeable and seasoned legal guidance for families pursuing claims following a relative’s death. If you would like to learn more about your legal options after losing someone in a fatal pedestrian accident, please contact the Law Offices of Robert Dixon at (877) 499-4878 or online to today for a free, no obligation consultation. We represent families in areas including Miami, and West Palm Beach.