Pedestrian Accidents on Sidewalks

Pedestrians assume, usually correctly, that sidewalks are the safest places to be on foot, given that’s who they were designed for. However, there are times when pedestrians are struck by vehicles on the very pathway meant to keep them safe. When a driver swerves and hits a pedestrian walking on the sidewalk, it is very likely that driver did so because he or she was acting in a negligent manner. Sometimes, these accidents occur when a pedestrian falls or trips into the road, which also may give rise to a city or another party’s liability. Miami pedestrian accident lawyer Robert Dixon helps those who have been injured on a sidewalk, in intersections, or other places pursue the proper legal claims against those liable for their harm. The Law Offices of Robert Dixon represents clients throughout South Florida including in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties in lawsuits arising out of pedestrian accidents on sidewalks. Mr. Dixon and his staff understand the struggles victims face after being hit by a car, many of whom need long-term medical care to deal with the serious injuries they have sustained. As such, we are dedicated to helping these victims seek the financial support they may be entitled to in order to heal. If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian walking on the sidewalk, or a loved one has died after being struck by a vehicle, contact our office to today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights and options.

Pedestrian sidewalk accidents are not as rare as they perhaps should be, and can occur due to a variety of situations. Many times, it is a distracted driver who veers off the road and onto a sidewalk. Sometimes an unsafe sidewalk, perhaps that is uneven or otherwise unkept, leads to a pedestrian tripping and falling into the road. In the second instance, those responsible for maintaining a sidewalk could be held accountable for the dangerous condition leading to injury. Most often it is a driver’s actions that cause pedestrian accidents on sidewalks, including the following:

• Drivers distracted by their phones or navigational systems
• Speeding or failing to comply with traffic signals
• Elderly drivers losing control of their vehicles
• Running a red or yellow light
• Drivers causing accidents due to sun glare
• Truck drivers who are inexperienced or do not operate their vehicles properly, leading to a truck swerving onto the sidewalk
• Vehicles taking a turn too sharply
• Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Elderly individuals, of which there are more in South Florida than other areas, are also more often victims of pedestrian accidents than younger people. Additionally, an elderly victim can suffer more severe injuries than a younger victim. Regardless of a victim’s age, however, drivers are responsible for the negligent acts that lead to striking a pedestrian on a sidewalk. To show negligence and receive damages in a personal injury or wrongful death claim, the driver must have breached his or her duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would behind the wheel. A knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer can evaluate the facts of your claim to determine whether they may be able to fulfill the elements of a negligence claim.

When a driver is distracted by something and swerves onto the sidewalk and injures a pedestrian, that driver has generally acted unreasonably, and can potentially be held accountable for causing another’s injuries. If a pedestrian accident on the sidewalk results in a fatality, a victim’s family can also file a wrongful death action on his or her behalf. Compensation that may be awarded to victims injured by a negligent driver include past and future medical costs, diminished earning capacity, lost income, and pain and suffering for the emotional toll a permanent injury takes. Families who have lost loved ones can be reimbursed for burial and funeral expenses as well as loss of support.

Pedestrians who are paying the utmost attention to their surroundings can be injured in a sidewalk accident involving a negligent driver, and these injuries can include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and even death. It is important to hold those liable for your harm legally accountable. Pedestrian accident attorney Robert Dixon offers compassionate and seasoned legal representation for those who have been injured or families who have lost loved ones after being struck by a vehicle on a sidewalk. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, please call the Law Offices of Robert Dixon at 877.499.4878 or contact us online to set up a free, no obligation consultation to speak with an attorney today. We help clients in areas including Miami, and West Palm Beach.