In recent months, south Florida has seen scores of fatal bicycle and pedestrian accidents. According to a 2009 report published by Transportation for America, four Florida metropolitan areas, Orlando-Kissimmee, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach and Jacksonville, top the list as the most dangerous cities for pedestrians.
The Florida Department of Transportation has recognized the high number of serious accidents, and created the Pedestrian and Bicycle Program to "promote conditions for safe and effective travel by foot and bicycle in Florida." Despite the prevalence of safety programs in Florida, 2009 saw 620 bicyclists and pedestrians lose their lives as a result of a collision with a car, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle report.
In a tragic accident in late September, a 30-year-old woman was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. The woman was a "brilliant" researcher studying cancer-killing drugs at the University of South Florida. According to 10News Tampa Bay, the driver sent the young woman and her bicycle flying after colliding with her on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard while she was traveling home from the USF lab.
Based on the investigation into the accident, it appears that the bicyclist was following all relevant safety precautions - she was wearing a helmet, had flashing lights on and was using the bicycle lane when she was struck.
The At-Fault Driver Should Be Held Responsible
Although the recent bicycle accident is only one example of hundreds of accidents that occur in Florida each year, it demonstrates how even bicyclists and pedestrians who follow all the right safety precautions can fall victim to a fatal accident.
Drivers often fail to recognize the road rights of those on foot and on bicycles. Alcohol use and driver impairment, driver distraction and fatigue are all contributing factors in crashes throughout the state. When a driver fails to exercise proper care in operating his or her vehicle, and causes a serious or fatal pedestrian or bicycle accident as a result, he or she should be held responsible for the injuries caused.
Pedestrians and bicyclists who are seriously injured in an accident with a vehicle should take action to seek compensation for injuries, medical bills and lost wages. A personal injury lawsuit can often provide an accident victim with the financial security to focus on recovery from the crash.
After a fatal bicycle or pedestrian accident, the victim's family may have the right to file a wrongful death suit against the at-fault driver. A wrongful death suit can allow the family to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs and pain and suffering, among other damages. While compensation is not sufficient to right the wrong caused by the responsible driver, it can provide financial relief from the expenses of the fatal accident.
An accident that should never have happened if it weren't for the negligence of the driver is always tragic. Contacting an experienced Florida personal injury attorney will help you protect your rights after an accident.
