The Tampa-St. Petersburg area has seen a string of fatal pedestrian accidents as well as in Florida over the past 12 months. During the evening of September 25 th, two people were killed in separate accidents in Hillsborough County. 30-year old bicyclist Ishizuka Kayoto was hit by an unidentified driver near the University of South Florida campus. Another pedestrian, 41-year-old Cheryl Minto was hit and killed while crossing State Road 60 near Brandon High School. On November 2 nd, a 57 year-old man was killed in Largo by a hit-and-run driver, and recently, 87-year old John Alderson, son of New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson, was killed as he crossed the street shortly after midnight in St. Petersburg.
Recent Accident Statistics
The recent accidents highlight a continuing problem in Florida for pedestrians and bicyclists. While the state accounts for 6 percent of all accidents in the United States, Florida has twice the rate of fatal pedestrian accidents. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration indicates that Florida accounts for 11.1 percent of all pedestrian accident fatalities and 17.4 percent of bicyclists killed in the United States. With 3.52 deaths per 100,000 people, the Tampa-Clearwater-St. Petersburg area is ranked second as the most dangerous place for pedestrians in the country.
Studies have found several reasons for the high rate of pedestrian fatalities, including poorly designed and poorly lit intersections, distracted driving and poor driving habits, and an aging population. Considering these factors, it is hardly a coincidence that each accident in recent weeks occurred at night.
Legal Remedies for the Injured
Florida law allows pedestrians to seek compensation for their injuries, which may include money for medical expenses, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. The families of those killed in bicycle and pedestrian accidents may also seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. Despite bicycle lanes, automobile and truck drivers frequently collide with bicyclists. A speeding car must take reasonable care when seeing a person bicycling. Children unfortunately do not appreciate the dangers and risks and a driver must anticipate a child who is at a corner crossing the street despite a green light or if there is no street light present.
When bicycle riders and cars collide, unfortunately the results are often catastrophic for the child or bicyclist. In some cases, the city, county or state of Florida may be responsible in whole or in part to the accident due to a history of such accidents, the failure to install traffic devices, stop signs, bicycle lanes or other means of reducing the risks. Much depends upon what municipality has responsibility to maintain the road in question.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian or bicyclist, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about your rights and options. Contact Feldman, Fox & Morgado, and we will aggressively "fight for the injured" even if necessary to have your case heard by a jury.
