Clearwater, FL — Hit By Car, Pedestrian Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries 

29Oct

Clearwater, FL (October 28th, 2024) – A pedestrian was airlifted to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital after getting hit by a car on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard Sunday evening. 

An eastbound vehicle struck the pedestrian, who was crossing from the south to the north side of the road. The 38-year-old pedestrian, whose identify has not been released, suffered life-threatening injuries. Speed and alcohol do not seem to have played a role in the crash.

Pedestrian Accidents: a Growing Problem in Florida

The Sunshine State continues to consistently rank among the top states for pedestrian accidents that cause serious injuries and fatalities. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported more than 10,000 pedestrian accidents across the state in 2022 alone. Over 700 people died in traffic accidents involving pedestrians in 2023. Several factors contribute to the troubling trend of pedestrian accidents. Some of the most common causes of Florida pedestrian accidents include: 

Distracted Driving

The prevalence of distracted driving, such as texting and talking on the phone, significantly increases the risk of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are not focused on the road are more likely to miss pedestrians, especially those in crosswalks or at intersections.

Impaired Driving

Drunk driving remains a major cause of pedestrian-car crashes. Alcohol impairs drivers’ judgment, reaction time, and coordination, among other faculties, making it more difficult to avoid pedestrians.

Lack of Pedestrian Infrastructure

While walking and jogging is popular across the state, many Florida roads are poorly designed or lack pedestrian infrastructure. Lacking adequate sidewalks, crosswalks, and street lighting can create confusion and increase the risk of accidents.

Vehicle Design

All vehicles have blind spots, which can play a role in some pedestrian accidents. Further, the design of some vehicles, particularly larger SUVs and trucks, can obscure the view of pedestrians. As such, drivers may not see them.

Pedestrian Behavior

Drivers often bear significant responsibility for pedestrian accidents. However, pedestrians also need to exercise caution. Actions, such as not paying attention to traffic, failing to use sidewalks, or crossing the street mid-block, can put pedestrians at a greater risk of getting hit by a car.

Why Are Pedestrian Accidents So Dangerous?

When collisions occur involving pedestrians and motor vehicles, the outcomes are often serious or fatal. Numerous factors contribute to the inherent severity of pedestrian accidents, including:

Vulnerability

As compared to the occupants of vehicles, pedestrians are significantly more vulnerable to injury. They lack the protection of a metal frame, airbags, and seatbelts. When struck by vehicles, pedestrians absorb the full force of the impact.

Impact Force

The impact force in pedestrian accidents often lead to severe injuries and death. The speed and weight of a vehicle, combined with the pedestrian’s lack of protection, can result in catastrophic consequences. 

Lack of Control

There are some things pedestrians can do to avoid accidents, but they largely have limited control over their safety when on the road. As such, they must rely on the vigilance and caution of drivers. Unlike drivers, pedestrians cannot avoid crashes by braking or swerving.

Road Surface

The type of road surface can also impact the severity of a pedestrian accident. Hard, unforgiving surfaces, such as asphalt, can exacerbate injuries. 

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common of these include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

These injuries can have lifelong consequences, affecting cognitive function, emotional stability, and physical abilities. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries

These injuries can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions. Spinal cord injuries can be complete, resulting in total loss of function below the injury site, or incomplete, allowing for some movement or sensation.

Fractures

Broken bones, particularly in the legs and arms, are common in pedestrian accidents. Fractures can range from simple brakes to complex fractures that require surgery and rehabilitation.

Internal Injuries

Organ damage, internal bleeding, and other internal injuries can occur as a result of impact forces. Such injuries may not be immediately apparent and can require emergent medical attention.

Soft Tissue Injuries

These injuries, such as cuts, bruises, and sprains, can cause significant pain and discomfort. While often less severe than other types of injuries, soft tissue injuries can still impact a person’s ability to work and perform daily activities.

Amputations

In severe cases, pedestrian accidents can result in the amputation of limbs. Such injuries can be life-altering and require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

What Are the Effects of Pedestrian Accidents?

The effects of pedestrian accidents can be physical, emotional, and financial. These effects can have a profound impact on the lives of those who experience them, as well as on their families and loved ones.

Physical Effects

Many pedestrian accident victims suffer from chronic pain, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Further, injuries to bones, the joints, or the nervous system can limit a person’s ability to move. Such limitations can make it difficult to perform daily tasks and participate in activities they once enjoyed.

Emotional Effects

Pedestrian accidents can also take an emotional toll. Some who experience such collisions may suffer from mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many pedestrian accident victims lose their independence and rely on others for assistance with daily tasks, which can be frustrating and emotionally challenging.

Financial Effects

Injuries resulting from pedestrian-car accidents often have a substantial financial cost. Victims may incur unexpected losses, including medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Additionally, they may lose out on wages while off work recovering, as well as if they are unable to return to work because of their injuries. Such loss of income may cause significant financial hardships. A personal injury lawyer may help those injured in such accidents pursue options to help alleviate such financial effects.

If you suffered injuries due to getting hit by a car, the physical, emotional, and financial burden can be heavy. Having more than 30 years of experience, our board-certified attorney, Jim Magazine, has helped recover millions of dollars on behalf of people like you. To discuss your options, call Magazine & Light Law Group today at 727-499-9900.

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association