Pembroke Pines, FL — Car hits, kills teen crossing street near bus stop

Pembroke Pines, FL (August 29th, 2024) – A teen crossing the street near a school bus stop was struck by a vehicle early Thursday morning in Pembroke Pines. 

The fatal pedestrian accident occurred in the 12200 block of Washington Street. The student at Flanagan High School was crossing the street, outside a designated crosswalk, when he was hit by a vehicle. 

The accident remains under investigation, but no information was immediately available regarding whether the driver attempted to avoid hitting the 15-year-old boy. It appears that poor visibility resulting from weather conditions may have contributed.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are a serious safety concern in Florida. More than 10,000 collisions occurred across the state of Florida in 2022 involving pedestrians. Many factors contribute to the occurrence of these types of accidents, including both driver and pedestrian behaviors, and environmental conditions. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

Speeding

Driving at high rates of speed, or even too fast for the road or the conditions, can affect a driver’s reaction time and ability to control his or her vehicle. Consequently, traveling too fast can increase the risk of accidents, including those involving pedestrians.

Distraction

Distraction on the part of drivers and pedestrians commonly contributes to these types of serious accidents and wrongful deaths. Activities and behaviors that take drivers’ hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or attention off the task of driving can contribute to causing pedestrian-involved crashes. Likewise, using cell phones, listening to music, and other such activities while walking can impair pedestrians’ awareness of their surroundings, which may increase the risk of an accident.

Impairment

Using drugs or consuming alcohol can cause impairments for drivers and pedestrians. For example, some may experience effects such as slowed reactions, decreased coordination, and blurred vision. Such impairments may add to the chances of getting into a crash, making driving and walking under the influence a danger.

Failure to Follow Traffic Rules and Signals

Drivers and pedestrians cannot effectively communicate, and in some cases, may not even see one another. As such, each relies on the other to follow the traffic rules and signals. Crossing against a signal or outside a crosswalk, then, or running a red light, can contribute to accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians.

Poor Visibility

Some pedestrian-car accidents occur because motorists did not see the pedestrians. Poor visibility may result from poor weather conditions, pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night, parked cars, blind spots, and other such factors. 

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Lacking the exterior of a vehicle to provide any protection, pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, many of which can have long-lasting consequences. Some of the most common injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents include:

Head Injuries

Injury victims in pedestrian accidents commonly suffer head injuries. The severity of these injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, or death. Those who suffer severe head trauma often need immediate, as well as ongoing, treatment and care. In some cases, they may be unable to return to work or other normal, daily activities because of their conditions.

Fractures

The force of pedestrian accidents commonly results in broken bones, particularly in the lower extremities. For some, these injuries may require extensive time to heal, and they can necessitate casting, surgery, or other medical interventions.

Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries

Pedestrians involved in accidents with vehicles also frequently suffer neck and spinal cord injuries. Due to this type of trauma, victims may experience loss of sensation, paralysis, and other neurological impairments. They may need extended hospital stays and other care.

Internal Injuries

Not always immediately noticeable, pedestrian accidents also often lead to internal injuries. Organ damage, internal bleeding, and other such trauma may occur internally. Left untreated, such injuries may be fatal.

Recovering Damages for Florida Pedestrian Accidents

Those injured in pedestrian accidents may seek to hold at-fault drivers liable for their injuries. To this end, they may pursue legal action to recover damages for economic and non-economic losses, including medical bills, lost wages, lost future earnings, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.

If you were struck by a vehicle while walking in the Clearwater area, you do not have to bear the financial, emotional, and physical burden of your injuries alone. Contact Magazine & Light Law Group today. Call 727-499-9900 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Having more than 30 years of legal experience, our pedestrian accident attorney, Jim Magazine, is board-certified in personal injury law.

Jim Magazine

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