For those who love sun and fun, Miami is the ultimate destination. It offers gorgeous beaches, warm weather, world-class golf and a nightlife that other cities envy. If you’re looking for something to do once the sun goes down, your options in Miami are unlimited. In Miami, the party never ends. You can visit nightclubs, dive bars, taverns, taco bars and more. Whatever suits your fancy, there’s always something to do in Miami.
With everything in close proximity, combined with the warm weather, pedestrians are common even in the nighttime hours. It’s not uncommon for pedestrians to be out and about even after midnight, especially on the weekends. Those who choose to walk, though, are taking a risk. Florida has been ranked as the most dangerous state for pedestrians. In a 10-year period, 5,142 people were killed by cars in Florida. Seniors and minorities faced the highest risk. This is concerning, considering that Florida has the highest percentage of seniors than any other state. As of 2011, 17.3 percent of the population in Florida was over the age of 65. The median across the nation is 13 percent.
Among metropolitan areas, Miami ranked number 11. The top spot went to Cape Coral-Fort Myers.
Pedestrian accidents are a concern, even at low speeds. A pedestrian can still suffer serious injuries, and they may not become apparent until weeks or months after the crash. Therefore, if you choose to walk, be fully aware of your surroundings. If you’re injured, make sure you understand your legal rights.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
Pedestrians can avoid accidents by doing the following:
- Use crosswalks when possible and follow the signals.
- Look both ways before crossing.
- Stay sober. Avoid walking while intoxicated.
- Be alert. Distractions can cause accidents, so put your phone and headphones away when walking.
- Wear reflective or light clothing when walking at night.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Motorists also need to be aware of pedestrians, since they share the road with them and have a duty to drive in a safe manner. Here are some tips for those driving on the Miami roadways:
- Always stop for pedestrians. They have the right of way, even in areas where there are no crosswalks.
- Keep your speed at or below the limit, especially in busy areas.
- Before turning at an intersection, keep an eye out for pedestrians.
- Check before passing stopped vehicles. They may be yielding to pedestrians.
- Stay alert. Do not text while driving and keep other distractions to a minimum.
Get Legal Help for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Pedestrians often suffer serious injuries, since they have no protection if they are hit by a car. If you are in an accident, your injuries could be severe. You may suffer broken bones, head trauma, paralysis and other serious conditions. Many people unfortunately die in pedestrian crashes.
The Miami personal injury attorneys at the law offices of Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP understand how life-changing an accident can be. We can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Request a free consultation by calling our law offices today at 305-371-2692.