Pedestrian Accident

News 4 Jax reports that one pedestrian was killed and another was injured when they were hit by a pickup truck while walking on U.S. Highway 1 in St. Johns County on Wednesday night, May 11. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the 35-year-old man and the 32-year-old woman, both from Hastings, were walking northbound just past North Boulevard around 10 p.m. when a 20-year-old behind the wheel of an Isuzu pickup truck hit them. The right front of the pickup hit the man, who then hit the windshield. He was taken to Flagler Hospital where he later died. The woman suffered minor injuries. According to the FHP report, the pickup truck driver was distracted for a moment and the Isuzu drifted onto the shoulder where it hit the pedestrians. Charges against the driver are pending, according to the FHP.

Our sincere condolences go out to the family of this man for this tragic accident. Please keep him in your prayers.

Pedestrian Dangers in Florida
Unfortunately, Florida had the second highest number of pedestrian fatalities in 2009, behind California, with 466 pedestrian deaths, according to a report released in January by the Governors Highway Safety Association. While there are many reasons behind pedestrian deaths, we do know that distracted driving was blamed for 5,474 fatal crashes in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Distracted driving was blamed for 16 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2009.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of a distracted driver, whether as a pedestrian or a motorist, the Florida personal injury attorneys at Farah & Farah understand that lives can change in a split second. Let us help investigate your accident in order to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions in order for you to receive the compensation you need and deserve.

A 79-year-old man from Dunedin was hit and killed by a car as he crossed County Road 1 on Wednesday evening, May 4, according to a report by The St. Petersburg Times. The collision occurred near Tampa Road in Palm Harbor. When the man crossed CR1 on foot, he reportedly did so outside of a crosswalk and was hit by a northbound car driven by a 29-year-old woman from Holiday. Initially, his injuries were listed as critical and he was taken to Mease Countryside Hospital, where he later died.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating what they call an accident. In Florida, the law requires everyone to stay inside the designated crosswalks to increase safety. If the area of this accident was dark and the walker was outside of the crosswalk, it is less likely the driver will be cited for the fatal Florida pedestrian accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,092 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 59,000 pedestrians were injured in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. in 2009. The Tampa Bay area, along with Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville, are all considered the top four hazardous cities for walkers, according to a report by Transportation for America. Memphis, Raleigh, Louisville, Houston, Birmingham, and Atlanta rounded out the top 10 cities the U.S. as the most dangerous for pedestrians. They are all urban areas marked by automobile-oriented development that is particularly hazardous to walkers.

At Farah & Farah, our Florida pedestrian accident lawyers will be there to advocate for you if you are ever in an accident as a pedestrian, a bicyclist, a motorcycle rider, or in a vehicle collision with another vehicle. To learn how we can help you understand the legal options available to you, contact our law offices today.

A pedestrian was hit and killed on Sunday night, May 1, while he was crossing U.S. 17 in Crescent City, according to a report in The Florida Times-Union. The 47-year-old man from Crescent City was crossing the highway when he was struck by an Infinity driven by a 47-year-old woman, also of Crescent City. The fatal collision happened about 9:30 p.m. as the man cross the Putnam County roadway. Emergency personnel responding to the scene pronounced the man dead at the scene just north of Tiffany Court. There is no other information available in this story as to why he was crossing the road or what the conditions were on that road at the time.

Our condolences go out to the friends and family of the deceased man.

Pedestrians generally have the right of way under Florida Statute 316.130 when there are no traffic signals or near a school where children might run out in the road. Otherwise, pedestrians are required to cross roads in designated walkways. The article does not answer the question whether or not this was a designated area or if the car was at a stop light or stop sign.

While overall traffic deaths appear to be on a decline both nationally and in Florida, a report released in January by the Governors Highway Safety Association found distracted walkers accounted for a 12 percent increase in pedestrian deaths. Florida was one of eight states that had an increase in pedestrian deaths by at least 10 fatalities. Florida also had the second highest number of pedestrian fatalities in 2009 (behind California) at 466 deaths.

The Florida pedestrian accident lawyers at Farah & Farah are always available for a complimentary consultation following an auto accident that results in injuries and/or death.

The Florida Times-Union reports that the nephew of the Dalai Lama was struck and killed by an SUV as he walked alone on a dark portion of two-lane State Highway A1A in Palm Coast, on Monday, February 14. Jigme K. Norbu, 45, from Bloomington, Indiana, was entering the first leg of his 300-mile “Walk for Tibet Florida” in support of Tibet’s independence from China. Friends and supporters joined him earlier in the day, but as darkness fell they left for a nearby restaurant, while Norbu stayed to finish the last two miles.

The SUV driver said he swerved to try and avoid hitting Norbu, who was walking along the white line on the side of the highway, heading south with traffic. Charges are not expected to be filed.

Norbu had reportedly logged about 7,800 miles, both walking and biking, to publicize Tibet’s fight for freedom from China. It has been almost 52 years since Tibet failed in its rebellion against Chinese rule that led to the exile of the Dalai Lama, the top spiritual leader of Tibet.

Florida Pedestrian Dangers
Flagler County (Palm Coast) saw one pedestrian fatality in 2009, down from 4 in 2008. However, while there were 19 pedestrian injuries in 2008, that number rose dramatically to 29 pedestrian injuries in 2009, according to state statistics.

A recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association found that Florida was one of eight states that experienced an increase in pedestrian fatalities by at least 10 deaths. Other states with increases include Arizona, Oklahoma, Oregon and North Carolina. California, New York, and Texas all experienced a decline in pedestrian deaths.

Our condolences go out to the Dalai Lama’s family for this man’s tragic passing.

When a pedestrian is injured or killed by an automobile, it is essential that a Florida pedestrian accident lawyer be able to work with accident investigators to preserve the evidence and talk to witnesses immediately following the collision. Call Farah & Farah for a complimentary consultation on your accident, but remember time is of the essence.

The Jacksonville Beach Police Department is on the lookout for a 30-year-old man connected to a fatal hit-and-run pedestrian accident that occurred on Saturday night, January 22 according to a report on Channel 4. The man is being sought following the death of a 35-year-old man who was struck by a vehicle in the 1200 block of Shetter Avenue after 7:30 p.m. The man was found in the back parking lot of Beach Plaza near Penman Road and the driver apparently fled the scene of the accident. This article says nothing about what connection the man being sought has to the death and how he has been identified, only that he is wanted for questioning.

Police are looking for a man with a white 2005 Acura TL. The Florida license plate number is No. 925IRG and the man is described as 6 foot tall and 200 pounds. The Jacksonville Police Department’s number is (904) 270-1661.

Florida Hit-and-Run Accidents
Why do drivers leave the scene of an accident? Overwhelmingly, they panic. The driver may be intoxicated, may be driving without a license or have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Unfortunately, leaving the scene makes matters worse for them and turns what may be a misdemeanor into a felony.

Under Florida Statute 316, the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash that results in injury must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the crash and remain at the scene to render aid and answer questions. A failure to do so and the offender has committed a felony of the third degree punishable by up to 5 years in prison. When there is a death, the hit-and-run driver is guilty of a felony of the first degree punishable by a prison term not to exceed 30 years.

The Jacksonville Beach personal injury lawyers at Farah & Farah have many years of experience helping injured victims in Florida receive compensation following a car or pedestrian accident. If you have been injured in a car crash or pedestrian accident that involved a hit-and-run driver, call our law office today to learn how we can help.

President Obama has signed into a law the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act (S. 841), that will require those quiet electric cars to be more audible to pedestrians, according to a report on cnet. Vehicles such as the Chevy Volt, will have a pedestrian alert sound so the silent electric cars are not invisible to the deaf and blind. Even pedestrians with all of their senses have occasionally been frightened by the silent vehicles.

The bill was sponsored by Senator John Kerry along with 29 others. The new law brings together the interests of blind Americans, auto makers, and legislators. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will craft the standards for the alert sound.

Not waiting, General Motors had added a driver activated alert to the Chevy Volt, and Toyota has added a sound to the Prius. Nissan plans to add sounds to its electrical vehicle, the Leaf.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports there were 482 pedestrians injured in Florida in 2009, and 7,676 pedestrians injured. Since the state does not break down statistics concerning accidents with electric vehicles, we do not know how often they were involved in pedestrian crashes. Nationwide, about a dozen people die every day when a pedestrian and motor vehicle collide, according to federal statistics.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident involving a negligent driver, you would be well advised to contact an experienced Florida pedestrian accident attorney to help you receive what compensation you deserve in order to get back on your feet.

An unidentified woman was struck by a vehicle and killed as she walked along Highway U.S. 1 in St. Johns County, just north of Venetian Boulevard on Saturday night, January 1, 2011, according to a report by Jacksonville’s Channel 4. The woman was walking southbound in the right travel lane about 11 p.m. when she was hit by a southbound Chrysler sedan. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) report, it was very dark on that stretch of the highway and the driver was unable to see the pedestrian. The pedestrian was attended to by St. Johns County paramedics who pronounced her dead at the scene. The FHP is still trying to identify the woman. Troopers on the scene say both people in the vehicle received minor injuries but both were wearing their seat belts. Alcohol was not reported to be a factor in this pedestrian fatality, though the FHP reports charges are anticipated.

Our condolences are extended to the friends and family of this woman for her tragic passing.

Florida Pedestrian Dangers
Jacksonville is reported to be one of the top four most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrians next to Orlando, Tampa, and Miami, according to the nonprofit group Transportation for America. Last year, 482 pedestrians were killed in the state. Nationwide almost 12 people die a day in a pedestrian collision with a motor vehicle.

The state’s safety campaign, Share the Road, extends to not only cars and bicycles, but to motorcycles and pedestrians. Motorists are responsible for being aware of all other types of transportation besides other cars.

Whether you were on foot, a bicycle, or motorcycle, if you have been injured by an automobile, the Florida pedestrian accident lawyers at Farah & Farah can help determine the extent of fault of everyone involved in your devastating accident. Our attorneys have extensive experience with juries who will be charged with interpreting comparative negligence under Florida law in a pedestrian accident case.

A Jacksonville couple had been married for more than 41 years and just a few days before their wedding anniversary, while coming home from a bingo game, they were crossing 103rd Street at Harlow Boulevard when they were both struck and killed by two vehicles, one of which fled the scene Saturday evening, November 20, reports News4Jax.com. The elderly couple did not make it across the seven lanes of traffic at the crosswalk before the light changed to green. The elderly man, age 96, was struck by the second vehicle as he lay in the street.

The Florida Highway Patrol would like anyone with information on this tragedy to call 904-301-3700.

Leaving the scene of a Florida auto accident that results in injuries or death automatically makes doing so a felony and a driver that leaves the scene of a Florida hit-and-run car crash can be sentences to up to 30 years in prison.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Duval County follows only Miami-Dade and Broward counties as having the third most hit-and-run crashes in 2008. And for some unknown reason, the number of these cases is increasing in the state. Frequently, the offender has an outstanding warrant or was intoxicated. The public can help law enforcement here by reporting any vehicle that has new damage as of Saturday night, November 20.

The Florida hit-and-run car accident attorneys at Farah & Farah remind you to share the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and others on the roadway. Our condolences go out to the loved ones of this Jacksonville couple.

A First Coast High School student was hit by a car that was swerving to avoid other kids at a school bus stop at New Berlin and Moose Roads on Friday morning, September 24.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reports that the driver will not be charged. He allegedly swerved to avoid hitting a group of students who ran across the street to catch the bus around 7 a.m. The motorist hit one student, who ended up underneath the car. The boy was taken to Shands Jacksonville Medical Center with a life-threatening head injury according to News4Jax.com.

Our condolences go out to this family and we wish their son a speedy recovery.

A thorough investigation of this Florida pedestrian injury accident will conclude whether traffic laws, including the speed limit, were being obeyed at the time of the accident. If I was a family member, I would want a full investigation to determine what amount of fault the driver shares in this tragic accident. The driver could be held responsible for compensation to the family for their pain and suffering as well as medical expenses, rehabilitation and other damages related to the crash. Depending on the extent of the injuries, it could take years for the victim to fully recover.

It is of utmost importance for all drivers to be safe, especially in school zones or areas where pedestrians and children frequent.

Jacksonville pedestrian accident attorneys would be happy to speak with all victims of injury accidents and inform them of their legal rights and options.

An investigation is now complete into the death of a four-year-old British girl in a beach driving crash in March. The driver, Barbara Worley, of Elberton, Georgia, accidentally stuck Ellie Bland of Nottingham, England, March 20. Investigators now say she will not be charged because she was not at fault. The traffic homicide investigation took six months to complete.

Investigators conclude that the little girl ran in front of traffic and caused her own death on the beach.

Daytona is one of the few beaches in Florida that allows cars to travel on the sand. On that day, Ellie was walking and holding the hand of her great-uncle. They were trying to cross the driving lane. Worley showed some hesitation when she saw the pedestrians, but when she was yelled at by other drivers, she hit the accelerator and accidentally ran over the child.

So far this year, two young children have been killed in beach driving accidents in Volusia County. Another child, Aiden Patrick of Deltona, was killed on New Smyrna Beach in July. Beach driving is a tradition in Daytona that is reconsidered every time there is a tragic accident. In the last five years, more than 40 people have been hit by vehicles on the beach and half of those injuries have been serious.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident with a motor vehicle on or off the beach, the experienced Florida pedestrian accident attorneys at Farah and Farah will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation on your case.