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Pedestrian Accidents and Older Adults

Florida is the deadliest state in the nation for pedestrian accidents. The reasons are many, but include poorly-designed communities, lack of public-transportation options and an aging population. Nationwide, the number of serious and fatal pedestrian accidents involving older adults is expected to continue to climb with the aging of the Baby Boomers.

Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Attorney Richard Ansara and the staff at our law offices are committed to fighting for the rights of pedestrians who are seriously injured or killed in an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 1 in 6 of the nation’s fatal pedestrian accidents occur in Florida, where 4 of the nation’s 5 most dangerous metro areas are located: Orlando, Tampa/St. Pete, Jacksonville and Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Pompano Beach.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports an average of 500 pedestrians are killed each year and more than 7,000 are injured.

Florida Pedestrian Accident Deaths (and Injuries) per Year
  • Miami-Dade: 75+ (1,300+)
  • Broward: 50+ (950+)
  • Orange: 40+ (500+)
  • Palm Beach: 30+ (550+)

Transportation for America’s report, “Aging in Place: Stuck without Options” identified Florida as having four of the nation’s five most dangerous metro areas. Miami-Fort Lauderdale ranks fourth worst in the nation for the number of serious and fatal pedestrian accidents. By 2015, more than 15 million senior citizens will live in communities that lack adequate public transportation options.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports more than 750 senior citizens are killed each year in pedestrian accidents – accounting for one-fifth of all such traffic fatalities. Another 5,000 seniors over the age of 65 are injured each year.

Our attorneys know that back-over accidents are another significant risk faced by our older loved ones, who too often can’t get out of the way fast enough to avoid being struck by approaching traffic. The government estimates 300 people a year are killed and more than 18,000 are injured in back-over injuries. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Transportation proposed requiring backup cameras be installed in all vehicles, but has since unfortunately bowed to pressure from the auto industry by indefinitely postponing those requirements.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 50,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year after sustaining non-fatal injuries in pedestrian accidents involving older adults.

Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Safety & Older Adults

The NHTSA offers older adults the following safety tips:

  • Dress to be seen by drivers.
  • Wear appropriate shoes.
  • Use sidewalks and paths whenever possible.
  • Be aware of cars, vegetation and other obstructions that may prevent you from being seen.
  • Plan your route – Avoid hazardous routes.
  • Look left, right, left – when walking facing traffic, oncoming traffic will first come from the left.
  • Don’t rely on traffic signals for safety – check visually before proceeding.
  • Allow plenty of time to cross the street.
  • Watch for turning vehicles.

If you are dealing with a pedestrian accident involving an older adult in Fort Lauderdale, contact The Ansara Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation with a lawyer to discuss your rights. Call our Broward pedestrian accident attorney (954) 761-3641 – 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Serving all of Broward County, including Weston, Sunrise, Miramar, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Davie and Coral Springs.

Ft. Lauderdale Injury Lawyer - (954) 761-4011 - Free Consultation


Client Reviews
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I have worked with Richard, a true professional and trusted source. He has shown great strength and ability to lead is his greatest asset. His office support team cultivates a culture that executes obtainable turnaround results. Thank you Ansara Law Office. Charlene Worrell
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The man
Twice I had problems with the law and twice he took care of me. A no nonsense kind of Lawyer. If you want your problems to go away, look no further. This guy is your Lawyer. I love you Rick, thx for all your help.
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Great attorney and person to know. Came all the way from Fort Lauderdale to help me with a civil issue in St. Petersburg. Thank you for all your help, Rick! Celimar De Jesus
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I would recommend Richard to anyone and I would hire him again with out hesitation. I did not know Richard Ansara. I found him on the internet. I live in another state so I had to trust. I left a message. I got a call back from Richard. He invested a lot of time just listening to what I needed him to do. It was not your traditional need. He told me what he felt he could accomplish. I liked his approach and the care he took in crafting his responses to me. I hired him. He went to work immediately. He always stayed in contact. I got progress reports from him on a regular basis. Richard completed the mission and did not overcharge me. His fee was more than fair and we got excellent results, just what we wanted. He seems to be a really good guy. That's important. A. James
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The best lawyer I ever had. Very efficient and professional. The staff is amazing. He took care of my case very quickly and for an affordable price. Fernando Jimenez
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