In early November, a car plowed into seven people who were waiting at a school bus stop in north Tampa. The children and their families were devastated by the accident, which left 2 children with severe injuries, including fractures in the neck, legs, and hips. While the driver of the car was not intoxicated or impaired at the time of the accident, investigations are underway as to why the catastrophic pedestrian accident occurred.
The accident occurred at the corner of N 16th Street and Bougainvillea. The students and adults were waiting for the bus to take them to Woodson PreK-8 Leadership Academy when a car traveling at a high rate of speed hit the victims. When ABC Action News investigated, they found that the 1.5 mile stretch of E. Bougainvillea was responsible for 32 crashes in 2016 and 28 in 2017.
Now, the families of the victims, as well as neighbors in the community are asking for safer bus stops. 25 residents came out to discuss the safety of the neighborhood and what could be done to improve it. Parents are rightfully worried that their children need to cross the street to get onto the bus because many drivers don’t always stop for buses, putting their children in harm’s way. Tampa police officers, officials of the city, and school district officials were all at the meeting as well to make sure resident voices were heard. Plans are already in motion to make the 30-mph speed limit along that 2-mile stretch of Bougainvillea Avenue more visible to other drivers.
Pedestrian Accidents can be Fatal
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,376 pedestrians were killed in 2015 accidents with motor vehicles. An additional 70,000 pedestrians were injured that same year – a 15% increase from a decade prior. Drivers who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless drivers, and distracted drivers are all responsible for the increase in accidents over recent years. Distracted driving, in particular, has had a tremendous impact on pedestrian accidents.
The majority of pedestrian accidents occur to individuals living in urban areas where the infrastructure hasn’t always kept up with the increase in motor vehicle traffic through the city. Pedestrians that are hit by cars in urban areas often sustain serious and life-threatening injuries, such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe fractures. These injuries can lead to a lifetime of pain and suffering.
A Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to know that the law is on your side. Unfortunately, proving negligence can be difficult and insurance companies often want to pin some – or all – of the blame on the pedestrian. As such, it is important to speak to an experienced and skilled Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer immediately to begin building your case. You have a right to collect compensation for your injuries – and we can help. Contact the Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers at Dennis A. Lopez & Associates today for the legal representation you need after a devastating pedestrian accident. Call us at 813-223-1977for a free initial consultation and review of your case.
For More Information