Article Sheds Light on Orlando’s Pedestrian Accident Problems

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on July 17, 2013

A recent feature article published in the Orlando Sentinel provided some insight as to why Central Florida is either the most dangerous place for pedestrians in the country, or the second-most dangerous, depending on how you view the data. The article reinforced what James O. Cunningham and other Orlando personal injury lawyers have been saying for years — that city officials, the law enforcement community and Floridians need to step up efforts to make area roadways safer for non-motorized traffic.

The article uses some sensationalistic language to hook readers, but, honestly, the pedestrian accident data from our area is appalling enough without hyperbole. Cars, trucks and other vehicles strike more than 850 people in Central Florida every year. These pedestrian accidents kill 40 to 70 people, and at least 150 more victims suffer what area police call "incapacitating" injuries that prevent them from working, providing for themselves and their families and enjoying their favorite activities.

The article reports that, on a per-capita basis, Orlando ranks behind Miami-Dade County for the worst pedestrian death rate of any area in the country. However, when you factor in walking patterns (statistics suggest that people in Miami walk much more than other Floridians do), the numbers indicate that Orlando’s pedestrian accident problems are much worse. To their credit, the writers of the article shed light on often-overlooked aspects of pedestrian accidents. They cite examples of the debilitating injuries, shattered families, emotional and economic hardship and other effects of pedestrian accidents on victims and their dependents.

The writers also talk about recent efforts to reduce pedestrian accidents, such as the "Alert Today Alive Tomorrow" public service campaign to educate everyone about pedestrian accidents. Regular readers of this blog know that Orlando city officials recently started their own campaign to educate drivers and pedestrians called, "Best Foot Forward for Pedestrian Safety."

Dr. John Promes is quite familiar with the damage that occurs when vehicles strike pedestrians. In his position as Orlando Regional Medical Center Trauma Medical Director, he personally treats many victims as they arrive at the facility’s emergency room. The Sentinel recently published an editorial written by him, which declared, "It is past time for us to come together as a community and say that enough is enough. Right now the legacy is, at least for the 2000 [decade], and probably this decade, Orlando has ranked worst in the country."

The article also explains that the majority of pedestrian accidents in Central Florida, around eight in ten, are caused by careless pedestrians who attempt to cross busy roadways away from crosswalks, usually at night and often wearing dark clothing.

Careless pedestrians may cause the majority of accidents, but those injured by negligent drivers need effective and experienced legal representation to help them receive the fair and just compensation they deserve. That is why many victims schedule a free consultation with Orlando pedestrian accident attorney James O. Cunningham. Mr. Cunningham has successfully represented injured people for 36 years and is one of the most experienced personal injury lawyers in the area. If you would like to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights and legal options, call him today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587).

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.