Miami’s streets are becoming increasingly dangerous for pedestrians—and smartphones are partly to blame.
Whether it’s a driver glued to a GPS or a pedestrian scrolling through Instagram while crossing the street, distractions have become a leading cause of pedestrian accidents across South Florida. As a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer, Jonathan Perazzo and his team at The Perazzo Law Firm have witnessed firsthand how devastating these accidents can be—especially when caused by negligence or distraction.
This article breaks down:
- The most common causes of pedestrian accidents
- Why intersections and crosswalks are high-risk zones
- What injuries typically result
- What to do if you or someone you love is hit by a vehicle in Miami
Pedestrian Accidents: What’s Causing the Surge?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in U.S. traffic accidents in a single year. That’s about one every 88 minutes—and nearly 818,000 more are injured annually. Miami is no exception to this trend.
Top Causes of Pedestrian Accidents:
- Distracted Driving: Smartphones, infotainment systems, and even eating behind the wheel divert a driver’s attention from the road.
- Distracted Walking: Pedestrians looking at their phones are less likely to notice oncoming traffic or obey traffic signals.
- Poor Visibility: Accidents spike in poorly lit areas, especially at night.
- Speeding & Aggressive Driving: Drivers who don’t yield or speed through crosswalks put pedestrians at serious risk.
- Poor Infrastructure: Faded crosswalks, broken sidewalks, and missing pedestrian signals all contribute to dangerous conditions.
- Tourist Traffic: Out-of-towners may be unfamiliar with Miami’s road rules or distracted by the surroundings.
- Alcohol Use: Both impaired drivers and impaired pedestrians are more prone to accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Miami’s frequent rainstorms can reduce visibility and road traction.
Most Common Accident Zones: Crosswalks and Intersections
Intersections remain one of the deadliest zones for pedestrians. Nearly half of all pedestrian crashes occur at or near intersections—especially when:
- Drivers fail to yield while turning
- Crosswalks are poorly marked or completely missing
- Visibility is low at night or during heavy rain
- Pedestrians cross between parked cars, making it difficult to be seen
What Injuries Do Pedestrians Suffer in Accidents?
The injuries pedestrians face in traffic accidents are often catastrophic and life-changing. Common ones include:
- Head Injuries: Concussions or TBIs from striking the ground or vehicle
- Broken Bones: Common in the legs, hips, arms, and ribs
- Spinal Cord Damage: Can result in partial or full paralysis
- Internal Bleeding: Often life-threatening and hard to detect immediately
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruises, road rash, torn ligaments
- Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and depression following a traumatic event
Legal Help from a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident in Miami, you need an experienced legal advocate who understands what’s at stake. At The Perazzo Law Firm, our team fights to get injured pedestrians the compensation they deserve for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term rehabilitation costs
- Emotional distress
We offer FREE consultations and zero out-of-pocket fees unless we win your case.
📞 Call (786) LAWS-411 or visit us online to get started with your pedestrian accident claim.
