Is Miami Safe for Pedestrians?

Miami might seem like the ideal city for pedestrians. After all, you don’t have to bundle up in a parka and scarf during the winter but can enjoy the sunshine year round. Unfortunately, the city has real hazards awaiting pedestrians, who can suffer devastating injuries when they are struck by a motor vehicle. Seek legal assistance if you are hit by a driver and need compensation.

Why Miami is Not Ideal for Pedestrians

The city presents many problems for those getting around on two feet:

• Poorly designed roads. The parts of Miami with the most pedestrian accidents are the places designed for cars. Roads are narrow and speed limits are too high. The city is trying to respond by building elevated crosswalks that protect pedestrians, but the process is slow.
• Missing sidewalks. Pedestrians are at greater risk of an accident where there aren’t sidewalks.
• Aggressive drivers. Miami definitely has some aggressive drivers, who won’t slow down, even if they see a pedestrian at the side of the road or even in an intersection. A driver in a hurry might try to scoot past, only to clip you.
• Construction zones. Too much construction can also make life difficult for pedestrians. Barrels, tape, and scaffolding obstruct the view of both pedestrians and motorists. A driver might be surprised to see a pedestrian emerge from beneath darkened scaffolding and jump into an intersection.

The statistics bear out what people experienced daily while walking around town. For example, Axios reports that Florida has the third-highest pedestrian fatality rate in the country, at almost double the national average. By another measure, Miami was the fourth most dangerous metropolitan area in the entire nation.

According to the Miami-Dade Complete Streets program, the city experienced more than 90 pedestrian fatalities in 2015. Hundreds of other pedestrians are seriously injured in accidents even if they survive.

Pedestrians must employ some sensible tips for their own safety. Never stand in the road, even if there is no sidewalk, and always look both ways before entering an intersection. Never cross a street except on a crosswalk, and exercise extreme caution. It’s better to be late for an appointment than flat on your back in the emergency room.

Call a Miami Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for Help

Pita Weber Del Prado can assist anyone injured in a pedestrian accident. Although you might use your PIP insurance, there are situations where you can also file a personal injury claim against a negligent driver. We have experience seeking compensation for medical care and lost income, as well as for pain and mental anguish. If the driver was intoxicated, then we might seek punitive damages against them, as well.

We can also jump in if you were injured while visiting Miami. Hire a local Miami personal injury lawyer for assistance in bringing a claim against a dangerous motorist. There are many benefits to hiring local counsel when injured in Miami, even if you live in a different part of the country. Contact us to discuss your accident and any concerns you might have.

Sources:

axios.com/local/miami/2023/07/05/miami-dangerous-pedestrians-bicyclist-florida

miamidade.gov/neatstreets/library/safer-people-safer-streets/local-action-plan.pdf

miamidade.gov/neatstreets/library/complete-streets-design-guidelines.pdf