Fort Myers pedestrian accident lawyer

Published on: May 5, 2025

Hit by Car While Jogging? Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Details Your Legal Options

pedestrian accident lawyer Fort Myers Here in the Sunshine State, outdoor exercise is a year-round privilege enjoyed by many. As an experienced Fort Myers pedestrian accident lawyer serving Southwest Florida, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly a morning run can turn into a life-altering tragedy when motorists fail to exercise proper caution around joggers and runners. Our skilled team at Garvin Injury Law works to assist injured pedestrians recover fair compensation from negligent drivers.

The Rising Popularity of Running in South Florida

The running community in South Florida continues to flourish, with Lee County alone seeing a significant uptick in running events and participation the last few years. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, running and jogging participation nationwide has increased by over 15 percent since 2020, with warm-weather states like Florida experiencing even higher growth rates.

Fort Myers, with its scenic waterfront paths and beautiful neighborhoods, has become a haven for fitness enthusiasts. Local running clubs report membership increases of nearly 25 percent over the past three years, and the annual Fort Myers Marathon and River Run events regularly attract thousands of participants.

Florida’s Troubling Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Unfortunately, this rise in outdoor exercise coincides with Florida’s dubious distinction as one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), there were over 9,500 pedestrian crashes reported in 2023, resulting in more than 700 fatalities and thousands of injuries.

Lee County alone recorded over 200 pedestrian accidents last year, with a disproportionate number occurring during peak running hours (early morning and evening). What’s particularly concerning is that these figures likely underrepresent the true scope of the problem for several reasons:

Many minor pedestrian incidents go unreported.
Some drivers flee the scene, leaving victims with limited information.
Hospital data and police reports don’t always align in classification.
Near-misses aren’t captured in official statistics.

Why Joggers Face Elevated Risks

Runners face unique vulnerability on Florida roads for several compelling reasons: pedestrian accident lawyer Fort Myers

Distracted drivers: With smartphones and in-car entertainment systems, driver attention continues to decline.
Limited visibility: Early morning and evening runs often coincide with challenging lighting conditions.
Shared road use: Many Fort Myers neighborhoods lack dedicated sidewalks or running paths.
Speed differentials: A jogger moving at 6-8 mph may misjudge a vehicle’s approach speed.
Hit-and-run incidents: Sadly, Florida ranks among the worst states for hit-and-run accidents. The FHSMV reported over 108,000 hit-and-run crashes in 2023 alone. Joggers are particularly vulnerable as they often run alone, in low-light conditions, and in areas with fewer witnesses.

How Pedestrian Accident Claims Differ

If you’ve been struck by a vehicle while jogging in Fort Myers, your legal case differs significantly from typical auto accidents in several key ways: Continue reading

Published on: March 14, 2023

A Dangerous Walk: Record High Risk of Fatal Florida Pedestrian Accidents

by Leland Garvin

Florida pedestrian accident lawyer A sidewalk stroll in the South Florida sunshine should be a safe way to spend an afternoon. Unfortunately, walking alongside, in, around, and across Florida roadways is quite dangerous – and it’s only gotten worse in recent years. According to a new report by the Governors’ Highway Safety Association, the rate of deadly Florida pedestrian accidents ranks No. 2 in the nation, rising by 31 percent between 2020 and 2021. Nationally, drivers struck and killed nearly 7,500 people last year. That’s about 20 pedestrian accident deaths every day – more in any single year for the past 40.

Pedestrian deaths are most common in urban areas, particularly at night, and especially October-January. People 70 and older accounted for 38 percent of pedestrian accident deaths. High vehicle speed, increasingly larger vehicle size, lacking pedestrian infrastructure, and growing driver distraction are all cited as contributing causes to this serious and growing problem.

These stark statistics overshadow the fact that every single one of those numbers is the devastating loss of someone’s somebody – mom, dad, brother, sister, daughter, son, grandparent, or friend. Compounding the grief for so many is the fact that a sizable percentage of Florida pedestrian accidents are caused by hit-and-run drivers.

Our team of Fort Myers personal injury lawyers recognizes the unique challenges in pursuing civil litigation for pedestrian accidents. We have a track record of notable success in this area, even with more challenging cases. We’re committed to helping Southwest Florida pedestrian accident victims and their loved ones navigate their next steps, identifying avenues for potential legal action and offering advice on the most viable approaches. Continue reading

Published on: April 7, 2021

Holding Bad Drivers Accountable in Florida Pedestrian Accidents

by Leland Garvin

pedestrian accident lawyer South Florida

Walking in Florida can be hazardous for your health. According to Smart Growth America’s 2021 Dangerous by Design report, the Sunshine State is the deadliest in the nation for pedestrians. Of the 15 most dangerous cities for pedestrians in the U.S., 9 are in Florida. The Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area ranked No. 11.

Between 2010 and 2019, more than 17 pedestrians a day, on average, were struck and killed by U.S. drivers. That is more than 53,000 total lives lost, and it is getting worse, not better. The number of fatal pedestrian accidents spiked 45 percent in that time frame. Understanding why is critical to curbing the incidence rate. So too, is holding negligent drivers accountable.

Our Fort Myers pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to advocating for safer roads and aiding crash victims in collecting damages – whether via insurer negotiations or pursuing claims in court. While many people use the term “sue” in these kinds of cases, the reality is most Florida pedestrian crash claims are settled without litigation. This means we can often secure compensation while also sparing you the time, emotional energy, and financial resources of a trial. Still, it is important to know at the outset that your personal injury attorney is one who can be trusted to successfully prepare your case for civil trial if need be – especially if your injuries are serious.