Articles Tagged with 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:

1. Distracted drivers: With smartphones and in-car entertainment systems, driver attention continues to decline.
2. Limited visibility: Early morning and evening runs often coincide with challenging lighting conditions.
3. Shared road use: Many Fort Myers neighborhoods lack dedicated sidewalks or running paths.
4. Speed differentials: A jogger moving at 6-8 mph may misjudge a vehicle’s approach speed.
5. 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