As Halloween approaches, children everywhere eagerly anticipate a night of costumes, pumpkins, witches, and baskets full of candy. Parents with young children follow them from house to house, and the older ones often have the freedom to explore neighborhoods independently. Sadly, Halloween is also the deadliest day of the year for child pedestrians, according to the Children’s Safety Network.
Daytona Beach & Gainesville Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
If you or your child has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is vital to have a pedestrian accident attorney by your side to help you obtain justice and the compensation you deserve. At the Ogle Law Firm, we are committed to holding accountable those who cause personal injuries through negligent or purposeful acts.
With decades of experience, Attorney William Ogle has handled thousands of personal injury cases with successful verdicts and settlements. He is recognized as a National Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialist, which distinguishes him as an expert in his field. He can present your case to the at-fault party’s insurer or will pursue litigation if he believes a trial will result in a better outcome.
Halloween Accident Statistics
The scariest thing about Halloween is the chilling accident statistics. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department (FHSMV) reports it is one of the deadliest nights for pedestrians. In 2023, there was a 25% increase in accidents with fatalities, mostly occurring around 7 p.m. when families and children were out celebrating.
Tips to Keep Your Family Safe this Halloween:
- For Motorists: Trick-or-treaters are known to dart out into traffic. Slower speeds save lives, especially in neighborhoods where groups of children are often not paying attention. Be careful when backing or entering driveways, and minimize all distractions. Avoid using your cell phone, eating, talking, or playing loud music while driving. Many pedestrian accidents occur due to driving under the influence. Calling a rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft or using public transportation will keep you and your community safe.
- Parents: Being visible is perhaps the number one safety tip. Children should carry a flashlight or a glow stick and wear reflective tape on costumes. Make sure your children can see and hear out of their costumes. Be careful about trip hazards, and never cross the street between parked cars. Always use the sidewalks, and avoid being distracted by wearing headphones or using cell phones. Hold the hands of young children and supervise, supervise, supervise.
Common Injuries
An adult or child being struck by a motor vehicle is a tragic but preventable occurrence that has life-altering implications for the victim and their family. Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. The severity of injuries is related to multiple factors, such as the vehicle’s speed, the angle of impact, and the part of the body that comes in contact with the vehicle. Common injuries are traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, amputations, soft tissue damage, neck and spine trauma, fractures, internal injuries, and fatalities in the worst-case scenario.
Call for a Free Case Evaluation
At The Ogle Law Firm, we hope you have a fun-filled Halloween and enjoy all the festivities with family and friends. However, we do know that accidents happen. And when they do, we are here to help. Let us negotiate the legal process while you focus on your recovery or your child’s recovery.
Contact The Ogle Law Firm at (386) 253-2500 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer who cares about your future. Our offices are in Daytona Beach and Gainesville, Florida, and we will do whatever is needed to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. You will not be charged any fees until we win your case or secure a settlement.