Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to accidents in Florida. With nothing to physically protect them from injuries caused by cars, drivers must do their part to look out for pedestrians.
In 2019, 7,893 pedestrians were injured in car accidents in Florida, 734 more were killed. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in Florida, call Elstein Legal as soon as possible. Our Boca Raton pedestrian accident attorney has helped many clients recover the compensation they needed to recoup their losses.
Causes of Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities in Florida
There is a number of potential reason for an accident to occur, some of which include:
Driving under the influence
Drivers who operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs are much more likely to cause fatal accidents involving pedestrians.
Distracted driving
Cell phone use is a big culprit in pedestrian accidents. Texting and driving, for instance, takes the driver’s eyes off of the road, making them less likely to see pedestrians and other vehicles.
Reckless driving
Disregarding traffic laws and driving aggressively, particularly in residential areas, can have fatal consequences for pedestrians.
Speeding
Drivers should always drive carefully in residential areas and slow down well before they get to a crosswalk.
Failure to yield
Some drivers ignore pedestrian traffic signals or assume that a pedestrian will see them coming and move out of the way. Unfortunately, this has been known to lead to serious injuries.
A Driver’s Responsibility to Pedestrians
Sadly, a large number of accidents are avoidable and could have never occurred. Some drivers tend to neglect their responsibility, causing pain and suffering to others. It is crucial to:
- Always be on the lookout for pedestrians in any location;
- When road conditions are dangerous, or it is dark outside, be sure to adjust your speed – especially in residential areas;
- Do not pass a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk under any circumstances since there could be someone crossing the road out of view;
- Use extra caution in residential areas in general. Children, in particular, can be unpredictable, and oblivious to signs of danger when they are distracted.
When is a Pedestrian Liable for an Accident in Florida?
When it comes to drivers and pedestrians sharing the road, safety is a two-way street. Pedestrians should be following their own set of safety rules while walking in busy areas. Here are some of the laws that apply to pedestrians in Florida:
- Pedestrians need to obey the instructions of traffic control devices;
- Pedestrians cannot walk along the road when there are sidewalks available;
- When sidewalks are not present, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder on the left side when facing traffic from the opposite direction;
- Pedestrians should only cross the road in a marked crosswalk, by a route at right angles to the curb, or by the shortest route to the opposite curb.
Why Choose Elstein Legal to Represent your Case?
Since opening Elstein Legal in 2018, Miami personal injury attorney Brian L. Elstein has recovered millions on behalf of his deserving clients. A cum laude graduate of Nova Southeastern University, Brian Elstein honed his skills early as a member of the Nova Trial Association.
Today, he is recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as a Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer in Florida and has been selected to the 2022-2023 Florida Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers Magazine – a distinction given to only 2.5% of attorneys in Florida, and named 2022 Best Litigation Attorney by Expertise.com.
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If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you deserve expert legal representation to seek the justice you deserve and obtain fair compensation. You will gain an advocate for every stage in the claims process until you have the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (305) 299-2835 or contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. There is no fee unless we win your case.