Most Floridians walk across busy streets, downtown intersections, and water districts on a regular basis. Crosswalks are designed to protect pedestrians, but sometimes negligent drivers fail to notice a walker in time. Pedestrian accidents are particularly disastrous, often involving significant injuries. Understanding how liability works in pedestrian accidents is crucial for accident victims seeking compensation.
How Do Crosswalk and Right-of-Way Laws Work In Florida?
Under Florida law, drivers must yield to pedestrians in most intersections and marked crosswalks. In most situations, pedestrians generally have the right of way if they are crossing legally. Some key pedestrian crossing laws are:
- Vehicles are required to yield when pedestrians cross at intersections
- Drivers are required to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks
- Drivers must exercise extra caution in dense urban areas and near schools
If you get into an accident as the result of a driver ignoring these rules, you may be entitled to compensation. A pedestrian accident lawyer can evaluate your case to identify negligence and help you prove liability.
Why Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Most pedestrian crashes happen in dense urban areas where foot traffic and vehicles must navigate around each other. The biggest culprits behind pedestrian accidents are:
- Failing to yield at crosswalks
- Distracted driving
- Drivers turning without checking for pedestrians
- Speeding through intersections
Determining liability in urban crashes can get extremely complex, especially in busy downtown areas involving multiple factors.
What Are Some Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
Since pedestrians are totally unprotected against vehicles, injuries are often catastrophic. Some common injuries sustained in pedestrian accident cases include;
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head and brain injuries, or TBIs (traumatic brain injuries)
- Internal trauma to the organs
- Spinal cord injuries
The long-term impact of these injuries may last far beyond the accident, potentially reducing the victim’s capacity to work or conduct daily activities.
How Is Fault Determined in Urban Accidents?
Determining liability comes down to proving who acted negligently, and whether their negligence contributed to your injuries. Evidence our attorneys use to determine fault in pedestrian cases include:
- Traffic camera footage
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
As an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer, BCN Law Firm will gather evidence and analyze details to build a strong case proving negligence and helping you get the compensation you deserve. We have helped many pedestrian accident victims in cases involving intersections, multi-lane roads, and commercial districts.
What Types of Compensation Are Available?
When negligent driving results in pedestrian injuries in Florida, victims are entitled to seek compensation for several types of losses. Insurance companies often try to offer lowball settlements right away, taking advantage of a victim’s desperation for a quick financial solution, and these settlements may be a mere fraction of how much a victim really needs to pay all their bills and continue with their life. Possible damages you may seek in a pedestrian accident include:
- Lost income from missed work
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income from work missed due to the accident
- Lost income from reduced earning ability
- Long-term disability
Contact Us Today
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident due to another driver’s negligence, an experienced Florida pedestrian accident lawyer can help. Call BCN Law Firm for a free initial consultation today.