Crosswalk Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
Crosswalk pedestrian accidents in Florida typically lead to severe or fatal injuries for the injured pedestrian. Various factors can cause crosswalk pedestrian accidents, from negligent driver behaviors to improperly designed or maintained crosswalks and poor road conditions. Depending on the situation, multiple parties may be held accountable for the injuries and losses they caused.
If you suffered injuries in a crosswalk pedestrian accident in Florida, you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party. Talk to a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Clearwater, FL, to learn more.
Why Do Crosswalk Pedestrian Accidents in Florida Happen?
Here are the most common factors that cause or contribute to crosswalk pedestrian accidents in Florida:
Motorists Not Yielding The Right Of Way
Motorists must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. However, many don’t understand this basic law or opt to ignore it. Sometimes, motorists may not notice pedestrians in time because of poor visibility. In other cases, however, motorists just don’t care about pedestrians and choose to beat them to the crosswalk, which significantly raises the likelihood of pedestrians getting hit.
Speeding
Drivers who are driving too fast may not see a pedestrian in time to react and avert a crosswalk crash. The faster the vehicle is moving, the higher the risk of life-altering injuries or death. In school zones, neighborhoods, and residential areas with high pedestrian traffic, pedestrians are protected by reduced speed limits. Unfortunately, some drivers still don’t adhere to these limits, increasing the risk of an accident.
Distracted Drivers
When drivers are distracted, they fail to give their full attention to their surroundings. They may not see pedestrians crossing even at marked crosswalks or may be unable to stop in time for pedestrians to cross safely. Distracted drivers are particularly hazardous near crosswalks because pedestrians have the right of way.
Poor Crosswalk And Road Conditions
Routine road and infrastructure maintenance are crucial to decreasing pedestrian accidents Insufficient lights, malfunctioning traffic signals, potholes, or inadequately marked crosswalks can create dangerous conditions for motorists and pedestrians. For pedestrians, uneven or inadequately marked crosswalks create falling hazards, raising the risk of getting hit by motorists. This is especially true for older pedestrians, smaller children, individuals with physical disabilities, and pedestrians who are running late and moving quickly.
It's the responsibility of local governments to design, build, and maintain safe road conditions, including crosswalks. So, if poor maintenance causes a pedestrian accident, the injured victim can hold the local government liable for their losses.
Impaired Drivers
When impaired drivers, including drunk, drugged, or fatigued drivers, approach crosswalks, their ability to see and react to their surroundings is significantly compromised due to their reduced coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable under these circumstances because impaired drivers may be unable to yield in time or stop to prevent a crash.
Allow Our Established Clearwater, FL, Pedestrian Accident Lawyers To Fight For Your Rights
At Tragos, Sartes & Tragos, our Clearwater, FL pedestrian accident attorney can hold the negligent party liable for your injuries and damages, regardless of who or what caused your crosswalk pedestrian accident. Call 727-441-9030 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with our Clearwater, FL, pedestrian accident lawyer.