Brandon Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Injured by a Negligent Driver While Walking, Running, or Biking?

Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardships for victims and their families. At Burnetti, P.A., we understand the significant impact these accidents can have on your life. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Brandon, FL, our dedicated legal team is here to help you navigate the complex legal system and secure the compensation you deserve.

To request a free case evaluation, call (888) 444-8508 or fill out our online contact form today.

Florida Pedestrian Laws

Florida’s pedestrian laws are designed to protect pedestrians and regulate how motorists should behave when sharing the road with them. Pedestrians have the right of way in most circumstances, especially at marked crosswalks. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street legally.

Here are some key pedestrian laws in Florida:

• Crosswalks: Pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks and intersections without traffic signals. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in these areas.
• Sidewalk Use: Where sidewalks are provided, pedestrians are required to use them. If no sidewalk is available, pedestrians must walk on the shoulder facing traffic.
• Obey Traffic Signals: Pedestrians must obey traffic control devices, such as traffic lights and pedestrian signals. Crossing against a signal, even in a crosswalk, can put pedestrians at risk and may affect their ability to recover compensation if they are involved in an accident.
• Jaywalking: Jaywalking, or crossing the street outside of designated crosswalks, is prohibited and can increase the risk of accidents.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can occur for various reasons, but driver negligence is one of the leading causes. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Brandon, FL, include:

• Distracted Driving: In today’s digital age, distractions are everywhere. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or even eating are not fully focused on the road. Distracted driving is a major contributor to pedestrian accidents, as a momentary lapse in attention can result in catastrophic consequences.
• Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian. When a vehicle is traveling at a high speed, the impact of a collision can be devastating, often leading to serious or fatal injuries.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections. However, some drivers fail to do so, either because they are unaware of the law or because they are in a hurry. This failure to yield is a common cause of pedestrian accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol have impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and diminished coordination. Driving while intoxicated is illegal and dangerous, and it frequently results in accidents involving pedestrians.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents often occur at night or in bad weather when visibility is low. Drivers may not see pedestrians crossing the street, especially if they are not wearing reflective clothing. Additionally, poorly lit streets can make it difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians in time to avoid an accident.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Reckless driving behaviors, such as running red lights, speeding through intersections, or failing to stop at stop signs, can endanger pedestrians. Aggressive driving can also cause accidents, particularly when drivers disregard the safety of others on the road.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident can be complicated, as multiple parties may share responsibility for the incident. Liability is typically determined by evaluating the actions of both the driver and the pedestrian at the time of the accident.

• Driver Liability: In most pedestrian accidents, the driver is found to be at fault due to negligence. If a driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to yield the right of way, they may be held liable for the injuries caused in the accident. Drivers are expected to exercise a duty of care when operating their vehicles, especially in areas where pedestrians are present.
• Pedestrian Liability: In some cases, a pedestrian may be partially or fully liable for an accident. For example, if a pedestrian jaywalks, crosses against a traffic signal, or walks along a roadway where pedestrian access is prohibited, they may bear some responsibility for the collision. However, even if the pedestrian is partially at fault, they may still be able to recover compensation under Florida’s comparative negligence laws, which reduce the amount of compensation by the percentage of fault assigned to the pedestrian.
• Third-Party Liability: In certain situations, a third party may also be liable for a pedestrian accident. For instance, a municipality could be responsible if poor road design, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals contributed to the accident. Additionally, if a defective vehicle part, such as faulty brakes, caused the driver to lose control, the vehicle manufacturer may be held liable.

At Burnetti, P.A., we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to victims of pedestrian accidents. We understand the challenges you may be facing and are here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

Contact us today at (888) 444-8508 for a free case review.