Lakeland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Injured While Walking in Lakeland, FL?

When you are walking down the street in Lakeland or anywhere in Polk County, you expect to be safe. Unfortunately, motorists don't always respect the right of pedestrians to be on the road, and this can lead to accidents that result in serious injuries.

If you are hit by a vehicle while walking in Lakeland, FL, you should not have to worry about the financial consequences of your injuries. At Burnetti, P.A., our Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and other expenses.

If you are a pedestrian and are hit by a vehicle, you should get in touch with our Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyers right away. Call (863) 777-4507 for a free consultation.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

In Florida, drivers have a duty to follow the rules of the road and to be aware of their surroundings. If a driver fails to do this and hits a pedestrian, the driver is almost always liable for the victim's injuries.

However, the driver is not always the only party that can be held liable for an accident. In some cases, the pedestrian can be held liable for an accident if they were engaging in risky behavior at the time of the crash. For example, if a pedestrian is jaywalking when they are hit by a vehicle, they may be found partially liable for the accident.

Here are some of the primary causes of pedestrian accidents:

• Distracted driving or walking: Both drivers and pedestrians can be distracted by various factors, such as using mobile phones, adjusting the radio, or engaging in conversations. This distraction diminishes their attention to the road and surroundings, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Failure to yield: Drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, especially at crosswalks, intersections, or pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians might also cross roads without giving the right-of-way to vehicles, leading to accidents.
• Speeding: When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to sudden situations, making it challenging to stop in time to avoid hitting pedestrians who might be crossing the road.
• Drunk driving or walking: Intoxicated drivers or pedestrians have impaired judgment, reduced reaction times, and compromised motor skills, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Jaywalking: Pedestrians who cross roads outside designated crosswalks or intersections put themselves at higher risk as drivers may not expect them to be crossing at such locations.
• Poor visibility: Low visibility conditions, such as during nighttime or adverse weather conditions like heavy rain, fog, or snow, can make it difficult for both drivers and pedestrians to see each other, resulting in accidents.
• Inadequate infrastructure: Poorly designed roads, lack of pedestrian crossings, or inadequate street lighting can contribute to accidents involving pedestrians.
• Driver negligence: Negligent behavior such as reckless driving, running red lights, or ignoring stop signs can lead to accidents involving pedestrians.
• Inexperience: Inexperienced drivers or pedestrians might not be fully aware of the rules and regulations, leading to mistakes that can result in accidents.
• Turning vehicles: Vehicles making left or right turns at intersections or crosswalks may fail to notice pedestrians crossing the road, leading to collisions.
• Vehicle blind spots: Large vehicles like trucks and buses have significant blind spots, and drivers may not see pedestrians in these areas.
• Failing to use crosswalks: Some pedestrians might choose not to use designated crosswalks, putting themselves at higher risk of being involved in an accident.

Who Has the Right of Way in Florida?

In Florida, right-of-way laws govern the interactions between pedestrians and drivers to ensure safety on the roads.

Here are some key points about the right of way in Florida:

• Yielding at Crosswalks: Florida law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections and mid-block crossings. Pedestrians have the right-of-way when they are crossing legally, and drivers must stop and wait until the pedestrian has safely crossed the road.
• Unmarked Crosswalks: In Florida, every intersection is considered to have an unmarked crosswalk, even if there are no painted lines. Pedestrians still have the right-of-way when crossing at these intersections, and drivers should yield accordingly.
• Traffic Signals: Pedestrians must follow the pedestrian signals at traffic lights and crosswalks. When the signal displays a "Walk" symbol, pedestrians have the right-of-way to cross the road. When the signal displays a "Don't Walk" symbol or countdown timer, pedestrians should not begin crossing, and drivers have the right-of-way.
• Jaywalking: Jaywalking, or crossing the road at a location other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk, is generally illegal in Florida. Pedestrians who jaywalk may not have the right-of-way, and drivers might not be required to yield to them.
• Pedestrian Safety Zones: In certain areas designated as pedestrian safety zones, drivers must exercise extra caution and yield to pedestrians, even if there are no marked crosswalks.
• Yielding at Intersections: At intersections without traffic signals or stop signs, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the road.

Failure to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians can result in traffic violations and fines. More importantly, it can lead to serious accidents and injuries for pedestrians.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Lakeland

If you are hit by a vehicle while walking down the street, you may be entitled to compensation. At Burnetti, P.A., our Lakeland pedestrian accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you need to cover your expenses and get your life back on track.

Call (863) 777-4507 or submit an online request to get started with a free consultation.