Sadly, collisions between people on foot and motor vehicles are especially common in Florida. Our state has beautiful weather year-round, bringing pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists out to enjoy the beauty of our outdoors. Unfortunately, this leaves us at risk of suffering life-threatening or fatal injuries at the hands of careless and reckless drivers.

When you are hit by a vehicle while walking, jogging, or cycling you will likely suffer devastating injuries that can lead to lifelong consequences. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you pursue a legal claim to recover your full compensation for these losses. Call our firm today to schedule a consultation with a Sarasota pedestrian accident lawyer.

What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Collisions?

On-foot accidents are often the result of motorist negligence, and because pedestrians have little physical protection to shield them from the impact, these collisions are often catastrophic.

According to studies and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, speeding, reckless driver behaviors, and alcohol are all significant risk factors that contribute to these wrecks. Further, when a speeding driver hits a pedestrian, the injured person is likely to suffer life-threatening injuries.

Typical Injuries

Common injuries resulting from crashes involving pedestrians and cars include:

  • Broken bones, usually arms or wrists, from attempting to protect oneself during the impact
  • Facial injuries
  • Broken or fractured ribs
  • Internal organ damage
  • Skull, head, or traumatic brain injuries
  • Severe back injuries or spinal cord damage causing paralysis
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of wage-earning capacity
  • Extensive medical care costs
  • Wrongful death

A pedestrian accident attorney in Sarasota can help injured people collect the evidence necessary to prove their injuries and damages during settlement negotiations or trials.

Florida Pedestrian Rules and Regulations

Many accidents involving people on foot happen because of motorist negligence; however, walkers or joggers could also contribute to these collisions.

Pedestrians must follow specific safety guidelines to keep themselves safe. According to the guidelines provided in Florida Statutes § 316.130, pedestrians must adhere to traffic safety rules, including following the instructions of official traffic lights. Other essential regulations include:

  • Using sidewalks when available rather than walking on roadways
  • When no sidewalks exist, pedestrians must walk on the left shoulder of the road, facing traffic
  • Refraining from hitchhiking or soliciting business from motorists

During the consultation, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Sarasota could answer questions about the applicable traffic rules and civil law statutes.

Rights and Responsibilities

People on foot typically have the right-of-way when crossing the street in Florida. Even when there are no signals to alert motorists that people are crossing, drivers must use caution around pedestrians, yielding to anyone who has already stepped off the curb or started crossing the roadway; however, the court could find jaywalkers civilly liable for damages.

Schedule a Confidential Meeting with a Skilled Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Sarasota Today

When a negligent motorist causes you to suffer bodily harm or other losses in an accident, you can take legal action to hold them financially responsible. The collision can leave you with long-term or permanent disabilities, changing the course of your life within seconds.

A seasoned Sarasota pedestrian accident lawyer understands the challenges you face and could guide you through the process.You have only one chance in court, and the compensation you receive at trial will depend on the skill and experience of the law firm you choose. Our team has represented victims of pedestrian accidents in Sarasota for over 30 years. We can advocate on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve for your pain. All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no lawyer fee for our representation until you receive compensation for your injuries and damages. Call us today to review your case and begin your claim immediately.

    Get In Touch With Us