Cities like Sarasota are ideal for walking and running because of the great weather year-round. However, pedestrian accidents are on the rise. Every day, people walking on foot sustain severe injuries due to drivers’ careless and negligent conduct. However, there are essential safety precautions for Sarasota pedestrians that they can follow to help keep them safe on the road.
At Dannheisser Injury Law, we understand how a pedestrian accident can impact you and your loved ones. Our office has the resources to pursue justice on your behalf. Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys regularly work with top-of-the-food-chain experts and are prepared to represent you at every stage of the process, including trial.
Those walking or running are at risk due to dangers that vehicles and motorists do not have to consider. Sarasota pedestrians should know the risks and take safety precautions to prevent accidents. Some important precautions include:
Wear bright or light-colored clothing and reflective materials, especially at night. Make eye contact with the driver.
Use sidewalks when available and walk against traffic as close to the left side of the road as possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
Use crosswalks or intersections and obey crossing signals. Look both ways before crossing and wait for a gap in traffic wide enough to cross safely. Do not rely on a vehicle to stop. Many pedestrian accidents occur when the driver does not see the person coming.
Avoid distractions like texting, social media, or talking on the phone while walking. Avoid alcohol and drugs, which can impair judgment and reaction time.
Plan a safe walking route and walk in well-lit areas, especially at night. Carry a flashlight while walking at night.
Low visibility and inclement weather are often causes of pedestrian accidents. Taking these precautions can drastically reduce the chance of a severe injury while running and walking. Those injured in a pedestrian accident should consult a lawyer about their legal options.
In pedestrian accidents, the driver is typically at fault. However, a pedestrian’s failure to follow traffic laws or use sidewalks is just as likely to cause an accident. In some cases in Sarasota, compensation may be reduced if a walker or runner is found to be at fault for the collision for not taking necessary safety precautions.
In Florida, courts apply the concept of comparative negligence to reduce the damages each party can recover in a negligence-based claim. However, under this rule, when the injured person is more than 50% responsible for causing their injuries, they cannot recover any compensation. Those who are less than 50% at fault can still recover their damages, but their compensation will be reduced based on their respective share of fault. For instance, in a pedestrian accident, if the injured person is found to be 30% responsible for not using a crosswalk, they can still recover up to 70% of their total damages.
Understanding the safety precautions for Sarasota pedestrians can help to prevent accidents. Using a crosswalk, yielding to traffic, and never assuming a driver sees you coming are crucial steps to stay safe while walking.
When you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, consult a determined lawyer from Dannheisser Injury Law for help. When a pedestrian is injured due to another person’s careless, reckless, or intentional act, we can help obtain financial compensation. Call our office to speak with one of our well-versed lawyers and schedule a consultation meeting.