Crosswalk Accident Injury Claims in Florida: A Guide
Sadly, pedestrian accidents are a serious safety problem in South Florida. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 140,000 pedestrians are treated in emergency rooms for injuries each year. Many of these collisions occur at or around crosswalks.
Although crosswalks can feel like a ‘barrier’, it only takes one distracted or reckless driver to cause a serious crash. Here, our West Palm Beach pedestrian accident attorneys highlight the most important things you should know about crosswalk accident injury claims in Florida.
Florida Law: Pedestrians Have Right-of-Way at Crosswalks
A crosswalk is a marked section of the road where pedestrians have the general right to cross the street. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 316.130), both pedestrians and drivers have certain rights and certain responsibilities when approaching crosswalks, and more broadly. Here are three specific things that all pedestrians should know about crosswalks in Florida:
- Pedestrians should follow traffic signals. When a crosswalk has a ‘Walk/Don’t Walk’ signal in place, pedestrians should comply with those directions. Failure to do so could be used against them in any corresponding legal claim.
- When pedestrians have the right to cross, drivers must stop their vehicle and remain stopped until the pedestrian vacates the crosswalk.
- Many crosswalks lack working traffic signals. If there is a crosswalk with no traffic signal, then the pedestrian has the right-of-way.
Crosswalk Accidents Require an Immediate Investigation
A serious crosswalk collision should be reported to the police. Every pedestrian collision requires an immediate investigation. To bring a successful legal claim for your injuries, you need to secure all the evidence and information related to the crash. Among other things, relevant evidence in a crosswalk accident case includes:
- Driver name and vehicle information;
- The police report;
- Photographs and videos; and
- Statements from eyewitnesses.
You Deserve Full Compensation for Your Crosswalk Accident Injuries
In Florida, pedestrian accident victims can seek compensation for out-of-pocket losses and non-economic damages. Insurance companies are in business to resolve personal injury claims for the lowest amount of compensation possible—potentially far less than you truly deserve. At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach pedestrian accident lawyers fight aggressively to help victims maximize their financial compensation. If you were injured in a crosswalk accident in Florida, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for:
- Emergency room treatment;
- Health care bills and related costs;
- Rehabilitative care;
- Loss of wages/income;
- Pain and suffering;
- Scarring or disfigurement;
- Permanent disability; and
- Wrongful death damages.
Contact Our West Palm Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Florida personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling the full range of pedestrian accident claims. If you or your loved one was injured in a crosswalk accident, we can help. Call us today to set up a free, no obligation review of your personal injury case. We handle pedestrian accident injury claims throughout South Florida, including in West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Hollywood, Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach.
Resource:
cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html
