Pedestrian Accidents Attorney
Have you been involved in a pedestrian accident where you were struck by a car or truck?
You need a pedestrian accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal field, especially if you've sustained injuries from your accident.
The pedestrian accident lawyers at Moody Law help clients of Lakeland, FL, secure the fair compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians face a heightened risk of injuries in several scenarios, particularly when motorists make right-hand turns at crosswalks. The following circumstances may increase the risk to pedestrians:
- Visibility
- Weather
- Time of day or night
- Speed limit or average speed on the road
- Blind spots
- Intersections with or without crosswalks
Drivers' Responsibilities Under Florida Law
The driver is always expected to exercise caution and stay alert to their changing surroundings, including pedestrians on the road. A few driver responsibilities laid out by the Florida law include:
Yield the Right-of-Way
Section 316.130(15) of Florida law states that every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid collision with any pedestrian or human-powered vehicle. The pedestrian always has the right-of-way as a car can cause more damage to a pedestrian than the pedestrian can to a car.
Provide Warning
Drivers must give a warning to pedestrians when necessary and exercise proper precautions. This law is in place because the motor vehicle driver is better positioned to avoid injury or death to a pedestrian even when the pedestrian may not be observing the traffic or the rules of the road.
Respect Stopped Vehicles
Drivers sometimes have to make unexpected stops for pedestrians crossing at marked or unmarked crosswalks at an intersection. Drivers at the rear of the stopped vehicle are expected to safely stop behind the paused vehicle and not pass and overtake the car in front of them.
Drive Defensively
Drivers always hold more power than pedestrians. As such, they should use defensive driving. In a pedestrian accident case where a pedestrian is crossing a roadway outside of a crosswalk, the driver of the vehicle must still be paying attention and actively looking for dangerous situations in the roadway.
You Aren't Alone Request a Consultation
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian traffic accident around Lakeland, a personal injury attorney from Moody Law can help. Based in Central Florida, we serve Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City, and Tampa Bay.
During a free consultation, our legal team can review the accident and discuss the potential liability of the pedestrian and the driver given the situation.
(863) 733-9090
"This firm is so awesome." 5-Star Reviews From Lakeland Clients
Paradise Is KSV
2022
This firm is so awesome and was very patient with our case. They were able to get my mom the best result and kept her informed every step of the way! I highly recommend them.
View on GoogleWilliam Ferguson
2022
I had a bad accident, and was recommended to see Drew Moody for my case. He was extremely helpful, and fought me. He got me a great settlement. I recommend him to anyone who needs a great attorney.
View on GooglePedestrian Responsibilities Under Florida Law
The driver is not the only party responsible for maintaining safe conditions on the road. A pedestrian’s duties are codified in section 316.130 of the Florida Statutes. Bicycle regulations are codified in section 316.2065 of the Florida Statutes. Pedestrian duties can include:
Pedestrians have the right-of-way when using a marked crosswalk. However, vehicles have the right-of-way at sections of the road that don't contain a marked crosswalk. If using an unmarked crosswalk, pedestrians should cross at the shortest point.
If a sidewalk is present, pedestrians are expected to walk on the sidewalk and not the main road. If no sidewalk is present, the pedestrian must walk on the left side of the roadway, facing traffic approaching from the opposite direction.
Similar to how cars cannot run a red light, pedestrians are expected to obey traffic signals at intersections and crosswalks. The only exception to this rule applies if a police officer has instructed you otherwise.
Drivers of motor vehicles will have a defense if the pedestrian darted into the roadway or entered the roadway in a manner that would be unexpected or unanticipated by the reasonably prudent driver.
Pedestrian Injuries From Car Accidents
Various personal injuries can occur from pedestrian accidents, and a pedestrian accident attorney can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Some common and unfortunate pedestrian accident injuries include:
Musculoskeletal Injuries
According to a study in the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine, 41.4 percent of pedestrian accident victims sustained a musculoskeletal injury. Musculoskeletal injuries affect the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs.
Head and Neck Injuries
According to the same pedestrian injury study, head and neck injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, were the most common injuries for pediatric pedestrian accidents. Almost 35 percent of all children involved in a pedestrian accident sustained this injury.Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, fatalities can result from a pedestrian accident. Surviving family members of the victim may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to obtain damages to cover funeral costs, loss of companionship, or pain and suffering.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Our team can provide the diligent yet compassionate representation you need.
Have You Been Injured by a Motorist? Request a Free Consultation at Moody law
Any pedestrian injured in a car accident or truck accident should contact a lawyer from Moody Law to discuss the case. Injured victims could be eligible to file a claim and recover financial compensation. Call our Lakeland office to request a free consultation:
(863) 733-9090
"I would recommend anyone." More 5-Star Reviews From Lakeland Clients
Clarence Searight
2022
I came them with my case and at one point I wasn’t going to get anything but this law firm took there time literally and found an extra insurance that I wouldn’t been unable to find had I tackled it myself THANKS GUYS I would recommend anyone
View on GoogleElizabeth Lattimore
2022
Moody Law was wonderful in getting our case resolved. Ms. Debbie was great at staying in touch and keeping us updated on the progress. It was a relief to have such a professional, respected law office represent us during what was a challenging situation. I would definitely recommend Moody Law!
View on GoogleWho is Liable for a Pedestrian's Injuries?
Various factors and parties may have contributed to the pedestrian's serious injury, which is why it can be a challenge to establish who is at fault. Some potentially liable parties for a pedestrian's injury may include:
The Local Municipality
If crosswalks were poorly placed, sidewalks were ineffective, or other industrial structures were not designed to accommodate a pedestrian's right-of-way, the local municipality can be held liable for the injuries sustained from a pedestrian accident.
Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are often the first party to be held liable for the victim's injuries. In a no-fault state like Florida, your pedestrian accident attorney will first pursue a claim with your insurance company to obtain compensation for your medical bills.
A Product Manufacturer
If a flaw in a device you were using (such as a skateboard or other transportation device) caused you to veer into the path of traffic and sustain an injury, a product liability claim can be filed against the product's maker or distribution company.
The Driver
It may seem like the driver of the vehicle is the obvious party at fault, but this can be difficult to prove without a pedestrian accident lawyer by your side. Our lawyers will work to obtain fair compensation for your pedestrian accident case if the driver is at fault.
Verdicts and Settlements SECURE COMPENSATION
$700,000 awarded for a pedestrian killed by a drunk driver
