As pedestrians in Florida, we understand the risks associated with using crosswalks. From busy intersections to unmarked roadways and fast-moving traffic, it can be easy to put ourselves in dangerous situations while trying to get from point A to point B. Unfortunately, not all pedestrian accidents are avoidable.

If you’ve been injured after being hit by a car or truck while crossing a street on foot, you know what it feels like to experience an unexpected scare—or worse—a life-altering trauma due to someone else’s negligence.

Aside from searching for legal representation and proper medical care following your accident, there is more you should consider when navigating roads as a Florida pedestrian in order to keep yourself safe and reduce your risk of injury. The knowledge found within this blog post will give you the resources necessary for making informed decisions about when and where it’s okay (and not okay) for you to cross the street.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, the personal injury attorneys at Herman & Wells may be able to help you. Our knowledgeable legal team has years of experience fighting for the rights of Floridians who have been wrongfully injured and lost wages due to someone else’s negligence. We understand that filing a claim and navigating the legal system can be complex, but rest assured that our team has your best interests in mind.

Contact us today and tell us your story!

A Floridian involved in a motorcycle accident fills out their injury claim form.

The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post

  • 1
    Florida is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians, with nearly 3,000 deaths resulting from pedestrian-related accidents since 2008.
  • 2
    Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the street at a controlled intersection, marked or unmarked crosswalks, or any other place providing safe passage across the street.
  • 3
    Common causes of crosswalk accidents in Florida include distracted driving, driver fatigue, intoxicated driving, and poor road conditions.
  • 4
    Pedestrians should always exercise caution and be aware of their own safety when crossing streets or entering an intersection or a marked crosswalk.
  • 5
    To stay safe while using Florida crosswalks pedestrians should make sure they have the right-of-way, be mindful of their surroundings, and increase their visibility.
  • 6
    If someone has been injured in a pedestrian accident, they should seek medical attention and file an official police report before speaking to an attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents.

Statistically, Florida Is A Very Dangerous Place For Pedestrians

Unfortunately, Florida is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians in the entire country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 3,000 people have been killed in pedestrian-related accidents across the state since 2008.

Crosswalk Laws In Florida

Crosswalk laws vary from state to state, and Florida is no exception. The most important law for pedestrians in Florida is the Pedestrian Control Signal Law. This law states that a pedestrian facing a green signal must cross the roadway when it is safe to do so, while pedestrians facing a red signal must not cross the roadway unless they have safely reached the median or curb.

Pedestrians in Florida have the right of way when crossing the street at a controlled intersection, marked or unmarked crosswalks, or any other place providing safe passage across the street. This means that drivers must yield to pedestrians who are waiting to cross, as well as those who are already in the middle of crossing. Drivers must also make sure that they come to a complete stop before turning right or left while pedestrians are in the crosswalk.

In addition, drivers have an obligation to exercise due care to avoid hitting a pedestrian regardless of the circumstances. This means that even if a pedestrian is not in a crosswalk, a driver must still be cautious and watch out for pedestrians in order to avoid an accident.

Failing to follow the rules of the road can lead to serious consequences for drivers and pedestrians alike. Drivers who fail to yield or exercise due care may face fines, points on their license, or jail time. Pedestrians who are hit by vehicles may suffer severe injuries and in some cases, death.

Common Causes Of Crosswalk Accidents In Florida

It is important to be aware of common causes of crosswalk accidents so that you can take steps to protect yourself when walking near traffic.

Distracted Driving

One of the most common causes of crosswalk accidents in Florida is distracted driving. Motorists who fail to observe pedestrian crossings and fail to yield the right-of-way can cause serious injury or death when they collide with a pedestrian. Drivers are expected to adhere to proper safety protocols, including slowing down and yielding to pedestrians at intersections and marked crosswalks.

Driver Fatigue

Another common cause of crosswalk accidents in Florida is driver fatigue. When a motorist is tired, they may be less attentive and more likely to miss pedestrians crossing at intersections or marked crosswalks. Drivers should ensure that they get enough rest before getting behind the wheel so that they can remain alert while driving.

Intoxicated Driving

Another cause of crosswalk accidents is alcohol use. Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to make good decisions and can lead to them not seeing or hearing pedestrians in crosswalks. Drivers should never get behind the wheel if they have been drinking.