WELLINGTON PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT
WELLINGTON PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER
Florida is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians in the entire country. Over the past decade, over 5,000 people in Florida were involved in fatal pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian accidents have several different causes and contrary to what many people think, the driver does not always hold all the blame for these crashes. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, it is important to speak to a Wellington pedestrian accident lawyer that can explain your legal options.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents
Any time a vehicle crashes into a pedestrian that has very little protection, it will result in serious injuries or even death. The most common types of pedestrian accidents are as follows:
- Dart-out accidents: These crashes occur when a pedestrian darts out in front of traffic, although it is not always the walker’s fault. For example, a pedestrian may be crossing the street using a crosswalk but a vehicle may travel through the crosswalk without first looking to ensure the way is clear.
- Intersection accidents:Â Intersections are a very common place for crashes to occur, and pedestrian accidents are no exception to this.
- Passing accidents:Â When a larger vehicle, such as a bus, stops to allow a pedestrian to cross, a negligent driver may attempt to pass the vehicle and hit the pedestrian.
- Turning accidents:Â When drivers make turns, they often check to see that the way in front of them is clear, but turn without looking to ensure the other direction is free of traffic. This causes the driver to crash into the pedestrian, sometimes before the driver even sees them.
- Back-up accidents:Â These accidents most often occur in parking lots. They happen because drivers do not look behind them before they back up their vehicle.
Regardless of the type of accident, it is important to determine liability so you can file a claim to recover the damages you need.
Determining Liability After a Pedestrian Accident
Many people think that when a vehicle and pedestrian are involved in an accident, the driver is always at fault. That is not always true. Both drivers and pedestrians have certain legal duties under Florida law. For example, drivers are required to try and avoid colliding with a pedestrian at all times. When a driver approaches a crosswalk, they are required to stop and give pedestrians the right of way.
Pedestrians, however, also have legal duties under the law. For example, pedestrians are required to exercise reasonable caution when crossing a road or otherwise interacting with motor vehicles. If a pedestrian darted out in front of traffic when trying to cross the street and did not give a driver enough time to stop, the pedestrian may be found at least partly at fault for the accident.
Call Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Wellington Today
If you have been hurt in an accident, our Wellington pedestrian accident lawyers at Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC, can help with your case. Call us today at 561-472-8165 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.