Sarasota and Manatee County Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Sarasota and Bradenton pedestrian accidents happen in a number of ways. Many times pedestrian accidents occur when someone is working on the side of the road or playing in the street. For example, a pedestrian accident can occur from:

  • A driver working on an engine when the vehicle has stalled on the road.
  • Kids who are playing ball and it rolls out into the street or kids are skateboarding on the street.
  • A driver changing a tire on the side of the road.
  • A jogger running in the street.
  • A pedestrian can be injured by a negligent or inattentive driver. These days, many drivers are talking or even texting on cell phones while driving and they become distracted, leading to a pedestrian accident. Other reasons include:
  • A driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Speeding
  • Failing to slow down for a school zone or any area where there are children playing such as a playground.

Pedestrian accident statistics according to the Florida Department of Transportation:

  • 48% of pedestrian fatalities occur from crossing a road that is not an intersection.
  • 22.7% of all traffic accidents involve pedestrians and bicyclists.
  • 40% of all pedestrian accident fatalities are alcohol-related.
  • 13% of pedestrians who are fatally injured are under the age of 10
  • 43% of all pedestrian fatalities occur at night on lighted streets.

Why So Many Pedestrian Accidents In Florida?

Much of Florida is built around arterial roads that have a high volume of fast-moving traffic. This leads to a high number of Sarasota and Bradenton pedestrian accidents. A study by Transportation for America called "Dangerous by Design" found that people who ride buses are particularly vulnerable to injury resulting from a pedestrian accident as they must crossroads that contain heavy traffic moving at high rates of speed.

Some of Florida's pedestrian accidents can be attributed to pedestrian behavior. According to a recent study of 7,000 pedestrian /vehicle accidents in Florida, researchers found that pedestrians were at fault in 80% of the accidents. Jaywalking refers to any form of illegal street crossing by pedestrians. Many pedestrians in Florida are killed as a result of jaywalking. Jaywalking occurs by:

  • Ignoring designated crosswalks meant for pedestrians.
  • Crossing a street outside of a marked crosswalk.
  • Walking against a walk signal.

Other pedestrian factors that lead to Florida pedestrian accidents:

  • Standing between parked cars.
  • Standing in a road.
  • Walking in the wrong direction.
  • Pushing a disabled car.
  • Working on a disabled car

Florida Drivers Need to Watch Out for Pedestrians:

Statute §316.130 of the Florida Statutes states: "Every driver (in the state of Florida) of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or any person propelling a human-powered vehicle and give a warning when necessary and exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any obviously confused or incapacitated person." It is the driver's responsibility to exercise reasonable care towards pedestrians. Drivers should be aware of their surroundings, maintain control of their vehicle, and drive at a reasonable level of speed. Florida Statute §316.183 states, "No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. In any event, speed shall be controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person...in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care."

Many different factors lead to Florida pedestrian accidents. If you have been injured in a Sarasota or Manatee County pedestrian accident, you will want to speak with an experienced Sarasota or Manatee County pedestrian accident attorney. Call the Michael L. Morgan Law Group, P.A. at (941) 218-8220 to schedule a no-cost initial consultation.

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