Sarasota Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Far too often, crashes involving pedestrians are the result of reckless drivers. Whether they were speeding, ignored crosswalks or traffic lights, were driving under the influence, or any other reason, if you or someone you love was the victim in a crash, you deserve the chance to secure the compensation you need.

At Titan Law, our Sarasota pedestrian accident lawyers are ready and waiting to hear your story and work with you to provide the experienced and unyielding legal representation required to fight for and secure the maximum compensation possible. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.

Pedestrian Crash Statistics

Car crashes involving pedestrians are shockingly common. Ever since reaching a recorded low in 2009, the number of pedestrians involved in a motor vehicle accident has increased by 83% according to the  Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In 2022, they accounted for 18% of all fatalities in these kinds of accidents, an estimated 140,000 emergency room visits to treat injuries according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Florida is among the most dangerous states for pedestrians in the entire country. According to recent reports studying data from 2018-2022, 8 of the top 20 deadliest metro areas for pedestrians in the United States were in Florida, including:

• #5: Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL
• #8: Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
• #11: Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
• #14: Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL
• #15: Jacksonville, FL
• #16: Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL
• #17: North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL
• #18: Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL

One of the most dangerous actions a driver can take at a crosswalk is making a left turn at a green light. Far too often, the driver is solely focused on oncoming vehicles and fails to account for pedestrians crossing the road in the crosswalk they are attempting to turn through. No matter the cause of the accident, when it’s caused by a reckless or negligent driver, you have the right to take legal action to fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Laws Protect Pedestrians in Sarasota, FL?

Pedestrians are offered a number of protections under Florida law. Florida Statute 316.130 outlines the responsibilities and protections afforded to pedestrians. Some of the key points include:

• Pedestrians are required to use a sidewalk when one is present, but if there is no sidewalk, they are permitted to walk on the shoulder on the left side of the road.
• Drivers must stop and remain stopped at intersections with traffic control signals to permit pedestrians to cross.
• When the pedestrian has the right-of-way, the driver cannot enter the intersection when the person walking is on the same side of the road, or if they are close enough to that side of the road where it is considered dangerous for the car to enter.
• If there are no traffic signals at an intersection, a pedestrian using the crosswalk has the right-of-way.
• Pedestrians are not permitted to leave the curb or sidewalk to cross when an approaching driver is so close that they cannot reasonably stop in time.
• When a car is stopped at a crosswalk, no cars are allowed to overtake and pass that vehicle them from behind.
• Drivers have the right-of-way when there is no marked or unmarked crosswalk.

While not all pedestrian accidents occur at crosswalks, a significant percentage do. When discussing your case with your attorney, they will work with you to create a clear picture of what happened, and what laws were ignored leading up to your accident. This is key when proving fault in your case.

Under Florida law, as long as you are found to be less than 50% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, the awarded damages can be limited based on the percentage you are found at fault. Proving negligence or lawbreaking on the side of the driver is key when determining fault and is a key step in securing the maximum compensation possible.