What Protections Are in Place for Pedestrians?
Pedestrian safety is a significant concern in Delray Beach and throughout South Florida, where bustling on-foot travel and heavy traffic can pose risks. There are state laws in place to provide various walker protections, ensuring the rights of pedestrians are upheld. Plus, experienced Delray Beach personal injury attorneys are familiar with pathways to financial relief if you or someone you care about was injured while walking due to a motorist’s negligence.
From Right-of-Way Rights to Using Sidewalks
Florida’s laws prioritize pedestrian safety, granting individuals who choose to travel by food specific rights and protections. For instance, pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks. Motorists must yield to pedestrians crossing the street in both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
Of course pedestrians have responsibilities when it comes to road safety as well. They must adhere to traffic signals and crosswalk indicators, just as drivers need to follow road rules. It is also important that pedestrians only cross at intersections or designated crosswalks, and where sidewalks are provided, pedestrians must use them. If no sidewalk is available, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder, facing traffic, to ensure visibility and safety.
Essentially, both pedestrians and motorists have a duty of care to avoid accidents. Pedestrians should remain vigilant and avoid sudden moves into traffic, while drivers must remain attentive and avoid distractions.
Should an accident occur, pedestrians may be entitled to various forms of compensation.
- Medical expenses. After a pedestrian injury is sustained there can be an array of medical costs, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs related to the accident.
- Lost income. Compensation for wages that were not able to be accessed due to time off work during recovery may be possible. This can also include future earnings if the injury impacts your ability to work long-term.
- Pain and suffering, Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and quality of life impacts could be in reach when evidence supports it.
- Property damage. If personal property, such as a phone or clothing, was damaged in the accident, compensation for repair or replacement may be possible.
Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but a knowledgeable legal professional can assist, such as filing claims with insurance companies and pursuing compensation on your behalf. A seasoned Delray Beach personal injury attorney has the skills to ensure that all deadlines are met and paperwork is correctly filed.
Choosing Settlement Negotiation or Litigation
Often, cases can be resolved through negotiations. Your lawyer will work to achieve a fair settlement without the need for a lengthy court process. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can talk to you about the possibility of taking your case to court, advocating for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
Was a right-of-way violation the reason for your pedestrian injury? Talk to the attorneys at Earnhart Law. By leveraging legal support, you can navigate the challenges following an accident and secure the compensation you need to recover. Our team has over 30 years of experience, call 561-265-2220 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.
