The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles compiles annual statistics on pedestrian accidents in the state, and the Crash Facts from 2017 are shocking: There were 9,420 motor vehicle collisions involving people on foot, and 8,126 pedestrians were injured in such incidents.

If you were hurt in a crash, you may be entitled to recover monetary damages for your losses. Our lawyers at the Benenati Law Firm can help you navigate the legal process, including filing a claim with an insurance company and in court. Please contact our office schedule a free consultation with an Oviedo pedestrian accidents attorney today.

Common Causes Behind Florida Pedestrian Accidents

When a pedestrian accident happens, negligence is usually to blame. To recover compensation, you need to show that the driver did not operate the vehicle safely, and this carelessness caused the collision. Negligent acts by the driver of the motor vehicle may include:

  • Drinking while driving;
  • Speeding;
  • Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk;
  • Not complying with traffic signals;
  • Texting while driving, or other forms of distracted driving; and,
  • Many other risky behaviors behind the wheel.

However, a pedestrian can also be negligent in such an incident. Fault is extremely important in a pedestrian accident because of a concept under Florida law, termedcomparative negligence. If you were blameworthy in causing the crash, your rights could be affected. Your compensation could be reduced by such acts as:

  • Failing to walk in a crosswalk;
  • Crossing an intersection in violation of traffic signals;
  • Talking on the phone, texting, or surfing the internet while walking; and,
  • Other unsafe conduct.