Motorists are legally obligated to protect pedestrians from foreseeable harm. Too many drivers and other parties ignore this obligation, however, and decide to drive carelessly with little regard for your safety as a pedestrian. When a person’s body collides with a truck or car, the impact can cause devastating injuries or even death.

Our team of highly experienced personal injury attorneys is prepared to handle your case from beginning to end. We can analyze your case and give you personalized advice on how to proceed during a free consultation. Let a Melbourne pedestrian accident lawyer take on your case and pursue the compensation you are owed from liable parties.

Special Rules and Protections for Pedestrians

Pedestrians have the right to travel safely on foot in designated areas. As part of these protections, pedestrians are also supposed to follow certain laws that help protect them. Florida Statutes §316.130 imposes the following requirements on people traveling on foot:

  • Obey traffic lights that specifically apply to them
  • Walk on sidewalks when they are available
  • Walk on the shoulder of a roadway when sidewalks are not available, and on the side of the road facing traffic (left side)
  • Exercise caution even when they have the right of way in crosswalks
  • Always use marked paths when they are available

Pedestrians must follow their rules, but drivers are also expected to fulfil their own duty of care to people traveling on foot. In most cases, a driver’s negligence causes harm to pedestrians. When this happens, our team of trial attorneys is prepared to handle the case and pursue damages for the injured pedestrian in Melbourne.

Where do Pedestrian Accidents Typically Occur?

Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere a person is walking near or next to traffic, but there are some places where the risk of injury is much higher. Irresponsible drivers are often the reason for injuries in these particular locations, but other causes may also play a part.

Pedestrian injuries typically occur at:

  • Crosswalks
  • Sidewalks and walking paths
  • Bike paths and crossings
  • Intersections
  • On the shoulder or curb of the road
  • Bus stops
  • Parks
  • Outside of shops or restaurants

Pedestrians lack the safety feature of motor vehicles, making them uniquely vulnerable to catastrophic injuries in collisions with cars and trucks. The human body is not able to handle the high velocity and weight of a crash. Our team of seasoned Melbourne attorneys can fight for an injured pedestrian’s right to be compensated.

Wrongful Death in Pedestrian Accidents

Because pedestrians are so vulnerable, they are also more susceptible to wrongful death in the event of an accident. A wrongful death occurs when a person’s negligence causes a pedestrian to lose their life. Surviving family members may seek compensation for their and their loved one’s losses, such as funeral costs, grief, lost economic benefits, loss of companionship, and more.

Most pedestrian injury cases must be filed within two years from the date of the accident, with few exceptions.

Work with a Melbourne Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Our attorneys have the experience necessary to face large companies and corporations in court on your behalf, including the insurance companies who may want to avoid paying what they should. We have won millions of dollars for clients who have lost loved ones due to another’s negligent actions and can help your family recover too.

Hire an experienced Melbourne pedestrian accident lawyer to fight for your right to compensation. Contact us today to learn more.

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