Do you need Crosswalk Accident Lawyers?
When you’re a pedestrian crossing at a crosswalk in Miami, all it takes is one inattentive driver to cause a devastating accident that lands you in the hospital with more medical bills than you can count. In an area where you should feel safe to cross the street, some drivers make the roadways dangerous for all pedestrians.
If this happens to you call an experienced Crosswalk Accident Lawyers at Neufeld, Kleinberg & Pinkiert, PA.For parents, this is extremely distressing when they have children walking to and from school. Speeders in school zones have been known to not watch their surroundings closely and blow right through crosswalks where children are crossing. Sometimes, not even a crossing guard can stop a negligent driver.
At Neufeld, Kleinberg & Pinkiert, PA, we know how devastating a crosswalk accident can be for pedestrians and their families. That’s why we’re committed to bringing these negligent drivers to justice and getting compensation for our clients. If you’ve been involved in a crosswalk accident, don’t hesitate to file a personal injury lawsuit and receive the compensation you deserve.
Florida Laws Regarding Crosswalks
At crosswalks, pedestrians have the legal right-of-way. This means that all drivers should be yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks. Florida Statute 316.130 outlines all traffic laws regarding pedestrian traffic, but here’s a quick breakdown of the sections concerned with crosswalks:
316.130 7(a):
The driver of a vehicle at an intersection that has a traffic control signal in place shall stop before entering the crosswalk and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian, with a permitted signal, to cross a roadway when the pedestrian is in the crosswalk or steps into the crosswalk and is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.
316.130 7(b):
The driver of a vehicle at any crosswalk where signage so indicates shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross a roadway when the pedestrian is in the crosswalk or steps into the crosswalk and is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.
316.130 7(c):
When traffic control signals are not in place or in operation and there is no signage indicating otherwise, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.
316.130 9:
Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.Even though pedestrians do have the right-of-way, drivers do not always stop, especially if they’re distracted. To safely cross even at crosswalks, pedestrians are encouraged to look left, right, and then left again to make sure no vehicles are coming. If it appears that a driver is not stopping, pedestrians should try to make eye contact. If no eye contact is made, pedestrians may want to wait before crossing the road.
How a Pedestrian Proves a Negligence Claim
In most crosswalk accidents, victims must prove that the driver was acting in a negligent manner, which directly led to the accident. This is called the legal theory of negligence, and to prove it, a victim must show that:
Duty owed:
Drivers owe pedestrians a duty – a legal obligation – to drive safely and with reasonable care, especially in school zones. Did the driver owe a duty to the victim? Florida Statute 360.130 outlines what is expected of drivers and pedestrians.
Duty violated:
The driver did not act responsibly and violated the legal duty.
Duty violation led to injuries:
The plaintiff must prove that the driver’s direct actions led to his or her injuries.
Quantifiable injuries:
Plaintiffs must be able to put a dollar amount on their injuries, meaning medical bills, future medical bills, and lost wages.
When a Summer Walk Becomes Dangerous
South Florida has become one of the most popular destinations for summer vacationers. The month of July is a busy month for hotels in the paradisiacal region. Besides having to deal with disoriented tourists in the streets, locals also have to mingle in the already crowded city. Pedestrians particularly face many dangers when walking our roadways. Although walking is great for your overall health, it can also cost your life if you get involved in a pedestrian accident. If this ever happens to you or a loved one, contact an Aventura pedestrian accident lawyer.
Pedestrians are more vulnerable
As a pedestrian, you have little or no protection. Children and people in wheelchairs are particularly vulnerable. An average of 40 people are treated each day due to pedestrian-related injuries. With such alarming statistics, it’s important you keep you and your family safe by learning about the common risks and following a few safety tips.
General safety tips
- Try crossing the street at an intersection or crosswalk.
- If you are walking at night carry a flashlight or wear retro-reflective clothes.
- Whenever possible, walk on the sidewalk or facing traffic.
- Stay away from distractions such as cell phones, listening to music, etc.
Children pedestrian safety
Children are more vulnerable to pedestrian accidents. It’s important they walk and cross our roads with adult supervision. You may want to understand a few things before heading outdoors with your child:
- Explain to your kids that traffic is dangerous.
- Try using the safest crossing sites and when you cross a road don’t stop unless an unexpected car is coming.
- Stop at the edge of every road and look in all directions before crossing the street.
- Cross only when there are no cars coming but still look if there is any vehicle that may have missed the light.
- Understand that keeping your children’s toys, your phone, or any other distraction can save your lives as you will be more aware of your surroundings.
Teen pedestrians
Teens are generally distracted by mobile devices. Whether playing a game, listening to music, or chatting with a friend, these are distractions your teen should avoid. Most teen pedestrian accidents occur between 7 pm and 7 am, which means is pretty dark. If your teen wants to hang out with friends or needs to run some errands, advise him or her to never get into dangerous situations and stay in well-lit areas. When crossing the road, look in every direction. Wear a helmet or something fluorescence when cycling.
Be safe and have fun
It’s possible being safe and having fun at the same time. Don’t allow a pedestrian accident to spoil your summer fun. Seek prompt medical attention and reach out to a crosswalk accident lawyers if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident. Victims of such accidents may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained in the accident. You will never know your rights unless you ask. Call today and contact us to schedule your initial case evaluation.
Contact Experienced Crosswalk Accident Lawyers Neufeld, Kleinberg & Pinkiert, PA
Crosswalks were designed to keep pedestrians safe around their towns, and they’re essential around school zones where children frequently cross. If you’ve been injured in a crosswalk accident in Miami, do not feel that you have to face your medical costs alone. A skilled attorney can help you file your case and receive compensation.The attorneys at Neufeld, Kleinberg & Pinkiert have over a combined 90 years of experience under their belts, and they are crosswalk accident lawyers. Your case will always be treated as a high-priority, and you can expect real results.Contact Neufeld, Kleinberg & Pinkiert and schedule a free consultation. There is no recovery fee. Call and put your case in the best of hands.
