Florida’s track record in terms of pedestrian safety has been marred by a history of alarming fatality rates. These grim statistics often point to the absence of adequate pedestrian infrastructure and the prevalence of high-speed limits. As a consequence, pedestrians in Florida face a greater risk of injury or fatality in vehicle-related accidents compared to residents of many other states.

While both pedestrians and motor vehicle operators possess rights and responsibilities on the road, it’s a common occurrence for motorists to either neglect their duty to share the road or simply remain oblivious to the presence of pedestrians. The legal obligation for a motorist extends to exercising reasonable care towards all road users, not solely those behind the wheel. If it can be demonstrated that a motorist’s actions directly led to your injuries, you typically have the opportunity to seek compensation.

Regrettably, some pedestrians opt not to pursue compensation following an accident due to concerns that they may bear some responsibility for the incident. However, Florida law adheres to the doctrine of comparative fault, which states that an injured individual may still be eligible for compensation even if they were partially at fault. For example, if the injured party is deemed to be 20 percent responsible for the accident, they could potentially recover 80 percent of the damages.

Pedestrians, when sharing the road with motor vehicles, find themselves in an inherently disadvantaged position, and tragically, many pay a heavy price for it. If you’ve suffered injuries as a result of a vehicle driver’s negligence, do not hesitate to reach out to McLeod and Thompson for assistance today!