Lake City Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Lake City is not known for being incredibly walkable but still, pedestrians sometimes have to navigate intersections, parking lots, and other areas where they have to interact with drivers. Sadly, pedestrians are always at risk when they are out walking. Motorists do not always respect pedestrians, or walkers’ rights to share the road with vehicles. As a result, pedestrians sometimes become hurt when they are out walking. When that is the case, it is important to speak to our Lake City pedestrian accidents attorney that can help recover your losses.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The overwhelming majority of pedestrian accidents that occur in Lake City are caused by negligent drivers. Drivers can act carelessly in a number of ways and cause a pedestrian accident, but the most common include:
- Improperly reversing a vehicle
- Improper left turns
- Failing to stop or yield
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
Poor weather conditions, such as slick roads during a heavy rain, can also cause a pedestrian accident. Still, drivers are expected to know how to navigate the roads safely in poor weather, or to refrain from driving when conditions are too bad.
Are Pedestrians Ever At Fault for Pedestrian Accidents?
Many people assume that when a driver hits a pedestrian, the motorist is automatically at fault. Due to the fact that so many pedestrian accidents are caused by negligent drivers, this seems like a safe assumption. However, it is not true. Pedestrians can be found at fault for a pedestrian accident and when they are, it can greatly reduce the amount of damages they receive.
Pedestrians must follow certain laws and rules of the road in the same manner that drivers do. When a pedestrian is crossing the street legally and using a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked, it is unlikely that they would be found at fault for an accident. However, it is when pedestrians move out of these crosswalks that they become at risk for being found at least partly at fault for a crash.
For example, a pedestrian may jump out into traffic without first looking to ensure the road was clear. If a driver hit them because they did not have time to stop, the pedestrian would likely be found partly at fault. Even in this example, it does not necessarily mean the pedestrian could not claim any damages at all.
For instance, if the driver was speeding, that is a violation of the law and they may not have crashed into the pedestrian if they had been following the speed limit. Each party would be assigned a percentage of fault and any damages they claimed would be reduced by that same percentage. Florida law allows accident victims to claim damages even if they were 90 percent at fault for the accident.
Hurt in a Crash? Call Our Lake City Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you have been hurt, our Lake City pedestrian accident attorney at Meldon Law is here to help you through this difficult time. Call us now at 800-373-8000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options.
