Madeira Beach Pedestrian Accident Attorney
As a pedestrian, you have the right to cross at crosswalks, cross the street where there are no crosswalks present, walk unimpeded on sidewalks and without having to wait for drivers to cross in front of you at parking lot pull outs, use the shoulder of the road in either direction, and so much more. Sadly we have created a society in which people cannot afford to walk from their home to the grocery store, or around their neighborhood, without fearing for their lives on a regular basis. Drivers have become so aggressive and distracted that a pedestrian is dying somewhere in the country about once every hour. If you were hurt by a negligent driver, the Madeira Beach pedestrian accident attorney at The Reep Law Firm will help you seek justice in virtually the only way possible: by filing a personal injury claim for maximum compensation.
Do Pedestrians Always Have to Use a Sidewalk?
Florida defines a sidewalk as the “portion of a street between the curbline, or the lateral line, of a roadway and the adjacent property lines, intended for use by pedestrians.” As such, all roads technically have “sidewalks” on both sides—even if this space is unusable shrubbery, tall grass, muddy puddles, or paved sidewalk that is so cracked and deformed that the road is actually a safe place to walk. However, pedestrians are not required to walk on a sidewalk at all times. For example, it is completely legal to run or walk on the shoulder of the road, and to cross a neighborhood street from the left side to the right side when it is safe to do so. The only time it is not permitted to go from the sidewalk to the road is when a vehicle is passing so close that it would be impossible for the driver to yield.
What If I was Crossing Where No Crosswalk Was Painted?
Just like sidewalks, there are “crosswalks” at every intersection, even if they are not painted or signaled. Pedestrians have the right of way at these unmarked crosswalks, otherwise known as normal intersections. If you were hit by a driver who failed to yield the right of way, they shall be held liable.
Damages in a Pedestrian Injury Case
Injured pedestrians are entitled to the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs based on projected outcome
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Lost earning ability
- Loss of joy of life
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Property damage
Moreover, if a pedestrian is injured in a collision and the other party is uninsured or minimally insured and their policy cannot cover the plaintiff’s damages, the pedestrian can pursue a claim against their own insurance company under their UM policy, even though they were not driving at the time of the injury.
Call a Madeira Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at The Reep Law Firm Today
Pedestrians often suffer catastrophic injuries, including whiplash, broken vertebrae, spinal cord injuries, TBIs, lacerations, and fractured limbs. If you were injured in any way, we encourage you to call the Madeira Beach pedestrian accident attorney at The Reep Law Firm today at 727-330-6502 to schedule a free consultation.
