Pinellas County Pedestrian Accidents at Intersections: Five Ways Insurers Shift Blame
Intersections are among the most dangerous places for pedestrians in Pinellas County. A single moment of recklessness on the part of drivers can cause life-threatening injuries to someone who was simply crossing the street.
Even if the driver was obviously responsible, insurers may try to say you were at least partly at fault to reduce or deny compensation. Our Clearwater pedestrian accident attorney has extensive experience and a proven record of success in these cases. We explain the most common causes of these crashes and five ways insurers may try to shift blame.
Driver Behaviors That Put Pinellas County Pedestrians at Risk
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that nearly 200 pedestrian accidents happen in Pinellas County each year. They often occur at local intersections and are generally caused by driver negligence, not pedestrian error.
Reckless driving behaviors that increase the risks of pedestrian accidents in Pinellas County intersections include:
- Failing to yield the right of way in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
- Failing to stop at red lights or rolling through stop signs.
- Making right turns on red without adequately checking for pedestrians.
- Distracted driving at the moment of turning or looking away from the crosswalk as they approach.
- Speeding through intersections, which dramatically increases the likelihood of life-threatening and potentially fatal injuries.
Under the Florida Statutes, drivers owe pedestrians in crosswalks the highest duty of care. When a driver violates that duty and causes you or someone you love harm, you can hold them accountable.
Five Ways Insurers Try to Shift Blame Onto Injured Pinellas County Pedestrians
Even when a driver clearly failed to yield, insurance companies are likely to dispute your claim and the amount you need to recover. Under Section 768.81 of the Florida Statutes, if they can show you were even partly at fault, they can deny or reduce compensation. Common ways they try to shift blame in Pinellas County pedestrian intersection accident claims include:
- Saying you were guilty of jaywalking or crossing outside a marked crosswalk.
- Claiming you crossed against a don’t walk signal,
- Blaming dark clothing you wore for making it harder for the driver to see you.
- Claiming you were distracted at the time, such as looking at your phone rather than watching for traffic.
- Saying you entered the crosswalk before the signal changed, putting yourself at risk.
Unfortunately, even if these don’t work, insurers may try to downplay your injuries, dispute whether they were caused by the crash, and offer less than what you need to recover. To protect your rights in any settlements, get professional legal help today.
Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Clearwater Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrian accidents are common at Pinellas County intersections and can cause devastating injuries. The Reep Law Firm has spent decades providing the caring support and trusted legal help clients need in these cases, and we fight to get them compensation.
To protect yourself against insurance tactics and get what you need to recover, contact our office. Request a consultation today with our Clearwater pedestrian accident attorney.
Sources:
https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2022.pdf
https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.130.html
https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
