April 29, 2024
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a pedestrian, it’s essential to know how the law will determine who is at fault for the accident.
Jacksonville pedestrian accident lawyers can help you understand your rights, whether you were the driver or the pedestrian in the Jacksonville pedestrian accident.
Below are eight of the most common causes of Jacksonville pedestrian accidents, which will help you avoid them in your future travels around town.
Remember that Jacksonville pedestrian accident attorneys are always available to answer any questions you may have about your legal rights and options after being involved in an accident as either a driver or a pedestrian in Jacksonville, Florida.
A Jacksonville pedestrian accident can be horrific and damaging. Still, with the right legal help from an experienced Jacksonville pedestrian accident lawyer, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries and damages.
The most common causes of Jacksonville pedestrian accidents include
Drinking and Driving
In Jacksonville, there are close to 40 pedestrian accidents every month. Sadly, many of these accidents can be attributed to drunk drivers and intoxicated pedestrians.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by drinking and driving, contact an experienced Jacksonville injury attorney from Martino Mccabe Law Firm today at (904) 999-4658.
Distracted Driving
A new report by a Jacksonville pedestrian accident law firm indicates that distracted driving is the second most common cause of Jacksonville pedestrian accidents.
In fact, according to analysis from an extensive study of all automobile crashes in 2022, distracted driving played a role in over 5 percent of pedestrian accidents, which amounts to one out of every 20 crashes involving pedestrians.
Speeding in Neighborhoods
Speeding is a common cause of pedestrian accidents in Jacksonville, and it’s often because drivers feel like they can get away with driving fast in neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, that isn’t true. When you speed, your reaction time to emergencies is cut down dramatically—meaning that if a child or dog darts out into your path, there’s a much greater chance of collision than if you were driving at or under posted speed limits.
Improperly Parked Cars
Vehicles are often improperly parked on Jacksonville, Florida’s roads and highways. If a driver has parked their car so that it prevents others from moving, it could lead to an accident.
Contact our Jacksonville pedestrian accident law firm today if you have been involved in an auto accident because of another party’s negligence.
Our experienced Jacksonville pedestrian accident attorney can fight for your rights and ensure that you receive just compensation for your injuries or damages.
Following Too Closely
When you follow another vehicle too closely, you increase your risk of causing a Jacksonville pedestrian accident.
While following too closely is sometimes unavoidable on busy roads or in traffic jams, keeping a safe distance between you and other vehicles is important.
You should give yourself at least 3 seconds of reaction time if there’s one car in front of you; 5 seconds is recommended for two vehicles; and 10 seconds for three or more cars.
Also, consider using cruise control so that your speed matches surrounding traffic.
Failure to Use Turn Signals
A common cause of Jacksonville pedestrian accidents is the failure to use turn signals when changing lanes.
When a driver makes a right-hand turn, he should turn on his right signal and proceed only when it is safe to do so. If an oncoming car is in his way, then he should wait until they have passed before continuing through.
Failure to use turn signals during turns can result in Jacksonville pedestrian accidents if another vehicle fails to notice that you are planning to change lanes and proceeds without caution.
Unmarked Crosswalks/ Sidewalks
Florida law states that a driver is responsible for stopping for pedestrians in a crosswalk. An unmarked or poorly marked crosswalk can make it difficult for drivers to identify where they are, making them more likely to collide with pedestrians.
Suppose you’ve been involved in an accident at an unmarked or poorly marked crosswalk. In that case, your Jacksonville pedestrian accident attorney can work with you to determine liability and help you move forward with your claim.
Failing to Obey Traffic Signs
Among Jacksonville’s most common causes of pedestrian accidents is failing to obey traffic signs.
Whether it’s walking into an intersection against a red light or crossing over against a don’t walk sign, breaking traffic rules can have severe consequences. They can be costly for anyone involved in a Jacksonville pedestrian accident.