Pedestrian Accidents in Intersections

Florida is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians, with a study showing nine of the 20 deadliest cities nationwide are located here. Many pedestrian accidents occur in intersections, either in marked or unmarked crosswalks, as well as in other situations where motorists fail to yield the right of way to those on foot. Pedestrians often suffer significant and life-altering injuries when struck by a vehicle, and those who are responsible for such injuries should be held legally accountable. Miami pedestrian accident lawyer Robert Dixon assists victims who have been involved in an accident occurring in an intersection. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we are dedicated to helping injured parties seek the financial support they need to deal with their recovery. We also help families who have lost loved ones in a fatal accident pursue legal action against those responsible for their loss. Our firm offers compassionate and experienced legal guidance to clients throughout South Florida, including in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward Counties. If you’ve been involved in or a loved one has passed as a result of a pedestrian accident in an intersection, Robert Dixon and his staff are available to help you determine your legal options. Please contact our office today to speak with an attorney and schedule a free consultation to find out more about our services.

According to the 2019 “Dangerous By Design” report issued by Smart Growth American and the National Complete Streets Coalition, the Miami, West Palm Beach area ranked number 14 among the twenty deadliest cities for pedestrians nationwide. The elderly population are more often struck as pedestrians in an intersection than younger victims, and often suffer more severe injuries. Pedestrian accidents in intersections can result from a variety of factors, including drivers failing to stop at intersections, or engaging in “rolling” stops. Reckless driving, speeding, and drunk or distracted driving can also lead to a pedestrian intersection accident. Further, pedestrians may contribute to causing their own injuries by not looking for traffic before crossing at an intersection, or otherwise acting carelessly.

Most often, however, it is a driver or other motorist’s negligence that causes a pedestrian’s injuries while in an intersection. These injured victims may pursue legal action against those responsible in the form of a personal injury suit. Certain family members may also file wrongful death claims on behalf of a victim of a fatal accident. Both claims are based on the legal theory of negligence. Negligence occurs when one party has breached an owed duty of care to another. Drivers owe other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would under the same, or similar, circumstances. If a driver breaches that duty, causing another’s injuries, as well as damages, he or she can be held accountable for that negligence. For instance, a driver who “rolls” into an intersection without fully stopping or looking out for a pedestrian and strikes a victim can be found negligent and therefore liable. Damages available to victims of these accidents can include any past and anticipated medical expenses, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, and in some instances, pain and suffering. Families who have lost loved ones may also be awarded compensation for outstanding medical bills, loss of support, and burial or funeral expenses.

Pedestrians struck by a vehicle face long recovery efforts, as well as sometimes permanent impairment as a result of their injuries. Accident attorney Robert Dixon is committed to helping injured victims seek to hold negligent parties responsible for such harm. The Law Offices of Robert Dixon assists victims with personal injury claims, as well as families who have lost loved ones with wrongful death claims. If you have questions regarding your legal rights as an injured pedestrian, please call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to set up a free, no obligation consultation and speak with an attorney today. We serve clients in areas including Miami, and West Palm Beach.