Pensacola Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Helping Victims of Pedestrian-Vehicle Collisions

When it comes to motor vehicle collisions, pedestrians are at a very high risk of suffering severe injuries and deaths, making them among the road’s most vulnerable individuals. Sadly, pedestrian-vehicle collisions are extremely common in Florida. According to a recent report by Smart Growth America, Florida is the number one most dangerous state for pedestrians, with the area of Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach earning the top spot for the average pedestrian fatality rate nationwide from 2016 to 2020. 

If you were injured or if someone you love died due to a pedestrian accident in Pensacola or any of the surrounding areas, reach out to the Law Office of J.J. Talbott. Our legal team firmly believes that you deserve justice, and we are passionate about protecting the rights of victims and their families. Our aggressive approach to litigation has helped us recover more than $100 million in compensation for our clients, including both settlements and verdicts.

Request a consultation with our Pensacola pedestrian accident attorneys today by calling (850) 695-8331 or by filling out and submitting an online contact form.

What Are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents? 

Many factors have been associated with a higher risk of pedestrian-vehicle collisions, including low visibility, inclement weather, and nighttime. However, the most common cause of these accidents is, by far, negligence. 

Both pedestrians and motorists can be negligent, leading to a collision. Some examples include: 

• Distracted driving, including texting while driving 
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) 
• Speeding, especially in pedestrian-heavy zones such as parking lots
• Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians/motorists 
• Crossing a street between two adjacent intersections (“jaywalking”)
• “Darting out,” or quickly entering a roadway from a curb or sidewalk 
• Making unsafe turns, lane changes, and other driving maneuvers 
• Aggressive and reckless driving, including road rage 
• Failing to check for pedestrians before entering a driveway or alley
• Failing to check for pedestrians in crosswalks when making a right turn on a red light
• Failing to check for pedestrians when making an unprotected left turn 
• Fatigued or drowsy driving, including falling asleep at the wheel 

These and other forms of negligence can lead to devastating or even deadly collisions. All motorists and pedestrians must exercise extreme caution when sharing the roadway. 

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way? 

It’s something we’ve all heard at one time or another: “Pedestrians always have the right of way.” But how true is this statement? 

In Florida, there are certain instances in which pedestrians do not have the right of way but must, instead, yield to oncoming traffic. 

These include the following scenarios: 

• When there is a red signal, do not walk signal, or wait signal in the direction the pedestrian wishes to cross 
• When indicated to yield to vehicles by a law enforcement officer or crossing guard 
• When attempting to cross a roadway outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk where there are crosswalks and/or traffic control devices 
• When leaving a place of safety, such as a curb or sidewalk, and entering a roadway 
• When crossing in a crosswalk where vehicles have already entered the crosswalk

Additionally, pedestrians must use crosswalks when they are provided. If there are no marked crosswalks available, pedestrians must cross using the “shortest route possible.” Pedestrians in Florida must also always use sidewalks when they are provided and are prohibited from soliciting work, business, or rides along any paved roadway in the state. 

That being said, Florida motorists have a strict duty to exercise reasonable care when sharing the roadway with pedestrians. By law, they must do everything possible to avoid a collision whenever possible, and failure to do so may constitute negligence. 

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Pedestrian Accident Case? 

Without the protection offered by motor vehicles—such as seatbelts, airbags, and heavy metal frames—pedestrians are at a much higher risk of catastrophic injury and death than the occupants of passenger vehicles when the two collide. As a result, they tend to suffer immense physical, psychological, and financial hardships. 

At the Law Office of J.J. Talbott, we strive to help our clients recover full compensation for all of their damages, including but not limited to: 

• Medical expenses, including future care costs 
• Lost income, wages, and employment benefits
• Physical and mental pain and suffering 
• Lost earning ability related to permanent injury or disability
• Loss of future earnings and employment benefits 
• Disfigurement 
• Emotional distress and anguish 
• In-home care and household assistance 

We can help you bring a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the liable party and will aggressively advocate for your maximum recovery.