Hawthorne Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Injured by a Negligent Driver While Walking the Streets of Hawthorne, FL?

Pedestrian accidents can have life-altering consequences, leaving victims with severe injuries and mounting medical expenses. If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Hawthorne, Florida, you need a dedicated and experienced legal team to help you recover compensation. At Schackow & Mercadante, we specialize in representing pedestrians injured by negligent drivers. Our team will fight to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

To request a free consultation, call us today at (352) 261-6767 or contact us online.

Florida Pedestrian Laws

In Florida, pedestrians are granted specific rights and responsibilities to ensure their safety when walking near or across roadways. Some of the key laws that affect pedestrian safety include:

• Right-of-Way at Crosswalks: Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks, and drivers must yield to them. However, pedestrians must also exercise caution and avoid stepping into traffic suddenly.
• Unmarked Crosswalks: Pedestrians crossing at an unmarked crosswalk must yield to oncoming vehicles. Drivers are not required to stop unless the pedestrian is already in the crosswalk.
• Sidewalk Usage: If a sidewalk is available, pedestrians must use it. Walking along the roadway when a sidewalk is present is against the law. When no sidewalk is available, pedestrians should walk facing traffic.
• Obeying Traffic Signals: Pedestrians are required to obey traffic signals, such as "Walk" or "Don't Walk" signs at intersections. Ignoring these signals can lead to dangerous situations and increase the risk of accidents.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can happen for various reasons, but they often result from driver negligence or other preventable factors. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Hawthorne include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted are more likely to overlook pedestrians. This is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents.
• Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver's ability to stop quickly, especially in residential areas or near schools where pedestrians are more common. Speeding drivers pose a significant risk to pedestrians.
• Failure to Yield: Many pedestrian accidents occur because drivers fail to yield the right-of-way at crosswalks or intersections. Even in areas marked with pedestrian signs, drivers may not stop.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are less aware of their surroundings, which puts pedestrians at a higher risk of being hit.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents often happen at night or in poor weather conditions when drivers have difficulty seeing pedestrians. Lack of proper lighting on roadways can also contribute to these accidents.
• Left-Hand Turns: Drivers making left-hand turns often focus on oncoming traffic and fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street.

Understanding the cause of your accident is essential to building a strong case. Our team at Schackow & Mercadante will investigate all potential causes and gather the evidence needed to hold the responsible party accountable.

Who is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident can be complex, but it typically depends on who was negligent. In most cases, the driver is at fault if they failed to follow traffic laws or acted carelessly. However, there are situations where the pedestrian may share some level of responsibility. Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even if the pedestrian is partially at fault, they can still recover compensation, but their award will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Potentially liable parties in a pedestrian accident include:

• The Driver: If a driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent, they can be held liable for the accident.
• The Pedestrian: If the pedestrian was jaywalking, crossing against the signal, or walking in an area not designated for pedestrians, they may share some responsibility for the accident.
• Third Parties: In some cases, a third party may be liable. For example, if a traffic signal was malfunctioning or the roadway was poorly maintained, the local government or a construction company could be held responsible.

At Schackow & Mercadante, we carefully assess the circumstances of each case to determine who is liable. We will work to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the vulnerability of pedestrians compared to the size and speed of motor vehicles. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have long-lasting or permanent effects on a person's cognitive and physical abilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or other permanent disabilities.
• Broken Bones: Pedestrians frequently suffer fractures, particularly to their legs, arms, and pelvis.
• Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage are common in pedestrian accidents and can be life-threatening.
• Cuts and Bruises: While less severe, cuts, scrapes, and bruises are common in pedestrian accidents, especially if the pedestrian is thrown to the ground.

These injuries can result in long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and loss of income. Our Hawthorne pedestrian accident lawyers at Schackow & Mercadante will fight for compensation that covers all of your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How a Hawthorne Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the legal system after a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover from serious injuries. A pedestrian accident lawyer from Schackow & Mercadante can assist you by:

• Investigating the Accident: We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and obtain police reports to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We will handle all negotiations to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights.
• Maximizing Compensation: Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Contact us today at (352) 261-6767 to request a free case review.