Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Sanford

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Sanford, understanding your rights and legal options is crucial. At Donaldson & Weston, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers are here to guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries. Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, and holding the responsible parties accountable can make a significant difference in your recovery. Call us today at 866-382-1494 for a free consultation, and let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too common, and the consequences can be severe. In Sanford, as in other parts of Florida, pedestrians are vulnerable to accidents caused by a wide range of factors. Drivers, road conditions, and even pedestrian behavior can contribute to accidents. Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents is key to preventing them and knowing what to do if you are involved in one.

Driver Inattention and Distractions

One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is driver inattention, often exacerbated by distractions. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or engaging with in-car technology are less likely to notice pedestrians, especially in busy areas. In Sanford, pedestrians may be walking near busy intersections or in areas where drivers may be more focused on their phones than on their surroundings. Inattentive drivers may fail to stop at crosswalks or make a proper turn, leading to a dangerous collision with a pedestrian.

Even when a driver is not using a mobile phone, distractions in the vehicle, such as eating or adjusting the radio, can cause lapses in attention. Pedestrians may be struck even if they are following the traffic signals and using crosswalks correctly. It’s important to always be aware of your surroundings as a pedestrian, but it is equally essential that drivers remain vigilant.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Another significant factor in pedestrian accidents is speeding. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to potential hazards, including pedestrians crossing streets or walking in non-designated areas. In Sanford, as in any city, high-speed collisions with pedestrians often lead to more severe injuries or fatalities. Drivers speeding through residential neighborhoods or busy streets risk the safety of anyone on foot, as they are unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.

Reckless driving also contributes to pedestrian accidents. This includes actions like running red lights, failing to yield to pedestrians, and making turns without checking for walkers. Drivers who take unnecessary risks put pedestrians at great danger, and those injuries can be life-changing.

Poorly Marked or Missing Crosswalks

In many pedestrian accidents, road conditions or infrastructure play a role. A common issue is the lack of clearly marked crosswalks, especially in areas where pedestrian traffic is high. In Sanford, some older streets may not have adequate crosswalks or signage to indicate where pedestrians should cross. Without visible markings, drivers might not anticipate pedestrians attempting to cross, leading to preventable accidents.

In addition to missing or unclear crosswalks, poorly lit intersections can create dangerous situations for pedestrians. Pedestrians walking at night or in low-visibility areas may be difficult for drivers to see, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Proper road design and clear traffic signals can help reduce these risks, but they remain an issue on some streets in Sanford.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a known cause of accidents, and pedestrian accidents are no exception. Drivers who are impaired have delayed reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to make unsafe driving decisions. Whether it’s failing to stop at a crosswalk or driving off-course, impaired drivers pose a significant danger to pedestrians. Florida law strictly prohibits driving under the influence, but it still contributes to many pedestrian collisions.

Failure to Yield to Pedestrians

Florida law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, but unfortunately, this rule is not always followed. Drivers may ignore pedestrians at crosswalks or fail to stop for someone attempting to cross. In Sanford, where some intersections have heavy traffic flow, pedestrians may struggle to safely cross the street if drivers do not yield their right of way.

Pedestrians in these situations may feel they are following the rules, only to be met with an approaching vehicle that refuses to stop. This is especially dangerous in busy areas with limited visibility, such as downtown Sanford or near commercial districts.

Pedestrian Distraction and Behavior

While drivers play a significant role in pedestrian accidents, pedestrians themselves can contribute to accidents as well. Distraction on the part of the pedestrian, such as texting or talking on the phone, can reduce awareness of their surroundings. Pedestrians who are not paying attention to traffic signals or nearby vehicles are more likely to step into the road unexpectedly.

Running across the street, walking against traffic signals, or jaywalking also increase the risk of accidents. Though drivers should always be alert and ready to stop, pedestrians should also adhere to traffic laws and use crosswalks to stay as safe as possible.

Weather Conditions

Weather can play a large role in pedestrian accidents. In Sanford, heavy rain or fog can reduce visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. Slippery roads due to wet conditions can make it harder for vehicles to stop in time, and pedestrians may have difficulty walking safely. These adverse conditions require heightened caution from both parties. Drivers should slow down, and pedestrians should take extra care when walking, especially in areas with heavy traffic or on roads without sidewalks.

Failure to Look for Oncoming Traffic

Many pedestrian accidents happen because pedestrians fail to check for oncoming traffic before crossing streets. Even when crossing at a designated crosswalk, pedestrians must remain vigilant and look both ways for any approaching vehicles. In some cases, pedestrians may assume it is safe to cross based on traffic signals without looking at the road, which can lead to accidents when vehicles are not following traffic rules.

Driver Fatigue

Fatigued driving is often overlooked as a cause of accidents, but it is a significant factor in pedestrian collisions. Drivers who are overly tired or drowsy may not notice pedestrians in their path or fail to react quickly enough when someone steps into the road. Long shifts, late-night driving, or insufficient rest can all contribute to driver fatigue, making them more likely to cause accidents. This issue is especially relevant for commercial drivers or those who drive for long hours during the day or night.

What to Do in the Aftermath

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in Sanford, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s always a good idea to have a doctor evaluate your condition. Keep records of your medical treatment, as this can help support your claim if you decide to pursue compensation.

Additionally, gather as much information as possible from the scene of the accident, including contact information for witnesses and photos of the scene. This evidence can play a crucial role in establishing fault and supporting your claim.

Sanford Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Sanford, having an experienced legal team on your side is crucial to ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. Donaldson & Weston’s pedestrian accident attorneys are here to help guide you through every step of the claims process. Contact us today at 866-382-1494 for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights as you focus on your recovery.