Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way?

It is a common misconception that pedestrians in Florida always have the right of way. However, this is far from the truth. While motor vehicle drivers do have an increased responsibility to avoid collisions with pedestrians, pedestrians are also responsible for using caution when crossing streets and walking in traffic. In fact, Florida law states that “every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian.”

Pedestrian Responsibilities

Like motor vehicle drivers, pedestrians have a responsibility to obey traffic devices, road signs, and vehicle laws. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Traveling in the same direction as the flow of traffic
• Crossing the street at a crosswalk or designated pedestrian crossing
• Yield the right of way to oncoming cars if those vehicles have a green light
• Exercising extreme caution when attempting to cross the street at any other point other than an intersection
• If at a circular traffic light that is green, the pedestrian has a right to proceed across the street in both marked and unmarked crosswalks
• Visually impaired pedestrians have an absolute right of way
• Disabled pedestrians in wheelchairs or with other mobility aids have an absolute right of way

Unfortunately, even when pedestrians use caution and obey all traffic rules and signs, deadly accidents may still occur. Intoxicated, distracted, or reckless drivers may not recognize a pedestrian crossing the street until it is too late.

Deadly Palm Beach County Roads

This Christmas season was a deadly one for many on Florida roads. The Florida Highway Patrol responded to nearly a dozen deaths in just one week over the Christmas season. Six people died on Christmas day alone. One of those accidents occurred on December 11th at Palmetto Park Road and Powerline Road. A 34-year-old Boca Raton pedestrian was killed by a oncoming vehicle. Wyatt Jordan attempted to cross the Palmetto Park Road and walked into the path of an oncoming Toyota Prius.

Another deadly pedestrian accident occurred in the Flagami neighborhood of Northwest 58th Avenue and West Flagler Street on December 15th. A pedestrian was hit and killed by an oncoming garbage truck while walking in the neighborhood. Police determined that the pedestrian was at fault for the deadly accident.

In Suwannee County, a 16-year-old boy was killed when he was walking eastbound on 76th Street. Another driver hit the young boy and he was pronounced dead on the scene. Charges are pending after a traffic homicide investigation.

Contact our West Palm Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Florida, it is important to understand the complications that could arise when seeking compensation. Our North Palm Beach pedestrian accident attorneys believe that pedestrian accident victims deserve compassionate and dedicated legal representation from the moment they are injured.

At Fetterman & Associates, our North Palm Beach pedestrian accident lawyers hold negligent drivers responsible for their recklessness and for the injuries they have caused. Call us today at 1-561-845-2510 for a free initial consultation and review of your case. We can help you collect the money you need to put your life back together again. Call us today!

Additional Reading

What You Need to Know About Florida Bicycle Accidents

Why Pedestrian Accidents are on the Rise