Not sure if the cause of your accident requires a pedestrian accident lawyer? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. From a legal perspective, there are multiple reasons behind pedestrian accidents, with distracted driving being one of the most common causes. Want to know the other causes? Keep reading.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Orlando?
Though it may not seem like it, the causes of pedestrian accidents are widely known and, in many cases, rather obvious. What many people don’t realize, however, is that these causes are often covered by Orlando law, which is something a pedestrian accident lawyer can use to your benefit.
Distracted Driving
One of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Moreover, this cause is explicitly covered by Florida law, as outlined in Section 316.305 of the Florida Statutes. This section states that there’s no valid reason for a person to be typing or entering letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters while driving with the intent to communicate via an electronic device.
Since distracted driving is prohibited by Florida Statutes, the driver can’t justify their actions. This is a solid point that a pedestrian accident lawyer can use to your advantage if you’re injured.
Speeding
Another major cause, and one that often results in severe injuries, is speeding. Like distracted driving, speeding is addressed under Florida law, specifically Section 316.183 of the Florida Statutes:
“No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having knowledge of the actual and potential dangers existing at the time.”
For this reason, and without legal justification, speeding that leads to an automobile accident provides strong evidence that an Orlando pedestrian accident attorney can use in your defense.
High-Density Population Areas
This is a more complex issue. In high-population areas, pedestrians are more likely to disregard traffic laws. If congestion causes a pedestrian to step into a vehicle’s lane, the pedestrian may be partially responsible for the accident. This is something a pedestrian accident lawyer in Orlando needs to consider, as Florida pedestrian laws are clear on this matter.
Vehicular Congestion
Traffic congestion can present challenges for a pedestrian accident lawyer. Multiple vehicles may be involved in these types of accidents, complicating the situation. However, even in these cases, there is often one primary at-fault party, though these cases can be intricate.
How Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Investigate the Cause of Accidents
Here’s how an attorney can investigate and defend your case:
Gathering Evidence to Build a Strong Case for Compensation
The evidence collected by a Florida pedestrian accident lawyer depends on the specifics of the accident, as not all cases rely on the same evidence. The following are common pieces of evidence:
- Video footage from street cameras
- Photographs from the scene
- Witness testimonies
- Medical reports
How to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents in Orlando
Let’s go over some ways to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents in Orlando:
Infrastructure and Road Safety Improvements
A pedestrian accident attorney knows that, in some cases, road infrastructure problems—like potholes—can lead to accidents. Improving infrastructure is essential to minimizing these events.
Road Safety Education for Pedestrians and Drivers
Educating both drivers and pedestrians about road safety is crucial to preventing accidents. A pedestrian accident lawyer is aware that teaching basic road safety principles can help prevent causes like speeding from becoming justifications for accidents.
Common Defendants in Pedestrian Accident Cases
In some cases, the defendant is not the driver but another party. Here are some possible defendants:
Drivers
An Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer understands that the driver of the vehicle is usually the primary defendant in these cases, and they are often the responsible party.
City Infrastructure
In less common cases, poor city infrastructure may contribute to pedestrian accidents. While rare, this is a factor that a pedestrian accident injury lawyer will recognize. If infrastructure issues are found to be a cause, the claim may be directed at the local government.
Automobile Defects
In rare cases, an automobile defect may be the cause of the accident. In such situations, it would be necessary to prove that the defect was a factory issue and that the driver had no prior knowledge of it.
How an Orlando Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You
While plaintiffs in Florida can represent themselves, it is highly advisable to seek professional guidance. A pedestrian accident lawyer has the experience and legal knowledge needed to evaluate your case and develop an effective defense strategy. So, how can they help? Let’s break it down.
Navigating Your Legal Options for Maximum Compensation
As we discussed earlier, the law can be complex, and it’s unlikely that an individual would fully understand it. So, how can you defend yourself without proper knowledge? This is where pedestrian accident attorneys come in. With their understanding of local laws, they can advocate for their client’s case. For example, if the driver was distracted or speeding, this is a criminal offense, and a lawyer can use that to your advantage in your case.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, Louis Berk Law is here to help you understand your legal options and fight for your compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.