Florida Pedestrian Crosswalk Accident Laws

Pedestrian Crosswalk Collisions and Driver Duty of Care

Pedestrians are completely unprotected during motor vehicle impacts. When drivers fail to yield at marked crosswalks, text while driving, or make hasty right turns on red lights, the resulting impact frequently inflicts traumatic brain injuries, spinal fractures, and internal bleeding.

Florida Pedestrian Right-of-Way Statutes

Under Florida Statute § 316.130, drivers and pedestrians share clear statutory duties:

Location

Florida Legal Duty

Marked Crosswalks

Drivers must yield or stop for pedestrians who are within the crosswalk or approaching dangerously close.

Uncontrolled Intersections

Drivers must exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians crossing at any designated corner.

Sidewalk Crossings

Drivers exiting driveways or alleyways must stop fully prior to crossing sidewalk paths.

Overcoming Comparative Negligence Defenses

Insurance companies often attempt to reduce payouts by claiming the pedestrian jaywalked or stepped off the curb suddenly. Securing traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, and accident reconstruction testimony is crucial to establishing clear driver fault.

Under Fla. Stat. § 95.11, the deadline to bring a pedestrian personal injury lawsuit in Florida is two years.