Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Crosswalks in Cutler Bay and other South Florida communities are intended to designate clear areas for pedestrians to safely cross the street and to help drivers identify where pedestrians may be crossing. Despite this, however, intersection accidents and pedestrian accidents in Cutler Bay and other communities continue to happen.
Both motorists and pedestrians can take steps to make our streets safer for everyone. For example, both can teach their children about crosswalk safety. In addition, pedestrians can reduce their risk of injury if they:
- Always use crosswalks to cross, when one is available.
- Look both ways and make eye contact with nearby drivers before crossing.
- Wait for a green light or for traffic to stop before crossing.
- Put away distractions when crossing a crosswalk, to be alert for any dangers.
Motorists have an even greater responsibility at crosswalks, since their vehicles can cause serious and even fatal injury in a pedestrian accident. For this reason, drivers will want to:
- Put away distractions.
- Drive carefully through crosswalks, being prepared for the unexpected.
- Watch for children, especially, since children may still be learning to cross safely and may not know the rules of the road.
- Watch for and follow road signs.
- Drive defensively.
Drivers need to use extra caution when driving through crosswalks with crossing guards. When driving in a school zone, it’s important to obey the school zone speed limit so you’re prepared to stop at crosswalks. Keep an eye out for the vest and sign of crossing guards and prepare to stop. The crossing guard will be the first to enter the crosswalk and the last to leave. Wait until the crossing guard is completely across the street before proceeding and check carefully to make sure children aren’t attempting to cross without the crosswalk.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured in Crosswalk?
Whether you’re a pedestrian injured by reckless driver or whether you’re a driver injured in an intersection accident, if your injuries were caused by someone’s negligence you may have a right to compensation, under Florida law. Compensation can help you pay for lost income, medical costs, and more.
To find out whether you qualify, you can contact Flaxman Law Group. Our phone lines at 866-352-9626 are staffed 24/7 so you can reach a live person. You can call us at any time to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a team member. A consultation is a good way to ask questions and to learn whether you have a case. You can also contact us online or email accident attorney Charles Flaxman at cflaxman@flaxmanlaw.com if you have been injured and think you may have a claim.