Downtown Clermont is a wonderful place to stroll around, enjoying various markets, coffee shops, and much more. However, the more people on foot, the more likely pedestrian accidents will occur, despite the city’s ongoing effort to keep everyone safe.
If you or someone you care about was injured in a pedestrian accident, we want you to know that our entire team is here to help you understand your rights to compensation. For those who simply want to know how to protect themselves, we are here to discuss the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Clermont to help you stay safe, whether hiking along the trails or strolling the downtown area.
If you were harmed in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
The Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian accident is reported, people often assume the motorist is at fault. While this is frequently true, pedestrians may also engage in conduct that contributes to a collision. This distinction matters because Florida’s no-fault accident system requires a person pursuing a personal injury claim to show that another party bears a greater share of responsibility for the incident. Understanding how courts and insurers evaluate fault helps clarify how these claims move forward.
In Clermont, the most common instances that contribute to pedestrian accidents are:
- Distractions
- Impairment
- Recklessness
- Busy intersections
- Bad weather or low light conditions
- Being impatient and failing to yield
- Swerving to avoid a potential hazard
- Road construction or poor road conditions
Pedestrian accidents arise from a range of circumstances, often involving a failure to exercise reasonable care. Comparative negligence becomes relevant when both parties contribute to the incident. For example, drivers frequently strike pedestrians while turning, but a pedestrian wearing dark clothing in low-visibility conditions may also share fault.
It is our hope that these circumstances never happen to Clearwater residents or visitors. However, when a pedestrian accident occurs, we urge people to avoid admitting or discussing blame, since such statements could be used against either the driver or pedestrian if a claim is made later.
How Can Pedestrians Protect Themselves from A Pedestrian Accident?
With all the variables, it may seem impossible for pedestrians to avoid injury, but this is not the case. As a pedestrian, there are things that can be done to lessen the risk of being involved in an accident. They include:
Never Assume That a Vehicle Driver Is Paying Attention
It is impossible to tell what the driver of a vehicle is doing or thinking. Therefore, if a pedestrian is not sure that they can safely cross before a visible vehicle reaches them, it’s best for them to wait until the vehicle has gone by. This is an easy way to ensure that an accident is avoided.
Always Cross the Road at A Designated Crosswalk
Most drivers understand that a crosswalk is for pedestrians, and they should yield to those crossing the street there. Pedestrians can improve their safety by crossing streets only at designated crosswalks. In Clermont, many of these crosswalks have flashing lights or other features that help drivers notice pedestrians.
Be Mindful of the Time of Day or Night
Florida is the Sunshine State for a reason, and anyone who has been driving in the early morning or late evening knows that the sun can be blinding. If a driver is blinded by the sun, the chances of them seeing a pedestrian are lower, even if they are careful. During this time, diligence on behalf of the pedestrian is required.
At night, a pedestrian must understand that visibility is limited by a driver’s headlights. A pedestrian should always wear lighter colored or reflective clothing to ensure they are safe.
Limit Distractions
Pedestrians can get distracted by phones or talking to friends as well. This is a bigger problem for children who are walking, but it can happen to anyone. When walking, everyone is encouraged to pay attention to their surroundings to avoid incidents.
Contact Us for More Information About the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Clermont
Avoiding pedestrian accidents may not always be possible. Sometimes things happen that are beyond anyone’s control. If you want to learn more about protecting yourself, or if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, Largey Law Firm is here to help. Simply contact us to ask for more information regarding the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Clermont and what to do after an accident has occurred.
