Pedestrians should be able to trust that marked crosswalks will keep them safe. Unfortunately, Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states in the country for pedestrians. Many crosswalk collisions occur because drivers fail to follow basic traffic laws, ignore signals, or simply don’t pay attention. If you were hit while crossing the street, you may be able to hold the at-fault driver legally responsible for your injuries.
This guide explains when drivers are at fault for crosswalk accidents in Florida, what evidence matters, and what steps injured pedestrians should take next.
Florida’s Crosswalk Laws: What Drivers Must Do
Under Florida Statute §316.130, drivers have a legal duty to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. This means:
✔ Drivers MUST slow down or stop when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk.
Even if a pedestrian has just stepped off the curb, the driver must allow them to fully cross safely.
✔ Drivers CANNOT overtake or pass another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
This is one of the most common causes of serious collisions—known as “multiple-threat” accidents.
✔ Drivers MUST use reasonable care and watch for pedestrians at all times.
Distracted driving, speeding, or failing to observe crosswalk signs violates this duty.
✔ Even at unmarked crosswalks, drivers still owe pedestrians a duty of care.
Any intersection—even without painted lines—creates an implied crosswalk.
When drivers violate these rules, they are typically liable for resulting injuries.
Common Ways Drivers Cause Crosswalk Accidents
Crosswalk accidents almost always involve some form of driver negligence. The most frequent causes include:
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Failing to yield at crosswalks or intersections
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Speeding through pedestrian zones or school areas
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Running red lights or stopping beyond the crosswalk line
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Texting or distracted driving
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Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
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Turning right on red without looking for pedestrians
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Left-turn collisions where the driver focuses on traffic instead of the crosswalk
Because pedestrians have virtually no protection from impact, even low-speed crashes can lead to life-altering injuries.
When the Driver Is at Fault in a Florida Crosswalk Accident
In Florida, a driver is generally considered at fault when:
1. The pedestrian was within the marked crosswalk.
Drivers must yield — period.
2. The driver violated a traffic signal or sign.
Running lights, ignoring “Yield to Pedestrians” signs, or entering a crosswalk during the pedestrian signal is negligence.
3. The driver was distracted or speeding.
Phone use, GPS, eating, grooming, or other distractions frequently cause crosswalk collisions.
4. The driver failed to look when turning.
Right-turn-on-red and left-turn crosswalk accidents are among the most common liability scenarios.
5. The driver ignored a stopped or slowed vehicle.
Passing a stopped car at a crosswalk is illegal and strongly favors pedestrian liability claims.
6. The pedestrian had the “Walk” signal or the right of way.
When traffic control devices clearly grant the pedestrian priority, fault is typically unquestionable.
Even if the pedestrian was not perfect (e.g., stepped off the curb too quickly or crossed slightly outside the lines), Florida’s comparative negligence law allows injured pedestrians to recover compensation as long as they were not more at fault than the driver.
Injuries Common in Florida Crosswalk Accidents
Pedestrian crashes often result in severe or catastrophic injuries, including:
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Broken bones
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
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Internal bleeding or organ damage
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Spinal cord injuries
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Shoulder, hip, and knee injuries
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Permanent scarring or disfigurement
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Wrongful death
The medical costs can be overwhelming, especially when combined with lost wages and long-term disabilities.
What to Do After a Crosswalk Accident in Florida
If you or a loved one has been hit while crossing the street:
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Call 911 and get a police report.
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Seek immediate medical care — adrenaline can mask injuries.
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Take photos of the scene, crosswalk markings, vehicle, and your injuries if possible.
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Get witness contact information.
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Do not give recorded statements to the driver’s insurance company.
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Contact a Florida personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Swift action preserves evidence and helps strengthen your case.
Compensation Available for Injured Pedestrians
If the driver is at fault, you may be entitled to recover:
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Medical bills (past and future)
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Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Scarring or disfigurement
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Wrongful death damages for surviving families
Because pedestrian injuries are often severe, case values can be significant—especially when negligence is clear.
When to Contact a Florida Personal Injury Attorney
Crosswalk accident cases often involve disputes over right-of-way, comparative fault, and insurance coverage. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
A skilled Florida personal injury lawyer can:
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Investigate the crash
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Secure video footage or witness statements
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Obtain traffic-signal timing data
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Prove driver negligence
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Negotiate with insurance companies
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File a lawsuit if necessary
The sooner an attorney gets involved, the easier it is to preserve critical evidence.
Final Thoughts
Pedestrians deserve to feel safe when using Florida crosswalks. If a negligent driver hit you or someone you love, you may have strong legal rights to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
You don’t have to face the insurance companies alone — help is available.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of an accident? Contact Florida Hospital and Medical Malpractice Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at jp@yourattorneys.com or by text at (305) 929-8935.
