Pedestrian Rights in Pedestrian Accidents

    ORLANDO, FL, May 03, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Walking is the oldest form of transportation and something most Americans do on a daily basis to get from one place to another or just for fun and exercise. We feel we are all entitled to safe roadways and pathways, yet a National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) study revealed that over 5,000 pedestrians are killed in motor vehicle-related accidents every year. More than 78,000 pedestrians are injured in motor vehicle related accidents. Not included in these statistics are the injuries and deaths pedestrians suffer for other reasons. Poorly maintained streets and walkways, sidewalk defects and construction debris all contribute to accidents involving pedestrians.

What Are Your Rights?

All states have laws that regulate the rights of pedestrians. The rights of a pedestrian differ from state to state and even community to community. In general, though, a pedestrian is entitled to travel on public roads and highways safely. A pedestrian may cross at any point on a road but must yield to a motor vehicle when not at a designated crossing in some communities. Awareness of road signs, such as stop signs, crosswalk markings and traffic lights, and common sense, go a long way in recognizing your rights when sharing the roadways with motor vehicles.

Since the rights of a pedestrian are a complex legal issue after an accident occurs, it is very important to involve an experienced attorney in pedestrian rights as soon as possible. A personal injury attorney experienced in pedestrian rights is essential to protect the rights of the injured party.

If someone else's negligence caused the accident and injury or even death of the pedestrian involved, the pedestrian may recover damages for the injury suffered. In the case of death, the family or heirs are entitled to recover damages for the death.

The Definition of Negligence

Negligence is the legal term for the failure to do, or in some cases, not do something a reasonable person would do in order to protect others. For instance, a reasonable owner of a store would not let customers in the store if he knew he had a natural gas leak inside. If he let customers in and the building exploded, he would be guilty of negligence.

Each accident involving a pedestrian is a complex legal problem that requires the expertise of a highly trained personal injury attorney. Certain criteria have to be met to determine the responsible party or parties involved.

If you live in the Orlando, Florida area and you or someone you love has suffered an injury or been killed in a pedestrian related accident, please visit the website of the personal injury law firm of Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter in Florida today to learn more about your legal rights.

Source: Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter in Florida
Website: http://www.thefloridafirm.com

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