Liability for Sidewalk Pedestrian Collisions

Pedestrian crashes are among the devastating types of accidents and often cause catastrophic injuries or death to unsuspecting victims because they don’t have the same protection as people inside motor vehicles. According to preliminary data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there have been 8,124 pedestrian crashes in Florida from January to November 2023. These pedestrian crashes have resulted in 6,427 injuries and 594 fatalities.

Intersections, crosswalks, and sidewalks are designed to help ensure the safety of pedestrians, and those using them instead of the street usually feel safe when doing so. However, even the most cautious pedestrians who follow the safety rules and use the sidewalk can get injured in a pedestrian accident because of other people’s negligence.

Why Sidewalk Pedestrian Collisions Happen

Sidewalk pedestrian accidents can occur in two ways. The first happens when a driver loses control of their vehicle and crashes into a pedestrian on the sidewalk. Pedestrians can also get injured when they slip, fall, or trip on a sidewalk, sometimes falling off the sidewalk and into oncoming traffic. Such accidents are usually caused by:

• Distracted Driving – One consequence of distracted driving could be that a distracted driver drives onto a sidewalk and crashes into a pedestrian.
• Reckless Driving – This can involve a broad range of reckless driving practices, including speeding, tailgating, improper lane changes or swerving, and driving while drugged, drunk, or fatigued, among others. Sometimes, a reckless driver may lose control of their vehicle or not even realize they have already veered off the street onto a sidewalk and plowed into a pedestrian on the sidewalk. All of these can lead to preventable sidewalk pedestrian collisions.
• Cracks or Uneven Sidewalk Surfaces – Cracks can develop on the sidewalk, or the surface can become uneven over time when the sidewalk is not repaired or maintained properly or regularly. A pedestrian can easily trip, slip, or fall and get flung onto the street and hit by a vehicle.
• Hazardous Construction Sites – These can pose various hazards to pedestrians if not contained properly. Unsuspecting pedestrians can also get hit by heavy tools or materials that can fall onto them.
• Improper Sidewalk Construction or Design – Improperly designed or constructed sidewalks can pose slips and fall hazards to pedestrians.
• Slippery or Wet Sidewalks – When the weather makes a sidewalk slippery and difficult to walk on, the entity, such as the local government or a business responsible for maintaining the sidewalk, must address the hazards promptly. Unfortunately, they don’t.

Due to the many factors that can come into play in sidewalk pedestrian accidents, many parties can also be potentially liable for the injuries and related losses of an injured pedestrian. These parties can include a negligent driver, a private company, a local government, a property owner, or even another pedestrian.

Seek Legal Advice From an Experienced Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you have suffered injuries in a sidewalk pedestrian accident, reach out to the Tampa pedestrian accident attorney at Mickey Keenan, PA, right away. We can investigate your case and determine whom you can hold liable for your injuries and seek maximum compensation from. Arrange your case review with our Tampa pedestrian accident attorney by calling 813-871-1300 or reaching us online.