In Jacksonville, pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable on streets designed primarily for motor vehicle traffic. While crosswalks, sidewalks, and pedestrian signals are intended to offer protection, accidents still occur far too frequently with devastating, life-altering consequences.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you need an attorney with deep knowledge of personal injury law in Jacksonville, FL. At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our attorneys combine legal firepower, cutting-edge investigative techniques, and trial-readiness to hold negligent drivers liable for maximum damages.
Pedestrian Safety Laws in Jacksonville, FL for Pedestrians and Motorists
In Jacksonville, FL, both pedestrians and motorists must follow safety rules:
Duties of Motorists
- Yield to Pedestrians at Crosswalks: Drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians legally crossing the road at marked or unmarked crosswalks.
- Exercise Due Care: Florida Statute § 316.130(15) requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian and to give warning by sounding the horn when necessary.
- Stop for School Crossings: Motorists must stop and remain stopped while a crossing guard is present.
- Avoid Passing Vehicles Stopped for Pedestrians: Drivers must not overtake or pass another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian.
Duties of Pedestrians
- Obey Traffic Control Devices: Pedestrians must follow walk signals and other traffic devices unless otherwise directed by law enforcement.
- Cross at Crosswalks When Available: Crossing outside of designated areas (jaywalking) can impact the ability to recover compensation, though it does not automatically absolve a driver of liability.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents in Jacksonville
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, some of the most common serious injuries our Jacksonville pedestrian injury attorneys see include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): From concussions to severe brain damage, TBIs can profoundly impact cognitive function, mobility, memory, and personality.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a vehicle can fracture vertebrae or sever the spinal cord, often causing partial or complete paralysis.
- Multiple Fractures: Pedestrians frequently suffer broken legs, arms, ribs, hips, and facial bones. Complex fractures may require multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation.
- Internal Organ Damage: The blunt force trauma of a collision can lead to life-threatening injuries to the lungs, liver, spleen, and other vital organs.
- Amputations: In particularly violent accidents, limbs may be crushed so badly that they require surgical amputation.
Why the Rate of Fatalities Is Higher in Pedestrian Accidents in Jacksonville
Jacksonville has consistently ranked among the most dangerous cities in the United States for pedestrians, and multiple factors contribute to its unusually high fatality rate:
- Urban Sprawl and Wide Roads: Jacksonville’s sprawling urban layout results in wide, multi-lane roads where vehicle speeds are higher and crossing distances are longer, making it riskier for pedestrians.
- Lack of Infrastructure: In many parts of Jacksonville, especially outside the urban core, sidewalks are missing, crosswalks are poorly marked, and pedestrian signals are insufficient or absent altogether.
- Driver Behavior: Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are rampant in Jacksonville. Drivers who aren’t fully attentive pose an enormous threat to pedestrians.
- Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit roads and intersections increase the risk of nighttime pedestrian accidents, which are statistically more likely to be fatal.
How Our Jacksonville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Use Surveillance Footage to Hold the Negligent Driver Liable
One of the most powerful tools we use to advocate for our injured pedestrian clients is surveillance video footage. Here’s how we leverage this crucial evidence:
Securing Footage Immediately
Time is critical—most businesses, traffic cams, and residential surveillance systems overwrite or delete footage after a short period. Our team moves rapidly to issue preservation letters and subpoena relevant footage before it’s lost.
Contradicting the Driver’s Narrative
Negligent drivers often claim that the pedestrian “darted into traffic” or was “jaywalking” to shift blame. High-quality video evidence can disprove these claims, showing:
- The pedestrian crossing legally
- The driver’s excessive speed
- The driver failing to brake
- Distracted behavior like cellphone use
Demonstrating Liability to Insurance Companies
When we present irrefutable video evidence showing driver negligence, insurers know that fighting the claim will likely end in a courtroom loss. This increases the pressure to offer a fair settlement early in the process.
Bolstering Jury Persuasion
If your case goes to trial, visual evidence is far more powerful than witness testimony alone. Juries are heavily influenced by what they can see with their own eyes, and surveillance footage can dramatically sway their verdict in your favor.
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we treat each pedestrian injury claim as if it will go to trial. This means meticulous, aggressive evidence gathering—including securing surveillance footage whenever possible—to build the strongest case on your behalf.
Get Pedestrian Accident Legal Help in Jacksonville Today
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we deliver aggressive, personalized representation that puts your needs first. Whether through negotiation or trial, we’re prepared to pursue full compensation for your injuries and losses. To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at 1-844-DEMANDA or contact us online.
