Struck While Crossing the Street: What Florida Law Says When a Driver Hits a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk
Crosswalks exist to give pedestrians a safe, predictable place to cross the road, but that promise of safety fails whenever a driver disregards the right of way. Pedestrians struck in a marked or unmarked crosswalk often suffer catastrophic injuries because they have almost no protection against the force of a vehicle. Understanding what Florida law requires of drivers, and what legal options exist afterward, is critical for anyone recovering from this type of collision.
What Florida Law Requires of Drivers at Crosswalks
Florida Statute 316.130 sets out detailed rules governing the interaction between drivers and pedestrians at crosswalks. At an intersection with a traffic signal, a driver must stop before entering the crosswalk and remain stopped for a pedestrian who is lawfully crossing or about to enter the crosswalk. Where no signal or signage is present, the driver must still yield the right of way, slowing or stopping as needed, to a pedestrian crossing within the crosswalk. The statute also prohibits any driver from passing a vehicle that has stopped to let a pedestrian cross. These requirements make clear that the burden falls heavily on drivers to watch for and yield to people on foot.
Determining Fault After the Collision
While drivers bear significant responsibility under Florida law, fault is not always automatic. Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning more than one party can share responsibility for an accident. If a pedestrian crossed outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, ignored a traffic signal, or stepped suddenly into the path of an oncoming vehicle, that conduct may reduce, though not necessarily eliminate, the compensation available. A careful investigation of traffic camera footage, witness statements, and the physical evidence at the scene is often necessary to establish exactly how the collision occurred and who was at fault.
Common Injuries and the Road to Recovery
Because pedestrians have no metal frame, airbags, or seatbelt to absorb the force of impact, even a collision at a moderate speed can cause severe harm. Injuries frequently include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractures and dislocations
- Internal organ injuries
These injuries often require extended hospitalization, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation, along with substantial medical bills and lost income. Pursuing compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit can help cover these losses, but Florida’s no-fault insurance system and the potential for shared fault make these claims more complex than they might first appear.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street can leave you facing painful injuries, mounting medical expenses, and an uncertain recovery. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at Boone & Davis understand how Florida’s crosswalk laws apply to real accidents, and we are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss what happened and how we can help.
Source:
flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0316.130
