Bradenton Pedestrian Accidents: Why Crosswalks Are Not Always Safe

Crosswalks help prevent pedestrian accidents in Bradenton. However, while using one helps protect your safety when crossing busy streets, they are not foolproof. There are far too many cases where people in crosswalks are struck and seriously injured by negligent drivers.

As our area gets increasingly busy with summer crowds, our Bradenton pedestrian accident lawyer wants you to know the risks and how to protect yourself.

Bradenton Pedestrian Accidents Can Happen Even in Crosswalks

Whether you are a resident of Bradenton or visiting the Gulf Coast over the busy summer season, it is important to make safety a top priority and to be aware of potential risks. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports nearly 150 people are injured due to pedestrian accidents in Manatee County each year, and one of the most common places for them to happen is crosswalks.

Under Bradenton city ordinances, people out walking must use designated crosswalks when crossing busy streets. While drivers are required to be alert for and yield to them in these areas, they often fail to do so. Common reasons pedestrian crosswalk accidents often happen in Bradenton include:

• Distracted driving, such as texting while approaching intersections;
• Failing to yield when turning at red lights or stop signs;
• Speeding through intersections without checking for pedestrians;
• Running red lights or stop signs;
• Poor visibility, especially at night or during bad weather.

Unfortunately, with little to protect them against pedestrian accidents in Manatee County, injuries victims suffer in these crashes tend to be severe. Multiple broken bones, severe lacerations or crushing injuries, and trauma impacting the brain, spinal cord, or other vital body parts is common.

Protecting Yourself Against Bradenton Pedestrian Crosswalk Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Bradenton can cause devastating physical harm, emotional trauma, and millions of dollars in losses. Children and older adults are most at risk, but they can happen to people of all ages. Crosswalks provide protection, but you need to keep in mind the risks. Follow these tips:

• When the light or crosswalk sign changes, pause and give drivers time to come to a complete stop;
• Make eye contact to ensure they see you before stepping into the crosswalk;
• Wear light, bright colors to increase visibility;
• Remain alert and continue looking both ways for oncoming traffic.

If you get hurt in a pedestrian crosswalk accident in Bradenton, notify the police immediately. Under the Florida Statutes, you can hold the at-fault driver accountable for missed work, medical bills, and other losses you suffer.

Request A Consultation Today With Our Experienced Bradenton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

While crosswalks help protect public safety, they continue to be a common site for pedestrian accidents in Bradenton. At the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely, we help residents and visitors to our area who are hurt in these crashes, fighting for justice and the compensation they need to recover in a claim. Call or contact us online to request a consultation today with our experienced Bradenton pedestrian accident lawyer.

Sources:

flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2022.pdf

cityofbradenton.com/vertical/Sites/%7B98CFEB92-7265-45CB-AF6F-7115C2CD7C81%7D/uploads/Ordinance_3056_Web.pdf