What Obligations Do Pedestrians Have in FL? Understanding the Requirements of Florida Statute §316.130

Over 800 Florida pedestrians lost their lives in fatal car crashes in 2021, and the state currently ranks as the 4th most dangerous for pedestrians. Congested roads and careless drivers put walkers at risk at every crossing.

Like all road users, pedestrians have a duty to protect themselves and others. Following some simple but important rules outlined in Section 316.130 of the Florida Statutes may save your life. So what obligations do pedestrians have in FL? The legal team of Shannon J. Sagan, PA, of Palm Beach County, FL, explains some of the most important rules.

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Your Duties as a Florida Pedestrian

As a pedestrian in Florida, provisions Fla. Stat. §316.130 require you to:

  • Use marked crosswalks. (Fla. Stat. §316.130(11)) and remain on the right half of the crosswalk when possible. (Fla. Stat. §316.130(13))
  • Obey traffic signals such as only crossing when you see a green pedestrian light. If a police officer on the spot gives you different instructions (for example, when traffic lights don’t work), follow them. (Fla. Stat. §316.130(1))
  • Use sidewalks whenever these are available. (Fla. Stat. Fla. Stat. §§316.130(3)) If there are no sidewalks or something blocks a sidewalk, walk on the road’s shoulder against traffic flow and stay as far away from cars as possible. (Fla. Stat. §316.130(4))
  • Exercise due caution. Even if a driver must yield the right of way to you, you should give them enough time to stop. Avoid rushing into traffic, especially if you’re crossing with children.(Fla. Stat. §316.130(8))

Can You Still Get Compensation If You Were Partially Responsible for the Accident?

What if your accident occurred while you were violating Florida’s pedestrian laws—for example, if you were off a marked crosswalk when a car hit you?

Luckily, Florida is one of the states that allow pedestrians to recover damages in personal injury claims even if they were partly responsible for the accident. Your health insurance and PIP (Personal Injury Protection) should cover medical costs.

However, failure to observe traffic regulations may limit your ability to pursue a civil lawsuit against the driver or make a claim against the driver’s insurer for any costs that exceed your own insurance coverage.

Do You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Even if your accident case seems straightforward, insurance companies may try to dodge or minimize your claim. Working with experienced pedestrian accident lawyers will improve your odds of recovering reasonable compensation and save you a lot of time and stress.

Specifically, pedestrian accident attorneys can:

  • Help you source and present relevant evidence
  • Handle the claim process and file all the necessary paperwork
  • Negotiate with insurers on your behalf
  • Counsel you on pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the offending party, if a driver was responsible for the accident

Shannon J. Sagan, PA, of 561-DASHCAM: Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Palm Beach County, FL

If you suffered a pedestrian accident in Florida, you may face severe injuries, a lengthy recovery, emotional trauma, and overwhelming medical costs. Attorney Shannon J. Sagan and the rest of the 561-DASHCAM team are here to protect your legal rights, forward your personal injury claim, and answer all your questions, including, “What obligations do pedestrians have in FL?”

Call our bilingual South Florida law office at 561-DASHCAM for a free initial consultation. You only pay when we win or settle your case.

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