Sunshine is a standard in Florida – and the warm, sunny weather often inspires us to leave our cars in the driveway and take a walk or bike ride. Whether you want to reach 10,000 daily steps or want to do your part to help the environment, it feels great to get some exercise and be outside. South Florida has come a long way in accommodating bicyclists and pedestrians, adding bike lanes and crosswalks across the regions. However, tourists and residents still primarily use their cars, and the proximity to all that vehicular traffic still causes too many accidents for those sharing the road. Florida has the dubious distinction of leading the country in bicycle and pedestrian accidents, with nearly 17,000 incidents recorded annually. (Source: Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.)
Did You Know? In the first three months of 2023, Florida authorities reported over 2,000 accidents involving motorists and bicyclists; and 2,501 accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians.
Bicycle Accidents
● According to statistics found on Florida Traffic Crash Records , 25% of bicycle accidents involved cyclists with drug or alcohol impairment. While operating a vehicle when under the influence is obviously illegal, the loss of awareness, balance and judgment are just as dangerous for bicyclists on roads alongside vehicles.
● Most fatalities involving bicyclists take place over the winter season, while summer months are statistically safest for bicyclists. Soaring temperatures and humidity, coupled with frequent rainstorms, might be the reason behind the lower incidence of summer bicycle accidents. While vehicular accidents happen more often in bad weather, 80% of bicycle mishaps occur in mild, clear weather – which in Florida, typically coincides with our winter season.
● AAA statistics reveal that hit-and-run accidents involving both pedestrians and bicyclists are on an upward trend over the last few years. This disturbing statistic is linked to growing evidence of distracted driving incidents – motorists tend to panic when their momentary distraction turns into tragedy.
Pedestrian Accidents
Over the last twenty years, the increase in pedestrian traffic has been minimal (an average of 1%). However, accidents involving pedestrians and motorists have increased by 35%. Once again, industry experts believe the increase in distracted driving related to smartphones and devices is likely to blame.
Florida represents more than 10% of the pedestrian accidents and fatalities nationwide, a disturbingly disproportionate amount. This is likely due to good weather and lots of tourists on foot.
Who is Liable for Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents?
If you are a pedestrian or bicyclist involved in a vehicular accident, you want to know if you are legally eligible for compensation.
Because bicyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as motor vehicles, the liable party is the one whose negligence caused the accident. For instance, if a bicyclist doesn’t stop at a stop sign and is struck by a vehicle in the intersection, the driver would typically not be at fault. However, if the bicyclist is traveling in a legally designated bike lane and motorist hits them, the vehicle driver is likely to be found liable.
Drivers often incorrectly assume that they have the right of way over a bicycle or pedestrian. However, all Florida drivers are required to know and apply the traffic laws regarding pedestrians and bicyclists. In many Florida towns (including Sarasota) pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks – a fact many tourists and out-of-state drivers may not realize.
If you were injured in an accident while walking or biking, call the personal injury accident attorneys at Probinsky & Cole as soon as possible. We will help you amass the necessary evidence and documentation to evaluate whether or not you are legally entitled to compensation.
