Be wary of pedestrians during spring break

One of the great things about March (besides the beginning of daylight savings time) is spring break. It is a time where tens of thousands of college (and high school) students from northern states descend on Florida to enjoy sunshine, attractions and the many beaches that the state has to offer. With so many tourists in town, drunk driving is certainly a concern, but with so much foot traffic in downtown areas and on resorts, pedestrian accidents are also a fear.

With that said, drivers must be especially careful when in areas with heavy foot traffic. After all, drivers have a legal duty to watch out for and avoid hazards. Also, pedestrians generally have the right of way on Florida roads, which means that a driver must stop and allow a pedestrian to cross.

Unfortunately, drivers (especially those who are under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs) may not follow the law, which may lead to a pedestrian getting injured. If this happens, the offending driver could be held liable for failing to use reasonable care in watching out for (and yielding to) pedestrians. This allows an injured pedestrian to seek monetary damages for their injuries, which may include compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses and rehabilitation, and lost wages (if any).

Indeed, we appreciate that so many people come to Florida to enjoy what the state has to offer for spring break, but when accidents occur, it is helpful to have an experienced personal injury attorney to seek advice from.