Matthew Mincone | July 2, 2025 | Personal Injury
Pedestrian accidents continue to be a major safety concern across Florida. From downtown intersections in Miami to suburban crosswalks in Ocala, thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed every year due to driver and road design flaws.
While pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, most serious accidents involve some form of driver error or negligence. Understanding the most common causes of pedestrian accidents can help victims identify negligence and seek compensation for their injuries.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in Florida. When a driver’s attention is diverted by texting, using GPS, or other distractions, the risk of striking a pedestrian increases dramatically. Even a two-second glance at a phone can cause a driver to miss someone lawfully crossing the street.
Under the “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law,” operating a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, or symbols into a communication device is illegal. Despite these laws, enforcement challenges remain, and distracted drivers continue to injure pedestrians at alarming rates.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
Florida law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. When traffic control signals are not in place, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within a crosswalk. Unfortunately, many motorists either ignore or misinterpret this law.
Failure to yield is hazardous at intersections, where turning drivers may focus more on traffic flow than pedestrian safety. Accidents of this type often result in severe injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and internal damage, given the force involved in a moving vehicle striking a pedestrian.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Excessive speed is a significant factor in the frequency and severity of pedestrian accidents. A vehicle traveling over 30 miles per hour poses a much greater threat to pedestrians than one traveling at slower speeds.
Speeding is especially dangerous in areas with increased pedestrian traffic, such as urban areas and school zones. Drivers who ignore posted speed limits or drive aggressively reduce their ability to stop in time, often leading to catastrophic results. Reckless behavior such as running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs, and weaving through traffic further endangers pedestrians.
Driving Under the Influence
Drunk and drug-impaired driving remains a persistent threat to pedestrians across Florida. Impaired drivers often experience slowed reaction times, poor judgment, and diminished awareness, making it more likely they will fail to notice a pedestrian in time to avoid a crash.
Poor Visibility and Inadequate Infrastructure
Many pedestrian accidents occur at night or in low-light conditions. Lack of adequate street lighting, poorly marked crosswalks, or obstructed signage can make it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians in time. Additionally, pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night may go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Infrastructure issues, such as missing sidewalks or intersections lacking crossing signals, are especially common in older parts of Florida cities and rural areas. These conditions create unsafe environments and can contribute to preventable accidents.
Pedestrian Negligence
Although drivers are often to blame, pedestrians can also contribute to accidents. Crossing outside designated crosswalks (jaywalking), ignoring walk signals, or walking while distracted can increase the risk of being struck.
Contact Our Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Pedestrian accident claims can be complex. Insurance companies often try to blame the victim, downplay injuries, or offer lowball settlements. A skilled Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers can level the playing field. Call today to set up a free consultation.
Contact the Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
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About The Author
Attorney Matthew Mincone is the founder of Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers. He earned his law degree while attending night programs in New York and is licensed to practice in Florida. With over 15 years of legal experience, Matthew focuses on personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents involving cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. His commitment to personally handling each case ensures clients receive dedicated representation. Click here to view some of the remarkable case results that Matthew has successfully achieved.
Location: Tampa, FL