In the letter he stated, “this crosswalk must be one of the most dangerous I have ever seen”. He went on to say “too many times cars ignore the posted signs and pedestrians have to guess if the cars are going to stop.” Tragically, in this accident, a car stopped to allow the pedestrian to cross the road but another car went around the stopped car, striking the man causing fatal injuries.

He wanted to know what Florida law says about pedestrians in crosswalks and if cars are required to stop. Sadly, his friend thought he was safe in a crosswalk. The fact is – he should have been! Drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians in designated crosswalks. It’s the law.

The flashing pedestrian crossing signals at 54th Ave. N. are now being looked at. They need to be upgraded, according to engineering supervisor Debra Jaramillo. An investigation began last month after state Rep. Larry Ahern inquired about the crosswalks in this area. Improvements will likely be made. That’s no consolation to the family of the man who died but this new interest in increasing safety will hopefully prevent others from such tragedy. A big shout out to the accident victim’s friend for asking about Florida law on pedestrians in crosswalks and importantly, for raising public awareness of the dangers in assuming a pedestrian is safe in a crosswalk.

For complete information on Florida law and understanding your legal rights after a pedestrian accident, request a free copy of Jim Dodson’s book, Florida Pedestrian Accident Guide. For immediate answers to your questions about making a personal injury claim, simply call 727-446-0840.

As a service to the residents of the St. Petersburg, Florida area, Jim Dodson Law frequently publishes news of local motor vehicle accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of accidents in Florida which result in serious injuries and at times, fatal injury. This report of the news does not imply there is an attorney client relationship.

We represent personal injury and accident victims in Florida in these cities:
Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shores,Treasure Island, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Crystal Beach, Ozona, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Kenneth City, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Dade City, Sebring, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other cities in Florida and Florida Counties.

Our primary office location is in Clearwater, however we meet clients at our satellite offices or a  convenient location at or near your home.

Here’s a new safety measure that’s popping up in Largo – a sign that reads: “Turning vehicles – Yield to Pedestrians.” Do we really need to be told this? Don’t run the pedestrian down with your car?

The reality is far too many people mistakenly think they are safe when they step into a crosswalk and that cars will stop for them. After all, it is the law! But, a lot of drivers don’t stop. They become distracted while driving, don’t pay attention to the road or are trying to see how fast they can make that right turn on red and beat the oncoming traffic.

Almost 1500 people were injured in 2009 trying to cross a road at an intersection in Florida. I’m in favor of whatever it takes to keep people safe. As a Largo pedestrian accident lawyer, I regularly see the devastating injuries suffered by my clients who thought they were safe but weren’t.

I sincerely hope this latest attempt by Pinellas County to ensure pedestrian safety will help save innocent folks from serious injury and even death.

We represent personal injury and accident victims in Florida in these cities:
Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shores,Treasure Island, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Crystal Beach, Ozona, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Kenneth City, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Dade City, Sebring, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other cities in Florida and Florida Counties.

Our primary office location is in Clearwater, however we meet clients at our satellite offices or a  convenient location at or near your home.

How Drivers Can Avoid Parking Lot Accidents

• Treat parking lots like the road; always be aware of moving vehicles and pedestrians
• Drive the speed limit and if you don’t see a sign, drive 10mp or less
• Always, always yield to pedestrians as they have the right of way
• Even though there might be pedestrian walkways and crosswalks don’t expect them to use them
• Make sure all of your mirrors are properly adjusted and that you look at all of them before backing out of a parking space
• When pulling into a space be sure to center and straighten your car so it is easy to pull out when you’re leaving
• Check twice before pulling out of a parking spot
• Don’t assume a pedestrian sees you; always make eye contact

How Pedestrians Can Avoid Parking Lot Accidents

• Treat the parking lot like you would a road; always looking for moving vehicles
• Don’t assume the driver sees you; be sure to make eye contact
• Watch for drivers pulling out of a parking spot and don’t walk behind a vehicle that is backing out; look for back-up lights
• Look both ways before walking out between parked vehicles
• Don’t use your cell phone while walking
• Use a walkway and/or crosswalks if there is one provided
• Don’t assume a walkway or a crosswalk will protect you; look both ways before stepping off the curb

Have You Been Hurt in a Pedestrian Parking Lot Accident in Florida?

When both parties stay alert and drive or walk cautiously, many pedestrian accidents in parking lots can be avoided. However, accidents still occur. If you were injured in a parking lot pedestrian accident in Florida, you may have a claim financial recovery. Call an experienced Florida Personal Injury Attorney, Jim Dodson at 727-446-0840 for a free consultation today.

We represent personal injury and accident victims in Florida in these cities:
Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shores,Treasure Island, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Crystal Beach, Ozona, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Kenneth City, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Dade City, Sebring, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other cities in Florida and Florida Counties.

Our primary office location is in Clearwater, however we meet clients at our satellite offices or a  convenient location at or near your home.

Causes of Pedestrian Parking Lot Accidents

Drivers and pedestrians tend to have a different mind-set when it comes to their behavior in a parking lot. Because of the close proximity of people on foot and cars, parking lots are the scene of many pedestrian accidents. Below is a list of some of the most common causes:

• Driver distractions like cell phone use, playing with the radio, etc.
• Drivers accidentally pressing the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal
• Drivers focusing on looking for a parking space and not looking out for other cars and pedestrians
• Drivers not looking before backing out of parking spaces
• Drivers speeding through parking lots
• Pedestrians distractions like cell phone use, mothers and fathers tending to their children, talking to another pedestrian, etc.
• Pedestrians assuming a level of safety when that isn’t the reality
• Pedestrians not using walkways when provided but instead weaving through parking spaces
• Drivers and pedestrians assuming one or the either sees each other
• Traffic patterns in some parking lots can be confusing and/or poorly designed
• Parking lots that lack pedestrian walkways or crossings

Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Being Hit in a Parking Lot

Even though vehicles in parking lots are usually traveling at lower speeds than on the road, serious injuries to pedestrians can still occur when struck by a car. If struck, the pedestrian could fall down and hit their head, causing a serious head injury. Some other common injuries that can occur are fractures of the pelvic, arms and legs as well as neck injuries. Internal injuries and minor contusions and abrasions can also occur.

Getting Help from a Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If both drivers and pedestrians took the right precautions while walking or driving in parking lots, accidents could be prevented. However, if a parking lot accident does occur a pedestrian may recover damages for the injuries suffered if the driver’s negligence caused the incident.

If you were injured in a parking lot accident and you need help, call Florida pedestrian accident attorney, Jim Dodson at 727-446-0840 for a free consultation today.

We represent personal injury and accident victims in Florida in these cities:
Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shores,Treasure Island, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Crystal Beach, Ozona, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Kenneth City, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Dade City, Sebring, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other cities in Florida and Florida Counties.

Our primary office location is in Clearwater, however we meet clients at our satellite offices or a  convenient location at or near your home.

Sadly, many backover accidents occur at the home of the victim and these cases usually involve young children. Blind spots play a major role. Larger vehicles such as trucks, SUV’s, vans and minivans have a larger blind spot than a smaller car because the driver is higher off the ground.

According to a Consumer Reports study, some blind spots extend more than fifty feet. This is why it is very important for drivers of any vehicle to look at their surroundings before entering their car and then once in the vehicle check all mirrors before backing up.

Get Help from a Florida Backover Accident Lawyer

In the event of a backover accident, personal injury lawyer, Jim Dodson has the experience to help you and he understands how devastating backover crashes can be especially if children are involved. Jim Dodson Law can help you get the compensation you need from the insurance company. Simply, pick up the phone and call 727-446-0840.

We represent personal injury and accident victims in Florida in these cities:
Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shores,Treasure Island, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Crystal Beach, Ozona, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Kenneth City, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Dade City, Sebring, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other cities in Florida and Florida Counties.

Our primary office location is in Clearwater, however we meet clients at our satellite offices or a  convenient location at or near your home.

Oakhurst Elementary School crossing guard, Nelson Guenther, witnesses said, was walking across 102nd Ave. southbound at 131st Street with the crossing signal, when Richard Barbieri, 18, who was turning west on 102nd Avenue, failed to yield at the pedestrian crosswalk. Very fortunately, there were no children in the area at the time of the accident.

Reports said Barbieri’s car struck Guenther causing minor injuries to his left forearm. The school crossing guard was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Richard Barbieri was cited for not stopping for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Deputies warned drivers to be very careful around school crossings with school back in session after the holiday break. Traffic is heavier in Florida this time of the year with many vacationers and winter residents here. There are more pedestrians and children, in particular, out walking earlier in the day attempting to cross the road. As motorists and pedestrians, we all need to be extremely cautious and aware of our surroundings.

Getting Help from a Largo Pedestrian Accident Attorney

As a Largo pedestrian accident attorney, Jim Dodson Law has represented clients who were the victims of serious injuries because of accidents that took place while they were walking in a pedestrian crosswalk at a major intersection. The drivers who caused the accidents were careless and not paying attention to the pedestrian or were driving and distracted. Frequently, the negligent driver is making a right turn onto a street and fails to look and see the pedestrian attempting to cross in the crosswalk.

In Florida, there is a specific statute that addresses the legal rights of pedestrians in crosswalks. If you want to learn more about your legal rights after a pedestrian car accident, request our free Florida Pedestrian Accident Guide written by Largo Accident Attorney Jim Dodson. Our book will answer all your questions  about your legal rights in simple terms. Of course, if you need immediate help with your personal injury claim, contact our office now at 727-446-0840.

As a service to the residents of the Largo, Florida area, Jim Dodson Law frequently publishes news of local motor vehicle accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of accidents in Florida which result in serious injuries and at times, fatal injury. This report of the news does not imply there is an attorney client relationship.

We represent personal injury and accident victims in Florida in these cities:
Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shores,Treasure Island, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Crystal Beach, Ozona, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Kenneth City, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Dade City, Sebring, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other cities in Florida and Florida Counties.

Our primary office location is in Clearwater, however we meet clients at our satellite offices or a  convenient location at or near your home.

The victim was walking south in a crosswalk on the north side of 54th Avenue N at about 4:10 p.m. according to an article in the Tampa Bay Times. A 2008 Saturn SUV had stopped at the crosswalk in the outer lane. A 2001 Ford F350 truck that was behind the Saturn did not stop, however. It passed the Saturn and struck the man in the crosswalk. He later died at Bayfront Medical Center where he was taken after the accident.

In the United States, people 65 and older make up 13 percent of the population but represent about 22 percent of pedestrian deaths.

Florida law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. When a pedestrian is killed or injured when legally crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk by a driver who fails to yield, the injured person or the family of a person killed is often entitled to receive compensation from the driver whose negligence caused the accident. This is best done with the assistance of an experienced Florida personal injury attorney.

Clearwater personal injury attorney Jim Dodson has been helping Florida accident victims recover compensation for their accident-related losses from injuries and wrongful deaths for more than 25 years. If you or a family member has been involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s poor driving, you probably have many questions about what to do next. Jim offers a free consultation in which he will give you straightforward answers to all of your questions. To schedule an appointment, call the office at 727-446-0840 or email him.

If you’d like to do some background reading before actually talking to a lawyer, Jim has written an informative and easy to understand consumer guide entitled The Florida Pedestrian Accident Guide, which he will send you at no cost.

As a service to the residents of the Pinellas County, Florida area, Jim Dodson Law frequently publishes news of local motor vehicle accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of accidents in Florida which result in serious injuries and at times, fatal injury. This report of the news does not imply there is an attorney client relationship.

We represent personal injury and accident victims in Florida in these cities:
Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shores,Treasure Island, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Crystal Beach, Ozona, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Kenneth City, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Dade City, Sebring, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other cities in Florida and Florida Counties.

Our primary office location is in Clearwater, however we meet clients at our satellite offices or a  convenient location at or near your home.

Because our weather is mild year-round, we have 12 months when people are out there enjoying a stroll or a bike ride.

Not only that, Pinellas County is much more densely populated than most of the United States. It is the densest county in the entire state of Florida, with more than twice the density of Broward County, which is second. And added to that, we have a huge influx of snowbirds and tourists who come south during the winter season to escape the cold climates of the northern United States and Canada, causing our population density to swell even further.

These factors create more pedestrians and cyclists along with more motorists, and most of our roads are designed with the motorists in mind. The “car culture” in the state has not been conducive to pedestrian safety. Many of Florida’s roads are high-speed arterial highways, designed to get cars where they’re going as fast as possible with the fewest possible stops for crossing pedestrians.

Pedestrian error is also a major cause of accidents. Pedestrians fail to push buttons to activate crossing signals, or they push them and fail to wait for the “walk” signal to appear. Sometimes they can’t be bothered to take the time to walk to a crosswalk and attempt to cross high-speed roads at improper locations. And finally, pedestrian accidents occur when pedestrians and drivers are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications.

Engineering and education combined are needed to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents. Drivers need to understand that the law requires them to yield to pedestrians, and pedestrians need to understand the importance of using the signals properly, crossing at correct locations, and exercising caution when entering the roadway.

A pedestrian or cyclist injured as a result of driver error is often able to receive money as compensation for accident-related injuries and losses. If you were injured as a pedestrian or a family member was killed attempting to cross the road because of a driver’s carelessness, talk to personal injury attorney Jim Dodson for information on how to proceed. Jim has been helping accident victims in Florida recover compensation for more than 25 years.

You can schedule a free consultation with Jim by calling 727-446-0840 or, if at this time, you simply want to inform yourself by reading about the legal rights you have, request one of Jim’s free consumer guides from our website. Arm yourself with important information you need to hear before you settle with the insurance company.

We represent personal injury and accident victims in Florida in these cities:
Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shores,Treasure Island, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Crystal Beach, Ozona, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Kenneth City, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Dade City, Sebring, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other cities in Florida and Florida Counties.

Our primary office location is in Clearwater, however we meet clients at our satellite offices or a  convenient location at or near your home.