Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Kissimmee

Pedestrian accidents can lead to devastating injuries, as pedestrians have little protection in a collision with a vehicle. If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Kissimmee, having an experienced lawyer on your side is crucial to protecting your rights. Donaldson & Weston is here to help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries, medical costs, and other damages. Contact us at 561-821-3898 for a free consultation with a trusted pedestrian accident lawyer.

The Role of Traffic Signals in Pedestrian Accident Claims

Pedestrian accidents often lead to serious injuries. When a person on foot is struck by a car, the consequences can be life-changing. Determining who is at fault in these cases is not always straightforward. One major factor that can influence the outcome of a pedestrian accident claim is the presence and function of traffic signals.

In Florida, and specifically in areas like Kissimmee where roads are busy and tourism traffic is common, traffic signals play a significant role in regulating both drivers and pedestrians. Whether you were hit while crossing legally at a crosswalk or while walking through an intersection without a signal, the traffic control devices in place can be a critical part of your personal injury claim.

Understanding the Purpose of Traffic Signals

Traffic signals are designed to control the flow of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections. They tell drivers when to stop or go, and they let pedestrians know when it is safe to cross. These signals are part of what’s known as traffic control devices, which also include stop signs, yield signs, and crosswalk indicators.

When everyone follows these signals correctly, they help reduce confusion and prevent collisions. But when a signal is ignored, misread, or malfunctioning, it can lead to a serious crash involving a pedestrian.

How Signals Help Determine Liability

In most pedestrian accident claims, the central issue is liability. Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means more than one party can share fault for an accident. The percentage of fault each party carries affects how much compensation they may receive.

Traffic signals help establish who had the right of way at the time of the accident. If a pedestrian was crossing during a walk signal, and a driver ran a red light, the driver would likely be found at fault. On the other hand, if a pedestrian crossed against the signal, their actions might reduce or eliminate their ability to recover damages.

When the Driver Ignores the Signal

Many pedestrian accidents happen because drivers fail to stop at red lights or turn without checking for foot traffic. In some cases, they may be distracted, speeding, or simply unaware of pedestrians in the crosswalk.

If a driver runs a red light or makes an illegal turn while a pedestrian has the right of way, the traffic signal serves as a key piece of evidence. Police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements can help confirm that the driver violated traffic control laws, strengthening the pedestrian’s claim.

When the Pedestrian Crosses at the Wrong Time

Not all pedestrian actions are protected under the law. If a person enters the street when the “Don’t Walk” signal is flashing or crosses outside of a designated crosswalk, they may share some responsibility for the accident. This doesn’t necessarily prevent them from recovering compensation, but it could reduce the amount they’re entitled to.

For example, if a pedestrian crosses against the signal and is struck, but the driver was also speeding or distracted, both parties may be assigned a portion of the blame. Florida law allows injured parties to seek damages as long as they are not more than 50% at fault.

What Happens When Signals Are Malfunctioning

Sometimes, the traffic signal itself is part of the problem. A malfunctioning light or a broken pedestrian signal can create confusion and lead to a dangerous situation. If this contributed to a pedestrian being hit, it might open the door for a claim against a government agency responsible for maintaining traffic control systems.

These claims can be more complex and have shorter deadlines for filing, so it’s important to act quickly and speak with a legal professional if you believe a signal malfunction played a role in your accident.

Evidence That Can Support Your Case

When filing a pedestrian accident claim in Kissimmee, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible related to traffic signals and the conditions at the time of the crash. Useful evidence includes:

• Photos or video from the scene
• Eyewitness accounts
• Dashcam or security camera footage
• Police reports noting signal violations
• Diagrams of the intersection or crosswalk
• Statements from accident reconstruction experts

This information can help paint a clear picture of what happened and support your claim for damages.

Why Location Matters

In tourist-heavy areas like Kissimmee, pedestrian traffic is common near hotels, theme parks, shopping centers, and busy roadways. These areas often rely heavily on traffic signals to keep people safe. However, unfamiliar drivers, heavy congestion, and frequent construction zones can increase the chances of signal-related accidents.

If you’re injured as a pedestrian in one of these high-traffic zones, the presence and operation of traffic control devices could be especially important to your case.

Compensation: What to Expect

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident and the traffic signal played a role, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability
• Emotional distress

Establishing how the traffic signal impacted fault in your case is a major step toward recovering what you’re owed.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

An experienced personal injury attorney can examine the details of your accident and identify how traffic signals, road design, and driver behavior factored into what happened. They can help collect the right evidence, speak to witnesses, and work with traffic safety experts if needed.

They’ll also communicate with insurance companies on your behalf to protect you from lowball offers or efforts to shift blame unfairly. If necessary, they can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Taking Action After a Pedestrian Crash

If you’ve been hit by a vehicle while walking in Kissimmee, don’t assume fault without speaking to a lawyer. Even if you were crossing mid-block or outside of a marked crosswalk, the driver still had a duty to exercise caution. And if a traffic signal played a role, that information can change how your claim is handled.

Report the accident, get medical treatment right away, and speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The sooner your case is reviewed, the stronger your chances are of building a claim that reflects the full impact of the crash.

Traffic signals are there to guide everyone safely—but when they’re ignored or misused, the results can be devastating. Knowing how they factor into your legal rights can help you move forward with confidence.

Why a Personal Injury Attorney is Essential After a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents can result in life-altering injuries, and having a personal injury attorney on your side is crucial to ensuring you receive the compensation you need to recover. Donaldson & Weston is here to provide expert legal representation and help you hold negligent drivers accountable. Call 561-821-3898 today to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated pedestrian accident lawyer who will fight for your rights.