Crosswalk Accident Lawyer in Palm Beach County

Legal Guidance for Pedestrians Injured in Crosswalk Accidents in Palm Beach Gardens and Throughout South Florida

Crosswalks should be safe spaces where pedestrians can cross the road without fear of being struck by a vehicle. Yet in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, and across Palm Beach County, far too many drivers fail to yield the right of way. The result is often catastrophic: victims are left with severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens that last long after the crash.

At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we understand the devastating impact crosswalk accidents have on victims and their families. Attorney Casey D. Shomo has more than 30 years of experience representing pedestrians injured by careless drivers. With over $85 million recovered for clients, he has the resources and dedication to take on insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you were struck in a crosswalk, you have rights under Florida law. Our firm can investigate what happened, determine liability, and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Why Crosswalk Accidents Are So Dangerous

Crosswalks are designed to give pedestrians a safe way to cross busy intersections and roadways. Unfortunately, drivers often ignore traffic signals, roll through stop signs, or become distracted behind the wheel. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian in a crosswalk, the impact is direct and often catastrophic.

Victims of crosswalk accidents commonly suffer:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even at low speeds, a collision can cause concussions or severe brain trauma.
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine may result in partial or complete paralysis.
Broken bones and fractures: Legs, hips, and arms are especially vulnerable in crosswalk crashes.
Internal injuries: Organs can be damaged by blunt force trauma, leading to life-threatening complications.
Emotional trauma: Victims often struggle with anxiety, PTSD, or depression after the crash.

These injuries often require long-term treatment, rehabilitation, and significant financial resources. A skilled crosswalk accident lawyer ensures victims are not left to shoulder these burdens alone.

Florida’s Crosswalk Laws and Right of Way

Florida law provides clear rules designed to protect pedestrians at crosswalks:

Drivers must yield: When a pedestrian is lawfully within a crosswalk, approaching closely enough to be in danger, drivers are required to stop.
Turning vehicles: Drivers making a right or left turn must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Pedestrian responsibilities: Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and avoid suddenly leaving the curb when a vehicle is too close to stop safely.

Even with these protections, many crashes happen because drivers simply fail to look for pedestrians or disregard traffic signals. Establishing liability requires a detailed investigation of how the driver behaved in relation to these laws.

Determining Fault in a Crosswalk Accident

One of the most important aspects of a crosswalk accident case is proving fault. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto pedestrians, arguing that they stepped into the road at the wrong time or weren’t paying attention.

To counter these claims, an attorney will gather evidence such as:
Traffic camera or surveillance footage of the intersection.
Police crash reports and officer testimony.
Eyewitness accounts from drivers, passengers, or other pedestrians.
Expert reconstruction of the accident scene.
Cell phone records showing whether the driver was distracted.

Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even if a pedestrian is found partially at fault, they may still recover damages. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Having a lawyer present the facts effectively is crucial to protecting your claim.

Common Causes of Crosswalk Accidents in Palm Beach County

Crosswalk collisions often occur because drivers fail to exercise the level of caution required by law. Some of the most common causes include:

Failure to yield: Drivers who don’t stop at marked crosswalks or intersections.
Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting in-car systems takes eyes off the road.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact.
Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and delay reaction times.
Unsafe turns: Drivers making right or left turns without checking for pedestrians.
Poor visibility: Inadequate lighting or blocked signage may increase the risk of crashes.

In many cases, multiple factors may be at play. An investigation into the root cause of the crash often reveals negligence that extends beyond the driver, such as poorly designed intersections or defective traffic signals.

The Role of Insurance in Crosswalk Accident Claims

When you’re injured in a crosswalk, multiple layers of insurance may apply. Typically, claims are first made against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. But many drivers carry only the minimum required coverage, which may be far less than what a severely injured pedestrian needs.

Other sources of recovery may include:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to access coverage through your own policy.
Employer liability: If the driver was working at the time, their employer may share responsibility.
Municipal liability: Dangerous road design, broken traffic lights, or missing crosswalk markings may create liability for a government entity.

An attorney can identify every possible source of compensation, ensuring you aren’t left with uncovered expenses.

Types of Compensation Available After a Crosswalk Accident

Pedestrians injured in crosswalk accidents often face long recoveries and overwhelming financial stress. Compensation may include:

Medical expenses: Hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Lost wages and earning capacity: Income lost during recovery and reduced future earning potential.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and mental distress.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages for the inability to participate in activities once enjoyed.
Wrongful death damages: In fatal crosswalk accidents, families may pursue funeral costs, lost income, and emotional support.

By working with medical experts, economists, and accident reconstruction specialists, a lawyer can build a case that fully reflects the true impact of the crash.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Crosswalk Cases

Crosswalk accidents often involve disputed liability, complex insurance issues, and serious injuries that require significant compensation. Without legal representation, victims risk being blamed for the crash or pressured into low settlements.

Attorney Casey D. Shomo and his team have decades of experience handling complex pedestrian accident cases in Palm Beach County. With a proven record of results, Mr. Shomo fights tirelessly for victims and their families, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

Contact a Palm Beach Gardens Crosswalk Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love was injured in a crosswalk accident in Palm Beach Gardens or anywhere in Palm Beach County, you need a lawyer who will fight for your rights. At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we combine the resources of a larger firm with the personalized attention of a small practice.

Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice and full compensation.

“Mr. Shomo showed a great deal of compassion and patience in the most difficult time of our lives. He went above and beyond in every aspect, and we are so thankful and grateful.” - K.R., ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐