Determining Liability After An Accident Involving A Car And A Jogger
With warm weather throughout the year, many who live in Florida choose to exercise outside. Going for a run is a popular form of exercise for many in South Florida. While this can be a healthy way to get fit and reduce stress, sharing streets with cars does carry risk.
If you were in a car that hit a jogger, you may be wondering if you or the runner are liable. There are many factors to consider, it is even possible shared liability will be part of the process. Share the details of your crash with a Miami car accident lawyer to understand who will likely be held accountable.
Causes for Car and Jogger Accidents Vary
There are a variety of reasons why accidents involving cars and joggers occur. Some of the most common follow:
- Low visibility
- Distractions
- Drowsiness
- Intoxication
Low visibility can especially be an issue at night. In fact, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), there are fewer accidents during the day than there are at night. To help runners stay safe, it can be helpful to wear reflective clothing and to avoid running in bad weather conditions, such as during a thunderstorm.
Also, distractions are a safety issue on American roadways all of the time. Accidents occur because drivers are texting, adjusting their GPS, or paying attention to someone in the car talking rather than the task of the driver. Similarly, there are times when joggers are so accustomed to their running routine they become distracted by a song on their playlist or watch something other than where they are going.
And of course, a person that is exhausted or drunk should not be behind the wheel of a vehicle. Far too many accidents can be connected to driver fatigue or a driver being under the influence.
Joggers Need to Follow Road Rules
Every situation is unique and needs to be assessed individually, but there are circumstances where the runner is at fault for an injurious event. A pedestrian or jogger is required to honor the rules of the road. This means they need to use sidewalks when they are present and are not permitted to run anywhere on the roadway.
Sadly, there is a high rate of pedestrian accidents in Florida, higher than any other state. If you were driving and struck someone walking or running, you may be unsure what to do next. Determining negligence can be complex, talk to a Miami car accident lawyer about what options are available for you. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process.
What do you do after a driver strikes a jogger in South Florida? A knowledgeable Florida personal injury lawyer can help. With free consultations, our lawyers can determine if you have a right to damage recovery. We will cover your case from the beginning stages to securing final damage awards. Our attorneys at Spencer Morgan Law will fight for fair compensation. Contact us today at 305-423-3800 to schedule your free assessment.