School zones and crosswalks should be the safest places for pedestrians, but accidents keep happening in these areas, and the results can be devastating. When drivers don’t follow traffic laws or pay attention near schools, people get hurt. The Andres Lopez Law Firm represents pedestrian accident victims throughout South Florida. We’ve seen how these crashes happen, and we know what it takes to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Why School Zone Accidents Happen
Drivers are supposed to slow down and stay alert in school zones. Many don’t. Here’s what typically causes pedestrian accidents in these areas:
- Speeding through active school zones
- Failing to stop at crosswalks when pedestrians are present
- Texting or using GPS while driving
- Running red lights or stop signs near schools
- Making improper turns that cut off pedestrians
- Ignoring crossing guards
Children aren’t as predictable as adults. They might dart into the street or misjudge how fast a car’s moving. That’s exactly why Florida law puts a higher responsibility on drivers when they’re near schools.
Florida’s School Zone Traffic Laws
Florida Statutes Section 316.1895 sets specific speed limits in school zones. During designated hours, you’ve got to slow down to 15 or 20 mph, depending on what the signs say. These reduced speeds give drivers more time to react if a child steps into the road. Crosswalks get additional protection under Florida law. Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are in a crosswalk or about to enter one. This applies whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked at an intersection. When a driver violates these laws and causes an accident, they can be held liable for what happens next. A Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate what happened and build a strong compensation case.
Common Injuries From School Zone Pedestrian Crashes
Even at reduced speeds, vehicles cause serious harm to pedestrians. Children are especially vulnerable because they’re smaller and their bodies are still developing. You’ll often see these injuries from school zone accidents:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head trauma and concussions
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash and soft tissue damage
- Psychological trauma
Some injuries show up immediately. Others don’t appear until later. Parents should always have their children evaluated by a doctor after any pedestrian accident, no matter how minor it seems at first.
Who Can Be Held Responsible
Usually, liability falls on the driver who didn’t exercise proper caution. But other parties might share responsibility depending on what happened. School districts can be liable if poor signage, faded crosswalk markings, or inadequate crossing guard staffing contributed to the crash. Municipalities may bear responsibility for dangerous conditions like broken traffic signals or obscured stop signs. Product liability comes into play if a vehicle defect prevents the driver from stopping in time. Construction companies might be at fault if their work created hazards without proper warnings.
What To Do After A School Zone Accident
The moments after a pedestrian accident are overwhelming. When a child’s involved, it’s even worse. Getting immediate medical attention should always be your priority. Call 911. Let the paramedics assess the injuries. If you can, document the scene with photos showing the crosswalk, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses who saw what happened. Ask for the driver’s insurance details and write down their vehicle information. File a police report even if injuries seem minor. This creates an official record of the accident that’ll support your claim later. Don’t discuss fault with the driver or their insurance company before you’ve talked with an attorney.
Protecting Your Right To Compensation
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts for pedestrian accidents, particularly when children are involved. They’ll claim the child ran into the street or that the driver couldn’t have stopped in time. We’ve heard it all. A Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer knows how to counter these arguments. We gather evidence that proves the driver’s negligence. Traffic camera footage. Witness statements. Accident reconstruction analysis. Whatever it takes.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages if you missed work caring for your injured child, and pain and suffering. Florida law gives you four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting too long makes it harder to collect evidence. School zones exist to protect our most vulnerable community members. When drivers ignore these protections and cause accidents, they should be held accountable. Contact our firm to discuss your case and learn about your legal options for recovery.