Florida One of the Worst States for Pedestrian Safety; Large Trucks Pose the Greatest Risk

Recently, Space Coast Daily reported that Florida’s pedestrian safety record ranks near the bottom in the United States. Indeed, official government data shows that Florida is the second worst in the country with an average of 3.44 pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 residents. Only New Mexico has a higher rate of pedestrian fatalities. Notably, large commercial trucks are the vehicles that pose the greatest safety threat to pedestrians. Here, our West Palm Beach trucking accident lawyer provides a more detailed overview of the risk in Florida.

Pedestrian Collisions are a Serious Public Safety Hazard in Florida

Florida records some of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country, and the trend continues to raise concern among safety officials. Dense urban areas, wide arterial roads, high-speed corridors, and heavy tourism create conditions that expose pedestrians to significant danger. Many collisions occur at multilane intersections where crossing distances are long and traffic flows rapidly. Others occur along roadways with limited lighting or inadequate pedestrian infrastructure.

Commercial Trucks Pose a Heightened Risk to Pedestrian

Although all pedestrian crashes can cause bad injuries, the ones involving large commercial trucks are disproportionately likely to be dangerous, even deadly. Large trucks create unique hazards because of their size, weight, and limited maneuverability. A pedestrian who encounters a tractor trailer faces longer stopping distances, larger blind spots, and a higher likelihood of catastrophic injury. Because of the vehicle’s height, an impact often causes pedestrians to fall beneath the truck rather than away from it. That further increases the risk.

Truckers/Trucking Companies Can Be Held Accountable for Crashes Caused By Negligence

Florida has a no-fault insurance law. That law applies to the full range of motor vehicle accident cases, including pedestrian collisions. With that being said, an injured victim may have a fault-based claim if he or she suffered a serious injury in the crash. Unfortunately, many truck/pedestrian crashes result in bad injuries. Every serious tractor trailer crash should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. A lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to prove fault.

Under Florida law, pedestrians injured by a truck may pursue a claim against the driver, the trucking company, or both. Liability depends on proving negligence, such as speeding, improper turning, distracted driving, failure to yield, insufficient lookout, or violation of state and federal trucking regulations. Employers can face direct liability for negligent hiring, negligent training, or inadequate supervision if the evidence shows safety breakdowns within the company. They may also face vicarious liability for acts committed by an employee acting within the scope of employment.

Call Our West Palm Beach, FL Truck Accident Lawyer for Pedestrians Today

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach commercial truck accident lawyer is standing by, ready to help. If you or a loved one was involved in a pedestrian crash involving a tractor trailer, we are here to help. Contact us now for a free case review. With a law office in West Palm Beach, our firm handles pedestrian-truck crash claims throughout the entire region in South Florida.

Source:

spacecoastdaily.com/2025/12/florida-among-top-10-u-s-states-where-jaywalking-could-get-you-killed/