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Given the great weather conditions that Florida experiences throughout much of the year, there's no wonder that more and more people are opting to walk to their final destinations instead of drive or ride. That said, Florida has a very high incidence of pedestrian accidents, in part, due to the fact that there are more people on the streets on more days of the year than in many other states.  Fort Myers personal injury lawyer Randall Spivey notes that individuals are often hit by automobiles while walking through parking lots, attempting to cross the street in crosswalks or by individuals pulling out of their driveways.

Another place where pedestrian accidents can occur, though, are on interstate highways. People don't often think of pedestrians being hit on a highway, but such accidents happen. In fact, approximately 10 percent of all fatalities that involve pedestrians take place on interstates. Pedestrians are required to use a certain level of care to protect themselves from danger, particularly when walking along highways. Nevertheless, there are times when pedestrians who are hurt by vehicles while on the interstate might be entitled to recover under the law.

Why Would a Pedestrian Be On a Highway?

Most states have laws that prohibit pedestrians from walking on or along major interstates. So, just what would a pedestrian be doing on a highway in the first place? There are actually a number of reasons why a person might be walking or standing along a highway. For example, if an individual's vehicle breaks down, that might cause a person to have to walk to find some assistance. If a tire needs changing, an individual might attempt to fix the problem and need to walk along the roadway in order to do so.

Also, some people might unexpectedly need to walk along the interstate in the dark. Those individuals will likely not have been prepared to have to walk along a busy highway. Thus, they probably will not be equipped with appropriate clothing that would allow for them to be seen easily by motorists traveling the highway.

How Can a Pedestrian Recover for an Accident That Occurred on a Highway?

Although it is probably not a good idea for anyone to be walking along a busy highway, there may be times when an individual might not have a choice except to do so. That being the case, if you or someone you love is hit while walking along a highway, your Fort Myers personal injury lawyer will tell you that you might be entitled to monetary damages if the driver who hit you is proven to have been negligent at the time of the accident. In order to prove negligence, you must be able to show that the driver owed a duty of care to you, and that he or she failed to fulfill that duty such that it actually caused your injuries.

If you are a pedestrian who sustained injuries while walking along a major interstate, contact a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer at the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, PA as soon as possible.