Plantation Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Hit by a Car in Florida? Our Pedestrian Injury Attorneys Can Hold the At-Fault Driver Accountable

Florida is consistently ranked one of the most dangerous states in the country for pedestrians. Whether you’re crossing the street, walking alongside a road, or being hit in a parking lot, all it takes is one reckless driver to cause a serious pedestrian accident that changes your life forever.

Suddenly, you may be severely injured, in pain, out of work, and wondering what to do next. Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries that require emergency medical care, surgery, long recoveries, and big medical bills that cause long-term financial stress.

Knowing what to do next can be confusing. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this alone. We can help. At Personal Injury Legal Solutions, our Plantation pedestrian accident attorneys have extensive experience handling complex legal cases involving pedestrian accidents. As a result, we understand how Florida’s legal system works and how to deal with insurance companies in such cases. Our goal is simple – to help you move forward and make things right, one step at a time.

Florida Pedestrian Accidents by the Numbers

More than 10,000 pedestrian accidents occur annually on average in Florida.
More than 8,000 pedestrian injuries each year.
More than 750 pedestrian fatalities.
3^rd most pedestrian deaths by state nationwide.
4 of the 25 deadliest cities nationwide for pedestrian fatalities are located in Florida.

(Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando)

South and Central Florida counties like Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orange, Seminole, Hillsborough and Volusia also report some of the most pedestrian fatalities each year in Florida.

Sources: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Most pedestrian accidents happen because a reckless driver wasn’t paying attention or failed to follow the rules of the road. These crashes are almost always preventable. Common causes include:

Drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks or intersections.
Speeding through neighborhoods or near schools.
Running red lights or ignoring stop signs.
Distracted drivers texting or looking at GPS.
Drunk or impaired driving.

In many cases, pedestrians are hit while doing everything right – walking with the signal, crossing at a marked crosswalk, or staying on the sidewalk. That’s why it’s so important to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions with help from an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who knows how to get results in Florida.

What If I Wasn’t in A Crosswalk When I Got Hit?

If you were hit while crossing the street while not in a crosswalk, you might still have a strong legal case. While drivers are supposed to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, they’re also required to drive responsibly and avoid hitting people in general. Even if you were jaywalking or walking outside a marked crosswalk, the driver may still be at fault.

Florida law requires all drivers to use reasonable care at all times.
Drivers must avoid pedestrians in the roadway, even if the pedestrian is not crossing legally.
Fault can be shared in some cases, but partial fault does not mean you can’t recover damages, the legal term for compensation for financial losses.
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence system, which may reduce your compensation but doesn’t necessarily eliminate it altogether.

The best way to find out if you have a pedestrian accident injury claim is to talk to a lawyer. We can review your case at no cost and explain your legal options.

What If I Was Hit in A Parking Lot Or Driveway?

Pedestrian accidents don’t just happen in intersections. Many happen in parking lots, driveways, alleyways, and private property. Drivers backing out of parking spaces or pulling into lots often fail to look carefully, resulting in injuries to pedestrians. Factors to keep in mind include:

Low-speed pedestrian accidents (including ones in parking lots) can cause serious injuries, especially to older adults or children.
Even on private property, drivers can be held liable (legally responsible) for causing injury.
Insurance policies often still apply, even if the crash happened in a private parking lot or driveway.

Don’t assume you don’t have a case just because your pedestrian accident didn’t happen on a road or street. Contact us, and we’ll investigate your incident promptly. Witness statements, security camera footage (especially in many parking lots), and physical evidence can all be used to prove fault.

Can I File A Lawsuit After A Pedestrian Accident In Florida?

Yes. If you were seriously injured in a pedestrian accident due to driver negligence, you have the right in Florida to seek compensation by filing a pedestrian injury lawsuit seeking damages. In Florida, “damages” is the legal term for financial compensation for your losses and can include money for:

Medical expenses, including future care costs.
Lost income and loss of earning potential.
Pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
Out-of-pocket expenses and transportation costs.

In some tragic cases, families may also be able to file a wrongful death claim if a loved one was killed in a pedestrian crash. We can explain all your options and help you decide which legal strategy makes the most sense for you and your family.

Who Pays For Pedestrian Injury Claims In Florida?

Florida’s no-fault insurance laws can make pedestrian accident claims confusing. That’s why it’s important to understand your rights and legal options.

Your own car insurance may provide coverage, even if you were walking.
The driver’s insurance should pay for your injuries if they were at fault.
If the driver was uninsured, you may be able to use your uninsured motorist coverage.
In cases involving hit-and-run drivers, the Florida Crime Victims Compensation Fund may help.

We leave no stone unturned in our search for all possible sources of compensation. You shouldn’t have to figure this out on your own while recovering from an injury. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

How Much Time Do I Have To Take Legal Action?

In most Florida pedestrian accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit and recover any compensation.

That’s why it’s critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. And even though you have two years from the date of your injury to take legal action, don’t wait that long. Evidence can disappear quickly. Witnesses can forget crucial details. The sooner you take legal action, the stronger your legal case.

What If The Driver Blames Me For Causing The Crash?

Drivers often try to avoid responsibility by blaming the pedestrian. But just because the driver says it was your fault doesn’t make it true. Our legal team knows how to get the facts and find evidence that shows the driver was at fault. Such evidence can include:

Police reports, witness statements, and surveillance video.
Accident reconstruction reports and vehicle data.
Skid marks (or lack of them) caused by the at-fault driver.
Medical records related to your injury, as well as analysis provided by medical experts.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame, but we know how to respond to their actions and be proactive as well. We build strong, evidence-based cases designed to prove fault. Don’t let insurance companies or anyone else pressure you into accepting less than what you deserve. We can handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing.

Pedestrian accident attorneys who put you first

When you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian crash, you need a legal team you can trust. At Personal Injury Legal Solutions, we provide calm, confident, hands-on support every step of the way. With over 40 years of combined experience, Florida pedestrian injury lawyers Stephanie Balint and Robert Gioia will personally handle your pedestrian injury claim or lawsuit from day one.

Contact us today for your free consultation. We know how to deliver results. You’ll never be treated like a number here. You’ll always know where your case stands – and who’s standing with you.