Florida Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

The pleasant Florida weather keeps residents active throughout the entire year through walking activities for exercise and recreation, as well as commuting needs. Pedestrian accidents occur frequently throughout Florida because of its pleasant weather conditions throughout the year. Florida stands as the deadliest state for walkers because 778 pedestrians died and 8,132 others sustained injuries in 2023.

The number of pedestrian fatalities could have been minimized if Florida drivers had obeyed the state’s traffic safety regulations. Many pedestrians suffered severe, life-changing injuries because of driver negligence that could have been prevented through better driving practices.

A person who suffered an injury from a pedestrian accident partly due to driver negligence might be eligible for compensation. When your family member experiences fatal injuries or death because of another person’s fault, you can seek wrongful death compensation. Following a pedestrian accident, you need to speak with a skilled Florida pedestrian accident lawyer right away to determine your available legal options.

The attorneys at Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys have successfully assisted numerous pedestrian accident victims throughout Florida to receive their entitled compensation. Our team will listen to your experience before guiding you toward obtaining compensation for your injuries, along with your emotional and physical distress.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?

Last year in Florida, NHTSA reported that pedestrian deaths reached 778 while injuries surpassed 8,132. The majority of pedestrian collisions stem from avoidable negligence displayed by drivers, although people commonly call them accidents.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Speeding
• Failing to yield at crosswalks
• Running stop signs or traffic lights
• Distracted driving (e.g., texting)
• Driving while fatigued
• Not driving cautiously in residential zones
• Driving under the influence

To prevent pedestrian accidents, experts recommend that drivers:

• You must remain alert while maintaining attention to the road conditions and everything around you.
• You should reduce speed during nighttime or conditions with limited visibility.
• Speed down before entering any crosswalk area.
• Always yield to pedestrians
• Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs
• The speed limit in specific areas, such as schools and neighborhoods must always be obeyed.
• When reversing check your blind spots and mirrors properly.

Who Is at Fault in a Florida Pedestrian Accident?

Road safety responsibilities in Florida belong to pedestrians and drivers equally. Both parties in a situation bear partial responsibility for the occurrence of an accident.

Under Florida law, drivers must give way to pedestrians who use crosswalks regardless of the traffic signal. When pedestrians choose to walk beyond a designated crosswalk, they must give priority to approaching motor vehicles.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Florida Pedestrian Accident?

The victims who suffer from Florida pedestrian accidents qualify to receive compensation for both their economic and non-economic damages.

The following expenses are classified as economic damages because they represent actual expenses incurred by the victim:

• Medical care (ER visits, surgery, prescriptions, rehab, transportation, etc.)
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages due to time off work
• The inability to work because of injuries results in reduced future earning potential.

Non-economic damages include:

• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Diminished quality of life
• Loss of companionship (consortium)
• Emotional distress and trauma

The amount of compensation you receive in a comparative negligence case will decrease according to your determined degree of responsibility. Your total award amount would decrease by 20% if you are determined to be 20% responsible for the accident.

Is it possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit if my loved one died because of a Florida pedestrian accident?

Yes. The loss of your loved one cannot be restored through financial compensation. You have the right to hold the responsible party accountable through legal means. A surviving family member who has lost their loved one can pursue compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.

Recoverable damages can include:

• Medical bills incurred before death
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of emotional support, love, and companionship

• Pain and suffering

Where Can I Get Help After a Florida Pedestrian Accident?

The Florida pedestrian accident law firm Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys is available to assist you if you or your family member suffered injuries while walking. The Florida pedestrian accident lawyers of Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys dedicate their practice to securing justice and fair compensation for victims.

Our team supports you throughout the entire legal process, which includes evidence collection and lawsuit submission and insurer negotiations, and trial representation if needed. The team protects all important deadlines and aggressively battles to demonstrate liability and secure complete compensation.

We stand firm against quick insurer settlements since most firms tend to settle quickly. Through our litigation expertise, we will pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Call us at 855-LAW-DENNIS or fill in the FREE CASE EVALUATION form on our website to get started on your case.

 

Sources:

Smart Growth American. (2024). Dangerous by design.

Dangerous by Design 2024 – Smart Growth America

U.S. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (n.d.). Pedestrian safety. https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety