pedestrian Accidents
recently Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Florida?
Contact Elle Rudisill Law Firm today and speak with an attorney who will focus on your unique case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is a Pedestrian Accident (Personal Injury)?
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person walking, jogging, or standing is struck or injured by a motor vehicle, bicycle, or other negligent party. Because pedestrians have virtually no physical protection, these accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents
Pedestrian accidents frequently occur due to:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Speeding
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Improper left or right turns
- Backing up without checking for pedestrians
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Poor visibility or inadequate lighting
- Dangerous roadway design
- Poorly maintained sidewalks or walkways
Common types of pedestrian accidents
- Crosswalk accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- School zone accidents
- Sidewalk accidents
- Driveway backing accidents
- Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents
- Bus stop accidents
- Construction zone accidents
- Nighttime pedestrian accidents
Common injuries
Pedestrian accident victims often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Pelvic fractures
- Crush injuries
- Severe lacerations and road rash
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Who may be liable?
Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:
- Negligent drivers
- Commercial vehicle operators
- Trucking companies
- Bus companies
- Employers of negligent drivers
- Government entities responsible for unsafe roadways or intersections
- Property owners who created hazardous walking conditions
- Construction contractors
- Other negligent parties
Compensation available
An injured pedestrian may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death damages
Evidence commonly used
Strong pedestrian accident claims often rely on:
- Police accident reports
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Dashcam videos
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Crosswalk and traffic signal evidence
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Cell phone records (when distracted driving is suspected)
- Accident reconstruction reports
Florida pedestrian accident claims
Florida law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and to yield the right of way in many situations, including marked crosswalks. However, pedestrians also have responsibilities under Florida traffic laws.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. If a pedestrian is found partially at fault — for example, by crossing outside a designated crosswalk when required — their compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault. Even if a pedestrian shares some responsibility, they may still be entitled to recover damages depending on the circumstances.
Prompt medical treatment, preserving evidence, and obtaining witness information can significantly strengthen a pedestrian accident claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a pedestrian accident?
- Call 911 immediately.
- Seek emergency medical treatment.
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries if possible.
- Obtain the driver’s contact and insurance information.
- Collect witness names and contact information.
- Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.
Can I recover compensation if I was not in a crosswalk?
Possibly. Being outside a crosswalk does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. Liability depends on the specific facts of the accident and whether either party acted negligently.
What if the driver left the scene?
You may still have options through uninsured motorist coverage, applicable insurance policies, or by identifying the driver through surveillance footage or witness testimony.
contact elle rudisill Law firm
We Put Your Recovery & Compensation First
Elle Rudisill Law Firm represents individuals and families who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Our practice focuses exclusively on personal injury law, allowing us to provide knowledgeable, strategic, and client-focused representation in matters including:
✔ Car Accidents
✔ Truck Accidents
✔ Bus Accidents
Each case is handled with personalized attention, a thorough investigation, and a results-driven approach to pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law.