If you are a pedestrian in Florida who has been involved in an accident, you may be facing a challenging road to recovery. You may have sustained severe or even life-threatening injuries that require medical attention and affect your ability to work and earn a living. To get the help and compensation you need to recover fully, it’s important for you to understand the process of filing an injury claim after a Florida pedestrian accident.

This post will cover all the key elements of filing your claim from determining fault, knowing where and how to file your claim, understanding time limits for filing, gathering evidence regarding damages incurred as well as what happens during settlement negotiations or potential litigation involving third parties such as insurance companies. It is also beneficial for pedestrians injured while walking on sidewalks across Florida to seek expert advice from experienced attorneys who can guide them through the entire claims process.

Filing an injury claim for a Florida pedestrian accident is always easier with a PI attorney's assistance.

The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post

  • 1
    Pedestrian accidents in Florida can result in severe injuries and damages, warranting compensation from the party at fault.
  • 2
    Insurance companies may use various tactics to deny or under-compensate your claim.
  • 3
    Hiring a personal injury attorney can greatly increase your chances of success and securing fair compensation.
  • 4
    The statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident claim in Florida is two years from the date of the accident.
  • 5
    Being proactive in collecting evidence and avoiding common insurance claim pitfalls can strengthen your case.
  • 6
    It’s crucial to follow medical advice and avoid admitting fault, making recorded statements, or signing documents without legal counsel present.
  • 7
    Contact our team of experienced Florida pedestrian accident lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Understanding Pedestrian Accidents In Florida

In Florida, the rate of pedestrian accidents is alarmingly high due to various factors ranging from distracted driving to improperly marked crosswalks. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries when involved in accidents due to the lack of protection compared to motorists.

Understanding the root causes and frequent circumstances surrounding these accidents can play a crucial role in building a solid and successful pedestrian accident claim. Consequently, it is essential to be well-informed about the nuances of such incidents in the state and to seek professional legal help when navigating the claims process.

Recent Pedestrian Accident Statistics In Florida

In recent years, Florida has witnessed a striking increase in pedestrian accidents. A report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) revealed that in 2019, Florida had the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities in the nation, accounting for more than 20% of all pedestrian deaths in the U.S.

Furthermore, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that in 2020 alone, there were over 9,000 pedestrian accidents resulting in nearly 700 fatalities – a sobering statistic that underscores the urgency of addressing this issue.

Common Causes For Pedestrian Accidents

Understanding the common causes for pedestrian accidents in Florida is crucial to establishing liability and successfully pursuing compensation. Here, we delve into some of the common factors contributing to these unfortunate incidents.

Driver Inattention

One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is driver inattention. This includes activities such as texting or talking on the phone while driving, applying makeup, eating, or even adjusting the radio. Any form of distraction can delay a driver’s reaction time and result in an accident.

Speeding

Excessive speed is another significant contributor to pedestrian accidents. When drivers are speeding, they have less time to stop when a pedestrian is crossing the road. This is particularly dangerous in residential areas and school zones, where children are often present.

Failure To Yield

Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at marked crosswalks or intersections are often responsible for accidents. This violation of traffic laws can result in severe, and often fatal, injuries to pedestrians.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a common cause of pedestrian accidents. Impaired drivers are unable to react swiftly to chang