Our Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Help
A study by the Governors Highway Safety Association found that Florida has the highest pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population in the country, with many more receiving serious injuries from pedestrian accidents.
Anyone involved in a pedestrian accident must hire a personal injury attorney, even if the injuries sustained appear to be minor. The slightest hit by a motor vehicle in a parking lot can cause lifelong injuries due to the sheer size difference between humans and vehicles. Plus, sometimes, internal injuries don’t present themselves for days or weeks after the accident.
At Kinney, Fernandez & Boire, we have an incredible team of lawyers who will guide you through the claims process and advocate for compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The causes of pedestrian accidents are endless, but some of the most common include:
- Distracted or inattentive driving
- Drunk driving
- Excessive speeding
- Failure to stop at an intersection or red light
- Passing a stopped school bus or school zone
- Pedestrian negligence or a negligent driver
- Poor intersection design and/or maintenance
- Rolling stop
Despite all the causes, Florida pedestrians and drivers can avoid these accidents through proactive pedestrian accident prevention.
Common Injuries Sustained from Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian gets hit by a car, the possible injuries are innumerable. Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Leg and lower torso injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Lacerations (cuts) and disfigurements
- Injuries to the upper extremities, such as broken bones
- Death and long-term disability
Not to mention, traumatic brain injuries are far too common from pedestrian accidents.
Thus, anyone involved in a car accident or pedestrian crash needs a personal injury attorney. Under personal injury law, the statute of limitations to receive compensation for injuries from these events is only two years. An experienced Tampa lawyer can help maximize compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
Further, since Florida law requires motorists to have a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP), or no-fault insurance, as part of their auto coverage, filing a claim can significantly benefit you.
How long does it take to settle a pedestrian accident? A case with clear liability and non-complicated injuries typically settles in six to twelve months. More complex cases can take much longer. This is why it’s so important to file a claim early.
Why Choose Kinney, Fernandez & Boire as Your Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Tampa?
There’s no better attorney team to work with than the one from Kinny, Fernandez & Boire. We will work tirelessly on your case to try to get you a fair settlement. From helping you navigate the legal process and collecting evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court, we will do everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Our team of expert lawyers has more than 50 years of combined experience, proving we have the expertise to handle every aspect of your case regardless of the hurdles we may face.
We’re Here to Help
Accident victims should never have to face insurance companies alone. Our lawyers offer legal advice and assistance to help victims receive compensation for medical expenses like medical bills and medical treatment, lost wages, and non-economic damages after an accident. We can also assist with obtaining compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one in a pedestrian accident case.
About Our Legal Process
During your first meeting, you’ll meet the Tampa personal injury lawyer who will handle your case. This first meeting is where the attorney-client relationship begins. You’ll also get information on what to expect from our law firm and how we will assist with your personal injury case. We will also review the legal options available for your specific case.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents in Tampa
Do you have questions about pedestrian accidents? Find answers to commonly asked questions below.
Disclaimer: To get answers to questions about your specific pedestrian accident claim, schedule a free consultation with our law office today.
Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault?
Yes, a pedestrian can be at fault in a pedestrian accident. Florida Statute 316.130 states that pedestrians must follow traffic laws. Failure to follow these regulations could result in a pedestrian violation.
In addition to following traffic laws, everyone should adhere to pedestrian safety guidelines to limit accidents.
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right Away?
No, pedestrians don’t always have the right of way. Florida law details many instances when pedestrians have the right of way versus when drivers have the right of way. For example, pedestrians at crosswalks with signals must yield if they face a red traffic light or a “DON’T WALK” sign.
But what if someone is jaywalking? What happens if you hit a pedestrian jaywalking?
Interestingly, under Florida law, you will not find the word jaywalking. It is not a legal term. While jaywalking can apply to crossing against a red light, which is illegal, crossing mid-block is legal in many places. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the pedestrian has the right of way or can’t assume fault for an accident that occurs when crossing mid-block.
When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Tampa?
Many other instances exist for when you should hire a personal injury lawyer. Some of these instances include:
- Auto accident
- Disputed liability
- Dog bite
- Injury from a defective product
- Insurance claim unfairly denied
- Hit and run
- Medical malpractice
- Slip and fall
- Wrongful death of an immediate family member
Let Kinney, Fernandez & Boire Handle Your Case
If you require a pedestrian accident attorney in Tampa, get your free case evaluation from our legal team now.
With locations in Plant City, New Port Richey, Riverview, St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay, and Wesley Chapel, we can assist residents throughout Hillsborough County, even in cities where we don’t have a physical location, such as Clearwater.
Contact One of Our Offices
We would be glad to meet you in person at our Tampa, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel, Plant City, or Riverview offices or at any location that is convenient for you.
