By Marcus Fernandez
Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians, with high pedestrian fatalities often reported. Whether you’re crossing busy intersections in Tampa or walking alongside major roads in Hillsborough County, the risk is real.
At Kinney, Fernandez & Boire, P.A. (KFB Law), we’ve helped countless clients navigate the aftermath of devastating injuries caused by negligent drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, understanding the latest statistics, knowing your legal options, and consulting an experienced pedestrian accident attorney are critical steps to maximize compensation and support your recovery.
This guide breaks down the most current data on pedestrian fatalities in Florida, examines contributing factors, and explains how a personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights.
Current Florida Pedestrian Death Statistics
Florida is one of the most dangerous states for people traveling on foot. The most recent statistics for pedestrian accidents by motor vehicles in Florida from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Traffic Crash Report in 2024 showed:
- 698 fatalities from pedestrian crashes
- 8,411 injuries
- 10,491 total pedestrian crashes
While the overall number of traffic fatalities is gradually improving in parts of the country, pedestrian deaths remain disproportionately high, especially in urban areas like Tampa and Miami, often resulting in serious injuries.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the U.S. recorded 3,304 pedestrian fatalities from January to June 2024. While this represents a slight drop from 2023, it remains 48% higher than a decade ago.
State Initiatives and Safety Measures
Florida has implemented several initiatives to address pedestrian safety:
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategic Safety Plan (PBSSP): The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has developed the PBSSP, a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries.
- High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) Program: FDOT’s HVE program funds law enforcement agencies to conduct operations in areas with high rates of pedestrian and bicyclist crashes.
- Vision Zero Initiatives: Several Florida cities, including Fort Lauderdale, have adopted Vision Zero policies, committing to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
Change is slow. These initiatives employ a multidisciplinary approach to road safety, encompassing infrastructure improvements and policy changes; however, they don’t alter the fact that Florida’s current statistics remain alarmingly high for pedestrian accidents.
Why Are Florida Pedestrian Accidents So Common?
Despite public safety campaigns and traffic law enforcement, Florida remains a hotspot for pedestrian accidents. Several factors contribute to this trend, making it crucial for victims to gather evidence to support their claims.
1. Dangerous Road Design
Many Florida roads prioritize vehicle speed over pedestrian safety. Wide lanes, long gaps between crosswalks, and minimal pedestrian infrastructure make walking hazardous, especially in areas like Hillsborough County.
2. Poor Visibility and Lighting
More than 82% of hit-and-run fatalities in Florida in 2024 occurred during dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours.
3. Alcohol Impairment
In 2022, nearly half of all fatal pedestrian crashes involved alcohol, either by the driver, the pedestrian, or both, which tragically often leads to pedestrians being killed.
4. Speed and Urban Density
85% of pedestrian fatalities in Florida happen in urban areas, with 75% occurring outside of intersections, highlighting how pedestrian accident victims’ recovery can vary significantly. Tampa’s high-traffic zones are especially vulnerable to speeding drivers, careless drivers using cell phones, and the sheer volume of people on the roads, which increases the likelihood of a pedestrian accident occurring.
Florida Laws Protecting Pedestrians
Under Florida Statute 316.130, Florida drivers are legally required to obey the following traffic laws:
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Avoid passing vehicles stopped at a crosswalk
- Exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians, especially children and elderly people
When drivers fail to uphold these responsibilities, victims and their families can pursue legal action for negligence.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrian accidents often lead to serious injuries and long-term consequences. If you’ve been injured and hit by a car in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for both financial losses and personal suffering.
Here’s a quick overview of what you may be able to recover:
Medical Expenses
Coverage can include hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and any ongoing or future care related to your life-changing injuries.
Lost Income
If your injuries keep you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages now and reduced earning capacity in the future.
Pain and Suffering
Florida law also allows compensation for the emotional and physical toll—things like chronic pain, anxiety, or loss of enjoyment in daily life.
Wrongful Death
If you’ve lost a loved one in a pedestrian crash, you may be able to recover funeral costs, lost support, and compensation for emotional suffering.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Florida
If you or someone you love has been hit by a vehicle, your first step should always be medical care.
Pedestrian injuries often involve:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Long-term disability
- Emotional trauma
The next step is understanding your legal rights.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Call KFB Law Today
If you’ve been hit by a car, you may be facing lost wages, mounting medical bills, long-term injuries, and emotional trauma. A personal injury lawyer from KFB Law can help you pursue fair compensation, and we offer a free consultation to get you started.
At KFB Law, we’ve built our reputation by standing up for injured pedestrians throughout the Tampa Bay area. We promise to fight for you with compassion, dedication, and professionalism. Whether your case involves a hit-and-run, a distracted driver, or an insurance dispute, we’re ready to stand by your side. If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian crash in Florida, don’t wait. Speak with a qualified pedestrian accident lawyer at KFB Law today.
