Get Experienced Legal Assistance On Your Side After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents are a growing concern in Tampa and throughout Florida. With its high pedestrian traffic and bustling roads, Tampa consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities for pedestrians. A 2023 study by the Governors Highway Safety Association found that Florida generally has the highest pedestrian fatality rate in the country.
Pedestrians hit by vehicles often suffer severe injuries or fatalities, making it crucial for accident victims to seek legal help. The team of Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers at KFB Law, is here to support local pedestrian accident victims. With over 50 years of combined legal experience in pedestrian accidents, our law firm has the knowledge to assist victims in securing the compensation they deserve.
Why You Need a Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer From KFB Law
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages due to your inability to work.
Even seemingly minor car accidents can result in serious injuries with long-term effects. For instance, being hit by a car in a parking lot could lead to a traumatic brain injury, spinal damage, or fractures and internal bleeding.
Sometimes, internal injuries may not show up immediately, making it critical to seek medical attention and consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
Our Tampa pedestrian accident attorneys can guide you through the legal process and seek compensation for your damages to bring justice.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Tampa
Pedestrian accidents happen more often than you think. Many factors can contribute to a car accident involving someone on foot, including:
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding in residential areas
- Failure to stop at crosswalks or red lights
- Negligent driving in school zones or near bus stops
- Poorly designed intersections or lack of pedestrian signage
- Blowing through or a “rolling” stop at a stop sign
When drivers fail to yield, or pedestrians cross streets unsafely, accidents occur that could have otherwise been avoided.
It’s more than unfair to the injured victim to know that their severe pedestrian injuries from gross negligence in a car accident didn’t have to happen–it’s heartbreaking.
KFB Law is on your side and will fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve, as well as any advocate for punitive damages for extenuating injuries that affect your quality of life.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
The injuries sustained from pedestrian accidents are often life-threatening or permanently disabling. Some of the most common injuries from a pedestrian crash include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
- Broken bones, especially in the legs, arms, and ribs
- Severe lacerations or disfigurements
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Long-term disabilities or death
Because pedestrians are more vulnerable than drivers, even a low-speed collision can result in serious injury, catastrophic injuries, or—worse—wrongful death. The lack of protection makes pedestrians much more susceptible to severe harm.
What Does Florida Law Say About Traffic Safety?
Both pedestrians and drivers of a motor vehicle need to follow traffic laws to minimize the risk of accidents. Both parties must cooperate with the police as well and provide truthful answers for any accident report. Drivers of motor vehicles must:
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians when they have entered the same half of the roadway or approaches the crosswalk from the opposite side of the road in either a controlled or uncontrolled/unmarked crosswalk (Florida Statute 316.30)
- Refrain from driving while intoxicated or distracted, and do everything possible to avoid a collision with a pedestrian
- Slow down or stop before proceeding to pass another vehicle to determine if the driver of the stopped car has done so to allow a pedestrian to cross the street
- Stop for a school crossing guard and remain stopped until the guard and all children have safely crossed to the other side of the road
Florida pedestrian laws also apply to those on foot as well. These include:
- Cross at a controlled or uncontrolled intersection and never in the middle of the street
- Avoid walking directly in the path of an oncoming car if it would create an unreasonable safety hazard
- Allow cars to pass first in an unmarked crosswalk or when walking outside of the markings of a marked crosswalk
- Refrain from crossing a street diagonally at a controlled intersection unless the traffic control device explicitly allows
- Avoid crossing more than two adjoining intersections when using a marked crosswalk
- Walk facing oncoming traffic on the left side of the street if it does not contain any sidewalks
When a driver strikes a pedestrian, they must stop the car immediately and render aid, or it becomes a serious hit-and-run crime.
Failing to obey pedestrian laws can be costly. Drivers who fail to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk could face a hefty fine and criminal charges if bodily harm is involved.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately (even if you feel fine), contact the police, and collect evidence with photos of the accident scene, the vehicle involved, and your injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses who saw the accident.
The most crucial step after taking care of yourself is to consult a Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer from KFB Law immediately.
Before speaking to insurance companies, consult our pedestrian accident attorneys, who can protect your rights and help you navigate the complexities of personal injury law.
Keep in mind that in Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, starting the claims process early is essential, as building a strong case takes time.
The longer you wait to consult a qualified Tampa personal injury lawyer, the more you chance missing deadlines. We can guide you through the legal steps.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance and Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim
Florida law requires drivers to have a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, also known as no-fault insurance. This type of insurance allows injured pedestrians to file a claim with their own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault.
However, the compensation from PIP may not cover all your damages, especially in cases of severe injury. If your injuries are serious enough, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover additional compensation.
How KFB Law Can Help
At KFB Law, our team of experienced Tampa pedestrian accident attorneys has successfully handled hundreds of pedestrian accident cases, helping clients obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We will investigate the accident and gather evidence to establish fault, negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement, and represent you in court if necessary.
We understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be, and our goal is to alleviate your stress by managing the legal complexities for you.
A Pedestrian Accident Can Change Your Life Forever
Pedestrians have no protection surrounding them when struck by a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds. When a car strikes a pedestrian, the person on foot is one and one-half more likely to suffer a fatal injury than the driver.
Our law firm has many years of experience advocating for your rights to cover medical treatment and medical expenses for many pedestrian accidents.
Schedule a Free Tampa Pedestrian Accident Case Review with KFB Law
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Tampa, please contact KFB Law right away. Our skilled Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help you through the recovery process and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can assist you with your case. With multiple office locations across Tampa, Plant City, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, Wesley Chapel, and Riverview, we are conveniently located to serve residents throughout the Tampa Bay area and Hillsborough County.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents in Tampa
Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault for an Accident?
Yes, a pedestrian can be held partially or fully at fault for an accident. If the pedestrian was jaywalking, not following traffic signals, or otherwise acting negligently, they could share responsibility for the collision.
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way?
No, pedestrians do not always have the right of way. Florida law requires pedestrians to follow traffic signals and use crosswalks appropriately. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks, but pedestrians must also obey traffic laws and exercise caution when crossing.
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. A pedestrian accident attorney can help evaluate whether or not this is the case.
When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Tampa?
The short answer: immediately.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal representation ensures your rights are protected and all necessary steps are taken to secure compensation.
