Pedestrian accidents in Tampa can result in devastating injuries and significant emotional and financial hardships. After a pedestrian accident, a Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer can pursue the compensation you need to recover.

At Auto Injury Litigation Center, we are dedicated to advocating for injured pedestrians and holding negligent drivers accountable.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Tampa

Pedestrian accidents are often caused by driver negligence or hazardous conditions. Common factors include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, eating, or using in-car systems may fail to notice pedestrians.
• Speeding: High speeds reduce a driver's ability to stop in time and increase the severity of collision-related injuries.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks or intersections pose significant risks to pedestrians.
• Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers are less likely to notice pedestrians and more likely to make dangerous decisions.
• Poor Visibility: Nighttime, rain, or inadequate street lighting can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians.
• Left-Turn Accidents: Drivers turning left may focus on oncoming traffic and overlook pedestrians crossing the street.

Understanding the cause of your accident is crucial to building a strong legal case.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in accidents, often sustaining severe or catastrophic injuries.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries caused by direct impact with a vehicle or the ground.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine may result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis are common due to the force of impact.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can cause long-term mobility issues.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs and internal bleeding often require emergency medical care.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Severe abrasions and wounds can lead to infection or scarring.

These injuries can lead to extensive medical bills, prolonged recovery periods, and long-term consequences.

Proving Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Establishing liability in a pedestrian accident requires evidence to prove that the driver acted negligently.

Key elements include:

• Duty of Care: Drivers owe a duty to operate their vehicles safely and avoid harming pedestrians.
• Breach of Duty: The driver failed to uphold this duty, such as by speeding or running a red light.
• Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.
• Damages: The pedestrian suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Your lawyer will gather evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and surveillance footage to support your claim.

Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims

Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for personal items damaged in the accident, such as phones or clothing.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or reckless behavior, additional damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.

A lawyer can calculate these damages to ensure fair compensation.

Unique Challenges in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Pedestrian accident cases often involve unique challenges, such as:

• Disputed Liability: Drivers may argue that the pedestrian was jaywalking or not visible.
• Insurance Limitations: Drivers may lack sufficient insurance coverage to compensate for severe injuries.
• Comparative Negligence: Florida's comparative negligence law may reduce compensation if the pedestrian shares fault for the accident.
• Uninsured Drivers: Victims may need to rely on their uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if the at-fault driver lacks insurance.

An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can address these challenges and advocate for you.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

After a pedestrian accident, to protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim:

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, visit a doctor to ensure there are no hidden complications.
• Call the Police: File an accident report to document the incident officially.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the area, including crosswalks, signals, and any visible injuries.
• Collect Information: Gather contact details from the driver and any witnesses.
• Avoid Recorded Statements: Do not speak to the driver's insurance company until consulting with a lawyer.
• Contact a Lawyer: Early legal representation ensures your case is handled professionally and thoroughly.

Common Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Tampa

Pedestrian accidents often occur in areas with heavy traffic or inadequate safety measures.

Common locations include:

• Crosswalks: Even marked crosswalks can be dangerous if drivers fail to yield.
• Intersections: High traffic volume and turning vehicles create significant risks for pedestrians.
• Parking Lots: Drivers backing out of spaces or distracted by searching for parking often hit pedestrians.
• Bus Stops: Pedestrians entering or exiting public transit are at risk from nearby vehicles.
• School Zones: Despite reduced speed limits, some drivers fail to exercise caution in these areas.
• Roadside Shoulders: Pedestrians walking along roads without sidewalks face increased dangers.

Understanding the accident location helps determine contributing factors and liability.

The Role of Driver Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents

Driver negligence is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents.

Common examples of negligent behavior include:

• Texting While Driving: Taking eyes off the road for even a few seconds can result in disaster.
• Failure to Yield: Ignoring pedestrian right-of-way at crosswalks or intersections.
• Speeding: Reducing reaction time and increasing the severity of injuries in a collision.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use impairs a driver's ability to make safe decisions.
• Ignoring Traffic Signals: Running red lights or stop signs often leads to accidents with pedestrians.

Proving driver negligence establishes liability in your case.

How Comparative Negligence Impacts Pedestrian Accident Claims

Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which can affect the amount of compensation you receive. If you are partially at fault for the accident, your damages will decrease by your percentage of fault.

An attorney can work to minimize your fault percentage and maximize your recovery.

The Role of Road and Infrastructure Design in Pedestrian Accidents

Poor road design and inadequate infrastructure contribute to many pedestrian accidents.

Examples include:

• Unmarked Crosswalks: Drivers may not know where to expect pedestrians.
• Poor Lighting: Low visibility in poorly lit areas increases the risk of accidents.
• Lack of Sidewalks: Pedestrians forced to walk on the road are more vulnerable to collisions.
• Defective Traffic Signals: Malfunctioning lights or missing signals can confuse drivers and pedestrians alike.
• Roadway Hazards: Potholes, debris, and other obstacles can force pedestrians into traffic.

Local governments may share liability in accidents caused by unsafe road conditions or inadequate infrastructure.

Pedestrian Injuries Requiring Long-Term Care

Severe pedestrian accident injuries often require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.

Examples include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Victims may need cognitive therapy and long-term neurological care.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis or reduced mobility often requires physical therapy and assistive devices.
• Amputations: Prosthetics and occupational therapy are necessary for adapting to life after limb loss.
• Chronic Pain Management: Ongoing treatment for pain resulting from fractures or soft tissue injuries.
• Psychological Counseling: Therapy for anxiety, PTSD, or depression caused by the accident.

You must factor these long-term needs into your claim to ensure financial stability.

How Insurance Companies Approach Pedestrian Accident Claims

Insurance companies often minimize payouts in pedestrian accident claims by:

• Disputing Liability: Arguing that the pedestrian was at fault for the accident.
• Questioning Injuries: Claiming that injuries are exaggerated or unrelated to the accident.
• Delaying Settlements: Prolonging the process to pressure victims into accepting lower offers.
• Requesting Recorded Statements: Using your words against you to reduce compensation.
• Lowball Offers: Offering settlements that don't cover long-term medical expenses or pain and suffering.

A pedestrian accident lawyer can protect you from these tactics and negotiate a fair settlement.

Wrongful Death Claims in Pedestrian Accidents

Tragically, many pedestrian accidents result in fatalities. If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may file a wrongful death claim.

Compensation in these cases may cover:

• Funeral and Burial Costs: Alleviating the financial burden of laying your loved one to rest.
• Loss of Financial Support: Replacing the income the deceased would have provided.
• Loss of Companionship: Damages for the emotional impact of losing a family member.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the victim's pre-death pain and suffering.

A wrongful death claim can help your family achieve financial stability and hold the negligent party accountable.

How an Attorney Can Strengthen Your Pedestrian Accident Case

Hiring an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can improve your chances of recovering full compensation.

Key services include:

• Collecting Evidence: Gathering police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
• Proving Negligence: Demonstrating how the driver's actions caused the accident.
• Handling Insurance Companies: Negotiating with insurers to secure a fair settlement.
• Calculating Damages: Ensuring all medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages are accounted for.
• Litigating in Court: Representing you if a settlement cannot be reached.

An attorney provides the legal tools and resources needed to navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Children and Seniors

Certain groups, such as children and seniors, are more vulnerable to severe injuries in pedestrian accidents due to their physical and situational characteristics:

• Children: Their smaller size makes them less visible to drivers, and their impulsive behavior may lead to sudden movements near traffic.
• Seniors: Reduced mobility and slower reaction times increase the risk of being unable to avoid oncoming vehicles. Injuries in older adults are also more likely to result in long-term complications.

These groups need special considerations when pursuing compensation, as their injuries may require extensive medical care and have lasting impacts on their quality of life.

The Role of Crosswalks in Pedestrian Accidents

While crosswalks enhance pedestrian safety, serious accidents can happen there.

Factors that contribute to crosswalk accidents include:

• Drivers Failing to Yield: Even in marked crosswalks, drivers may ignore pedestrian right-of-way.
• Turning Vehicles: Cars making left or right turns at intersections often strike pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Unmarked Crosswalks: Drivers may not realize they are approaching an area where pedestrians are crossing.
• Improperly Designed Crosswalks: Poor placement, faded markings, or lack of traffic signals can increase risks.

An attorney can examine the conditions of the crosswalk to determine whether driver negligence or unsafe design contributed to your accident.

FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Claims

Can I still recover compensation if I was not in a crosswalk?

Yes, but your compensation may decrease under Florida's comparative negligence rule if you are partially at fault.

What if the driver fled the scene?

If you cannot identify the driver, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may provide compensation.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Florida's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the accident date.

What if I wasn't visible to the driver?

Drivers must exercise caution and avoid hitting pedestrians, even in low-visibility situations.

Why Choose Auto Injury Litigation Center?

At Auto Injury Litigation Center, we understand the devastating impact pedestrian accidents can have on victims and their families.

Here's why clients trust us:

• Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize your needs and provide personalized attention throughout the process.
• Experienced Advocacy: Our team has the knowledge and resources to handle even the most complex pedestrian accident cases.
• No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact a Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

After a pedestrian accident, don't navigate the legal process alone. Call Auto Injury Litigation Center at (866) 933-0623 for your free case evaluation. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.