Walking should not be dangerous. Yet every year, many people in Florida are injured while doing something as simple as crossing the street or walking through a parking lot. When a driver is careless or distracted, a pedestrian has no protection and can suffer very serious injuries.

If you or a loved one was hit by a car, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You should not have to face the medical bills, lost wages, and stress alone. Our team of personal injury lawyers at Gimenez and Carrillo is here to guide you, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you may deserve.

Pedestrian accident cases are different from other types of crashes. The injuries are often more severe, and these cases require strong attention to detail. Our team works to understand exactly what happened and how the crash has affected your life.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Florida

Many pedestrian accidents can be prevented when drivers follow Florida’s right-of-way rules. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving:
  A driver may be looking at a phone, GPS, or something inside the car. Even a moment of distraction can cause a serious crash.
• Speeding:
  Higher speeds make it harder for a driver to stop in time. Speeding also increases the severity of injuries.
• Failure To Yield at Crosswalks:
  Drivers often fail to stop for people who are crossing with the right of way.
• Turning Without Checking:
  Many crashes occur when drivers turn right or left without checking for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Running Stop Signs or Red Lights:
  Drivers who fail to obey traffic signals put pedestrians at risk.
• Parking Lot Accidents:
  Drivers backing out or driving through busy parking lots may not see someone walking behind them.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Because pedestrians have no protection, injuries are often severe. Some of the most common include:

• Broken bones
• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Internal injuries
• Leg, hip, and knee injuries
• Long-term or permanent disability

Even injuries that seem minor at first may become more serious over time. Always get medical help after a collision.

Who May Be Liable in a Pedestrian Accident

Liability in a Florida pedestrian accident depends on how the crash happened. In many cases, more than one party may be responsible.

• The Driver:
  The driver may be at fault if they were distracted, speeding, turning without checking the crosswalk, or running a traffic signal. Even a small mistake can lead to a significant injury.
• Commercial Drivers or Delivery Vehicles:
  If the crash involved a delivery truck or commercial vehicle, the driver and the company may both be responsible. Companies may be liable for unsafe training or scheduling practices.
• Rideshare Drivers:
  If an Uber, Lyft, or delivery app driver hits a pedestrian, insurance coverage may change depending on whether the driver had the app on or was on a trip. These cases require careful investigation.
• Third Parties:
  Some crashes involve other responsible parties such as employers, contractors, or vehicle owners. For example, a contractor may create unsafe road conditions, or a vehicle owner may allow an unsafe driver to use their car.
• Government Entities:
  A city, county, or state agency may be responsible if the crash was caused by unsafe road design, broken crosswalk signals, or poor lighting. These claims follow special rules and tighter deadlines.

Florida Laws and Insurance Rules for Pedestrian Accidents

Florida has specific laws that protect pedestrians and determine how claims are handled.

• Right-of-Way Laws:
  Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. They must also use extra caution in school zones and areas with high foot traffic.
• No-Fault Insurance and PIP:
  Florida is a no-fault state. This means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance may help pay for medical bills even if you were walking at the time of the crash.
• Claims Against the At-Fault Driver:
  If your injuries are severe, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for additional damages.
• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
  If the driver does not have enough insurance, your own UM or UIM coverage may help.

Understanding these rules can be confusing. Our team reviews every insurance option to help you move forward.

What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Taking the proper steps can protect your health and your legal rights.

• Get Medical Attention:
  Even if you feel okay, some injuries may take time to appear.
• Report the Crash:
  Make sure the police document what happened.
• Collect Evidence:
  Photos, videos, clothing, and witness information can be very helpful.
• Avoid Speaking to the Insurance Company Alone:
  Insurance companies may try to limit what they pay.
• Talk to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer:
  A lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through the process.

Why Timing Matters

Evidence can disappear quickly. Many businesses and buildings delete surveillance footage within days. Witnesses may forget important details. Florida also has strict deadlines for filing a personal injury claim. Contacting a lawyer early can help preserve critical evidence.

How Gimenez and Carrillo Help Injured Pedestrians

Our team is committed to helping pedestrians across Florida. We work to make the process easier and to support you every step of the way. Here is how we help:

• Investigating how the crash happened
• Gathering evidence and witness statements
• Reviewing accident reports and medical records
• Securing video footage, if it exists
• Speaking with insurance companies for you
• Calculating the full value of your damages
• Negotiating for a fair settlement
• Preparing your case for trial when needed

We understand how stressful this time can be. Our goal is to help you move forward with confidence.

Compensation You May Be Able To Recover

You may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Future medical care
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death damages

Every case is different. We work to understand the full impact of the crash on your life.

Areas We Serve

Our firm helps injured pedestrians throughout Florida, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Deltona, Lakeland, Palm Bay, and West Palm Beach.

FAQ for Florida Pedestrian Accidents

Call Today for a Free Consultation

If you were injured as a pedestrian in Florida, you should not have to deal with the pain and financial stress alone. Call Gimenez & Carrillo today at (305) 444-3000 or use our contact form to schedule your initial free consultation. We will explain your rights, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of your case.

How Gimenez & Carrillo Can Help With Your Truck Accident Case

Our lawyers take truck accident cases seriously.

Here’s how we help:

• Investigate the crash scene and vehicle
• Collect evidence and interview witnesses
• Request black box data and logs
• Identify every responsible party
• Handle paperwork and insurer delays
• Build a strong case and fight for you

Gimenez & Carrillo will support you throughout the entire legal process. With over 20 years of experience, we understand what it takes to help our clients. As a result, we will work tirelessly to pursue the justice you deserve. Most importantly, we’ll be by your side, offering the support you need during this difficult time.

Speak With a Florida Truck Accident Attorney Today

We fight for the compensation you deserve after a serious truck accident. Call Gimenez & Carrillo today at (305) 444-3000 or use our contact form to schedule your initial free consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward recovery.