If you’ve been hit by a vehicle while walking in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation. However, Florida’s insurance and liability laws can be complicated. This guide explains your rights and what steps to take next.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
- Get Medical Help: Even minor pain could mean serious injury. Always seek medical attention.
- Call the Police: A police report creates an official record and may help your legal case.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos, collect witness information, and document everything.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Let investigators determine who’s responsible.
- Speak to a Lawyer: Don’t deal with insurance companies alone. Legal advice is critical.
Understanding Fault and Liability
Florida law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks (FL Statute §316.130). However, pedestrians must also follow traffic rules.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may not recover any damages.
Your Compensation May Include:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses in fatal accidents
Why a Personal Injury Lawyer Helps
An experienced attorney can:
- Investigate the crash thoroughly
- Handle communication with insurers
- Secure medical records and expert testimony
- Fight for fair compensation in court if needed
Conclusion:
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait. Florida law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a negligence lawsuit (for accidents on or after March 24, 2023). An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Hurt in a crash in South Florida? Learn how our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers can help.
Related: Learn more about our pedestrian and bicycle accident practice.
Kweku Darfoor is the founder of The Injury Advocates (Darfoor Law Firm, P.A.) and a Florida personal injury attorney with more than a decade of experience representing seriously injured people and their families. This content is for general information and is not legal advice.
