Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
70+ Years of Practice & Litigation Experience
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Fort Lauderdale, you could be in for the legal fight of your life when you try to get compensation from the negligent driver. No one wants to admit that they hit a pedestrian, so you can expect a tough fight from the driver and their auto insurance provider. To confidently seek the compensation that you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering, team up with the Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers of Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A. Let us help you fight for your rights and demand the compensation you deserve.
Call (954) 467-8800 to ask for a free consultation with our firm.
Are Pedestrian Accidents Common in Florida?
Pedestrian accidents are relatively common in Florida. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Florida has consistently ranked among the states with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities. Florida has even had the highest pedestrian fatality rate in the entire country in some recent years. With its large population, high traffic volume, and vehicle-centric street designs, Florida is a particularly hazardous place for pedestrians.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can happen for many reasons, but some causes are more common than others. Drivers who are distracted, speeding, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol are often to blame, but other factors can contribute to pedestrian accidents as well.
Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Failure to stop at red lights or stop signs
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poorly lit roadways or crosswalks
- Inadequate signage or crosswalk markings
- Poor weather conditions, such as rain or fog
- Texting while driving or other forms of distracted driving
While these are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents, many other factors can contribute to these types of accidents. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to consult an experienced attorney who can help you determine the cause of the accident and pursue the compensation you deserve by filing a claim against the correct liable parties.
Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Determining liability for a pedestrian accident can be a complex process that depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. In many cases, the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident is found to be at fault, particularly if they were speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or engaged in some other form of reckless or negligent behavior. However, there are also situations in which the pedestrian may be partially or fully at fault, such as if they were crossing the street outside of a crosswalk or not paying attention to traffic.
Ultimately, liability for a pedestrian accident is determined based on several factors, including the laws of the state where the accident occurred, the specific circumstances of the accident, and any evidence or testimony that may be presented. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, please consult our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorneys who can help you understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation. We know how to build a strong case that can prove that the liability should be placed on the driver, not you.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries that can have long-lasting effects on a person’s health and well-being.
Some of the most common types of injuries suffered in pedestrian accidents include:
- Broken bones or fractures.
- Head injuries, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Back and neck injuries, including whiplash and herniated discs.
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding.
- Road rash, which can occur when the skin rubs against the pavement.
- Psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.
Even minor injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s life, but more serious injuries can require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Damages for Pedestrian Accident Injuries
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to pursue several types of compensation.
Common types of compensation available to pedestrian accident claimants include:
- Medical expenses, including the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, and ongoing treatment for the injury.
- Lost wages, if you missed work as a result of the injury or if the injury prevents you from returning to work in the future.
- Pain and suffering, which compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Rehabilitation expenses, including physical therapy or occupational therapy to help you regain your mobility and independence.
- Home modifications, if your injury requires modifications to your home to make it more accessible, such as a wheelchair ramp entrance.
- Wrongful death damages, if a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident.
The specific types of compensation available to you will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries, among other factors. Our team can help figure out what damages apply to your claim, so you don’t risk leaving valuable compensation unclaimed.
Hire Our Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale, you don’t have to face the challenges of recovery alone. At Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A., we have years of experience in handling pedestrian accident cases and we are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients. We see you as not a case number but a friend in need.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how we can help you after a pedestrian accident.
Can I receive compensation if I was jaywalking when I was hit by a driver?
It is possible to receive compensation for injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident while jaywalking, but the process may be more complicated. If you are partially liable, then your case could still be strong. If you are fully or mostly liable, then your case could be over before it gets a chance to really begin. Ultimately, the best way to determine your legal rights and options after a pedestrian accident is to consult an experienced attorney who can help you understand the nuances of the law and pursue the compensation you deserve.
When can a pedestrian be found at fault in Florida?
Pedestrians can be found at fault for a pedestrian accident in Florida under certain circumstances. Florida follows the rules of comparative negligence, which means that fault and damages can be apportioned between the parties involved in an accident based on the degree of fault. Actions like jaywalking, jumping into traffic without warning, or intentionally stepping in front of a vehicle in hopes it will stop are pedestrian behaviors that can increase their liability.
Do pedestrians always have the right of way in Florida?
Pedestrians do not always have the right of way in Florida. While Florida law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and when reasonable, pedestrians are also required to follow certain rules and regulations when crossing the street. Under Florida law, pedestrians are generally required to use crosswalks when they are available and obey traffic signals and signalized crosswalks. They are also required to stay on sidewalks and other designated pedestrian pathways when possible. In cases where there is no crosswalk or pedestrian signal available, pedestrians can be required to yield the right of way to approaching vehicles.
