St. Petersburg Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Injured by a Vehicle While Walking in St. Petersburg, FL?

Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, from busy intersections to quiet residential streets. St. Petersburg, with its beautiful weather and numerous tourist attractions, sees its fair share of pedestrian traffic. Unfortunately, this also means a higher risk of pedestrian accidents.

At Burnetti, P.A., we understand that pedestrian accidents can be life-changing events. Unfortunately, pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable individuals on the road, and accidents involving them can result in serious injuries or death. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, our experienced attorneys are here to help.

Call (727) 240-3050 or fill out our online contact form today to request a free case evaluation with our pedestrian accident lawyer in St. Petersburg.

Pedestrian Laws in Florida

Florida pedestrian accident laws involve a combination of traffic regulations, personal injury statutes, and insurance requirements. Here are the key aspects:

• Right of Way Rules: Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked crosswalks under Florida law. Drivers must yield to pedestrians and exercise caution, while pedestrians must follow traffic signals and avoid stepping into traffic suddenly.
• Comparative Negligence: Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning a pedestrian who is more than 50% at fault cannot recover damages. If they are 50% or less at fault, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
• No-Fault Insurance (PIP): Injured pedestrians can use Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance for medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. If they don’t have their own PIP, they may be covered by the driver’s policy.
• Personal Injury Lawsuits: Pedestrians can sue at-fault drivers if the injuries are serious, such as permanent damage or death. Damages may include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death compensation.
• Statute of Limitations: Florida law gives pedestrians two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting longer than that typically means losing the right to sue.
• DUI and Reckless Driving: Drivers who hit pedestrians while under the influence or driving recklessly may face both criminal charges and civil liability. These factors can significantly increase the potential penalties and damages in a lawsuit.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

A pedestrian accident, also known as a pedestrian-involved collision or pedestrian crash, occurs when a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, resulting in injury or sometimes even death to the pedestrian. These accidents can happen in various settings, such as on roadways, sidewalks, crosswalks, or parking lots. Pedestrian accidents are a significant public safety concern, and understanding their common causes can help reduce their frequency and severity.

Here are some of the common causes of pedestrian accidents:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is drivers being distracted by activities like texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio while driving. When drivers are not fully attentive, they may not notice pedestrians in their path.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Drivers who are traveling at high speeds may not have enough time to stop or swerve to avoid pedestrians.
• Failure to Yield the Right of Way: Drivers often fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, and other designated crossing areas. This is particularly common when drivers are making turns.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly impairs a driver's judgment, reflexes, and coordination. Impaired drivers are more likely to strike pedestrians due to their diminished ability to react to changing situations.
• Poor Visibility: Low visibility conditions, such as fog, rain, snow, or darkness, can make it challenging for drivers to see pedestrians. Pedestrians may also struggle to be seen in these conditions.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: When drivers disregard traffic signals and signs, they can enter intersections when pedestrians have the right of way, leading to accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive passing, tailgating, or weaving in and out of traffic, can increase the risk of striking pedestrians.
• Poor Road Design and Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure, like poorly marked crosswalks, lack of pedestrian signals, or insufficient lighting, can contribute to accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, ice, or snow, can reduce a driver's ability to stop quickly and increase the likelihood of sliding into pedestrians.
• Inexperienced or Elderly Drivers: Inexperienced drivers may struggle with situational awareness, while elderly drivers may have reduced reaction times and vision, both of which can lead to pedestrian accidents.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-lasting or permanent consequences. Some common injuries include:

• Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a collision can result in fractures and broken bones, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Head Injuries: Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions, even with the use of helmets.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis and a lifetime of medical challenges.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be strained or torn, causing pain and limiting mobility.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Sarasota Pedestrian Accident Claim FAQs

What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident in St. Petersburg?

You should:

1. Call 911 and seek medical attention.
2. Get contact and insurance information from the driver.
3. Take photos of the scene, injuries, and damage.
4. Get contact info for any witnesses.
5. Report the accident to the police and request a copy of the report.
6. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Who can be held liable for a pedestrian accident in Florida?

Potentially liable parties may include:

• The driver of the vehicle.
• A third-party driver or pedestrian who caused the accident.
• The city or municipality (if poor road design or maintenance played a role).
• Employers (if the driver was on the job).

What compensation can I receive in a pedestrian accident claim?

You may be eligible for:

• Medical expenses (past and future).
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property damage (e.g., damaged personal items).

Does Florida’s no-fault insurance law apply to pedestrians?

Yes. If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on your auto insurance, it may cover your injuries—even as a pedestrian. If not, the at-fault driver’s PIP or liability coverage may apply.

How much is my pedestrian accident claim worth?

It depends on:

• The severity of your injuries.
• Your medical costs.
• How the injury affects your ability to work and daily life.
• Pain and suffering.
• Insurance limits and liability.

Do I need a lawyer to file a pedestrian accident claim?

You can file on your own, but working with our Sarasota pedestrian accident attorney is strongly advised. We can help maximize your compensation, handle negotiations, and ensure deadlines and procedures are followed.

How Our Firm Can Help

As your St. Petersburg pedestrian accident lawyer, we will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve. We understand that dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, which is why we will handle every aspect of your case from start to finish. Our team will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Sarsota, FL, don't hesitate to contact us today at (727) 240-3050. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have.