Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in FL

Being struck by a vehicle while walking is a terrifying and life-altering event. In an instant, you are left to face severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and profound emotional trauma. As a pedestrian, you have nothing to protect you from the force of a car, truck, or bus.

Nowhere is this danger more real than here in the Tampa Bay area. The region is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous metropolitan areas in the nation for pedestrians. In Hillsborough County alone, there were 662 pedestrian accidents in 2023, resulting in 66 tragic fatalities—the highest number in recent years. When you are facing the aftermath of an accident in such a high-risk area, you need a law firm with proven experience fighting for victims just like you.

At Burnetti, P.A., our experienced Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers understand the unique challenges you face. We are here to provide the compassionate support and aggressive legal representation you need to secure justice and rebuild your life.

To discuss your legal options in detail, dial (813) 414-5884 or contact us online.

Why Choose Burnetti, P.A. for Your Tampa Pedestrian Accident Case?

When you are seriously injured, your choice of attorney matters immensely. Here is how Burnetti, P.A. provides the specialized representation you need:

• We Overcome the Insurance Company's Bias: Insurance adjusters often try to unfairly blame pedestrians by claiming they "darted into the road" to avoid paying a fair settlement. Because we only represent injured people—never insurance companies—our loyalty is exclusively to you. We know their tactics and build strong cases to prove the driver's negligence.

• Expertise You Can Trust: Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries requiring complex litigation. Our firm is home to Florida Bar Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyers, a distinction held by less than 5% of Florida lawyers that identifies them as tested specialists in trial law. This level of expertise is critical when your future is on the line.

• Direct, Personal Communication: We know how stressful this time is. That's why we limit the number of cases we accept and provide you with your attorney's direct cell phone number. You will have a direct line for your questions, ensuring you are never left in the dark.

• Proven Results in Serious Injury Claims: Our attorneys have a track record of securing millions of dollars for injured clients. We have the experience and financial resources to take on the most complex cases and win.

Understanding the Dangers: Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Tampa

Our local attorneys are deeply familiar with the specific roads and intersections where pedestrians are most at risk in Tampa. We investigate the common causes of these devastating accidents to hold negligent drivers accountable. These causes often include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road.

• Failure to Yield: Drivers who do not yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, a clear violation of Florida law.

• Speeding: Drivers traveling too fast to stop in time, which dramatically increases the severity of injuries.

• Impaired Driving (DUI): Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs with impaired judgment and reaction times.

• Poor Visibility: Especially at night on poorly lit roads, which account for a high percentage of pedestrian fatalities.

How Our Firm Builds a Winning Pedestrian Accident Claim

Proving negligence is the key to recovering the compensation you deserve. Our Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers handle every aspect of building your case:

1. Thorough Investigation: We immediately gather all critical evidence, including the official police report, witness statements, surveillance footage, and photos of the scene and your injuries.

2. Establishing Driver Fault: We use the evidence to prove the driver was negligent. This could involve showing they were distracted, speeding, failed to yield at a crosswalk, or were driving under the influence.

3. Working with Experts: For serious injuries, we consult with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and life care planners to calculate the cost of your future medical needs.

4. Handling All Insurance Communications: We take over all dealings with the insurance companies. We protect you from their tactics and fight aggressively for a settlement that covers all your damages.

Pedestrian Laws in Florida

Florida pedestrian accident laws are designed to protect both pedestrians and drivers, assigning responsibilities and outlining legal options in the event of an accident. Here's an overview of key aspects:

• Right-of-Way Laws: Pedestrians usually have the right of way in marked crosswalks and at intersections. However, they must follow traffic signals and can’t step into traffic unexpectedly.

• Driver Responsibilities: Drivers must be alert and try to avoid hitting pedestrians, even if the pedestrian is not following the rules. They should use their horn if needed and be especially careful around children or disabled individuals.

• Pedestrian Responsibilities: Pedestrians must use sidewalks when available and walk facing traffic if there isn’t one. They should also avoid crossing streets diagonally unless signs or signals allow it.

• Comparative Negligence: If a pedestrian shares fault in the accident, they can only recover damages if they are 50% or less responsible. If they are more than 50% at fault, they can’t receive compensation.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

The lack of protection means pedestrians often suffer severe and life-altering injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal Cord Injuries, which can lead to paralysis
• Multiple Bone Fractures
• Internal Organ Damage and Bleeding
• Severe Lacerations and "Road Rash"
• Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement

We work with your doctors and medical experts to fully document the extent of these injuries and their long-term impact on your life.

FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Claims in Tampa, FL

What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident in Tampa?

Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. If you are able, try to gather witness contact info, photos of the scene, and the driver’s information. Then, contact a pedestrian accident attorney in Tampa before speaking to any insurance companies.

Who can be held responsible for a pedestrian accident in Tampa?

The driver is most often liable, but other parties like commercial vehicle owners, government entities (for poor road design or maintenance), or even another third party could share fault depending on the case.

What damages can I recover in a pedestrian accident case?

You may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

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

Yes. If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on your own auto insurance, it may cover your initial injuries—even as a pedestrian. If not, the at-fault driver’s PIP or liability coverage may apply. An attorney can help you navigate this complex process.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Florida?

Florida law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is crucial to contact an attorney well before this deadline expires to protect your rights.

How long does a pedestrian accident claim take to resolve?

Minor claims may settle in a few months, while complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take a year or more. Having legal representation may help speed up the process.

Can I file a claim if I was injured on private property or in a parking lot?

Yes. Liability could fall on the driver, the property owner, or both, depending on the circumstances—such as poor lighting or lack of signage.

Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident claim?

While not required, a lawyer can help you deal with insurance companies, gather evidence, and ensure you receive fair compensation—especially if there are serious injuries or shared fault issues.

Let Our Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Fight for You

If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian due to a driver’s negligence or a defective vehicle, the experienced attorneys at Burnetti, P.A. are here to help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. With offices in Tampa, Lakeland, Clearwater, and Sebring, we proudly serve clients across Florida. Let our family fight for your family.

If you believe you have a pedestrian accident claim, call (813) 414-5884 to receive a free case evaluation.