Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Injured by a Negligent Motorist While Walking or Running?
Pedestrian accidents are some of the most devastating events that can occur on Florida’s busy roads. With nothing to shield them from the force of a vehicle, pedestrians often suffer catastrophic injuries or even death when struck by a car, truck, or motorcycle. At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming it can be to face medical bills, lost wages, and pain after an accident. Our Tampa pedestrian accident attorneys are here to fight for your rights and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve. With more than 300+ years of combined experience, we have secured over $675 million for our clients!
Call (813) 737-7248 or contact us online today to request a free case review.
What is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person traveling on foot, in a wheelchair, or using a mobility device is struck by a motor vehicle or bicycle. These incidents often happen in crosswalks, parking lots, intersections, or along road shoulders. Even at low speeds, the impact from a vehicle can lead to severe and lasting injuries.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), thousands of pedestrian crashes occur statewide each year, and the Tampa area consistently ranks among the most dangerous for pedestrians. These accidents frequently result from careless or negligent driving behavior.
If you’ve been injured while walking, you have legal options. Our team at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can help you file a claim, deal with insurance companies, and pursue justice against the party responsible for your injuries.
Florida Pedestrian Laws
Florida has specific laws designed to protect pedestrians and define the responsibilities of both drivers and walkers. Understanding these laws can help determine fault in a pedestrian accident case.
Key Florida pedestrian laws include:
- Right-of-Way at Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the road at marked crosswalks and intersections.
- Obligation to Use Crosswalks: Pedestrians must use designated crosswalks when available and should not suddenly leave the curb in front of an oncoming vehicle.
- Sidewalk Use: When sidewalks are available, pedestrians must use them instead of walking on the roadway.
- Walking Along Roadways: If no sidewalk is present, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder, facing traffic.
- Yielding to Vehicles Outside Crosswalks: Pedestrians crossing outside a crosswalk must yield to oncoming vehicles.
Even when a pedestrian is partially at fault, Florida’s comparative negligence rule may still allow recovery of damages. This means you can still recover compensation, though it may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our Tampa pedestrian accident attorneys can assess your case and explain how Florida’s laws apply to your situation.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Often Happen in Tampa?
In Tampa, pedestrian accidents are frequently concentrated on arterial thoroughfares and multi-lane roads. These roads often feature high vehicle speeds and wide travel lanes, which significantly increase the risk of fatal injuries for pedestrians.
Common high-risk locations in Tampa include:
- Major Arterials: Roads like Hillsborough Avenue, Fowler Avenue, and Dale Mabry Highway.
- Bus Stop Environments: Areas near formal bus stops are associated with higher crash rates due to frequent boarding, alighting, and road-crossing activities.
- Commercial Corridors: Areas near groceries, pharmacies, and fast-food outlets often see increased pedestrian-vehicle interactions.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are often preventable and result from negligent or reckless driver behavior. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using cell phones, GPS devices, or other distractions may fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or intersections.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid a collision.
- Failure to Yield: Many pedestrian crashes occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way at crosswalks or intersections.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug use significantly increase the risk of pedestrian accidents.
- Poor Visibility: Accidents often occur at night or in poorly lit areas when pedestrians are harder to see.
- Turning Vehicles: Drivers making left or right turns may not see pedestrians crossing in front of them.
- Traffic Signal Violations: Running red lights or ignoring traffic signs can easily lead to a pedestrian strike.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident injuries can be catastrophic due to the direct impact of a vehicle against an unprotected body. Victims may suffer:
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Representing Accident Victims in Tampa Bay since 1955
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We’ve been proudly serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Bay area for generations. As the first personal injury law firm in Clearwater, our dedicated legal team brings over 300 years of combined experience to each and every case. If you’ve been injured and need support, please reach outtoday for a free consultation, we are here to help you.
