Miami Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Miami?

Walking should be one of the safest and simplest ways to get around, yet in Miami, pedestrians face significant dangers on busy streets, intersections, and crosswalks. Unfortunately, accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been struck by a car, truck, or rideshare driver, The Florida Law Group is here to help. An experienced Miami pedestrian accident attorney from our firm can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call (833) 899-0310 or contact us online today to schedule a free initial consultation.

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a person traveling on foot is struck by a vehicle, bicycle, motorcycle, or even a scooter. These accidents frequently happen at intersections, in crosswalks, or along busy roadways where drivers fail to pay attention. Unlike drivers or passengers in cars, pedestrians have no protection from impact, making these collisions far more likely to result in severe injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or death.

Because the consequences are so serious, pedestrian accident victims often face extensive medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation needs. This is why working with a knowledgeable Miami pedestrian accident attorney is crucial.

Florida Pedestrian Laws

Florida has specific traffic laws designed to protect pedestrians and promote safe sharing of the road. Some of the most important include:

• Right-of-Way in Crosswalks – Drivers must yield to pedestrians legally crossing at marked or unmarked crosswalks.
• Obligation to Use Sidewalks – If a sidewalk is available, pedestrians are required to use it. If there is no sidewalk, pedestrians must walk on the shoulder, facing traffic.
• Traffic Signals – Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and cross only when indicated by walk signals.
• Duty of Care for Drivers – Even when pedestrians are not in a crosswalk, drivers are still required to exercise due care to avoid hitting them.

When these rules are violated, it can establish liability for the accident. A skilled attorney will carefully review the circumstances to determine whether traffic laws were broken.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Miami often stem from driver negligence or carelessness. Some common causes include:

• Distracted Driving – Texting, using GPS, or other distractions divert a driver’s attention from the road.
• Speeding – Higher speeds reduce reaction times and increase the severity of impact.
• Failure to Yield – Drivers may ignore crosswalks or fail to stop at intersections.
• Impaired Driving – Alcohol or drug use greatly increases the risk of pedestrian crashes.
• Poor Visibility – Nighttime driving or low-light conditions contribute to accidents when drivers fail to spot pedestrians.
• Left-Hand Turns – Many accidents occur when drivers making left turns do not see pedestrians crossing the street.

If you’re a pedestrian who was severely injured in a crash, you’re not alone; you actually live in the state where pedestrian accidents and deaths are most likely to occur. Florida consistently ranks as the riskiest for pedestrians. In Smart Growth America’s “Dangerous By Design” study, they analyzed 2010 – 2019 data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a national database of all fatal traffic crashes, and found that the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach area ranked 13th out of the top 20 most dangerous cities nationwide for pedestrians, with 1,675 pedestrian fatalities in that 10 year period.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident requires a careful investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Potentially responsible parties may include:

• The Driver – Most often, the driver who hit the pedestrian is held liable, especially if they were speeding, distracted, or intoxicated.
• Employers – If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident (such as a delivery driver), their employer may share liability.
• Government Entities – In cases where unsafe road design, malfunctioning traffic signals, or poor maintenance contributed to the accident, a government agency could be responsible.
• Third Parties – In rare cases, other motorists, bicyclists, or rideshare drivers may play a role in causing the crash.

An experienced Miami pedestrian accident attorney will gather evidence such as police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness testimony to identify all liable parties.

Recovering Compensation

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical Expenses – Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost Wages – Income lost while recovering from injuries and diminished future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life – Damages for reduced ability to participate in activities once enjoyed.
• Wrongful Death – If a loved one was killed, family members may pursue damages for funeral expenses, loss of support, and emotional suffering.

Florida law requires accident victims to act quickly. In most cases, the statute of limitations gives you only two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Working with a qualified lawyer ensures that your claim is filed properly and on time.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs

Do I still have a case if I wasn’t in a crosswalk when I was hit?

Yes, possibly. While being outside of a crosswalk may affect liability, drivers still have a duty to avoid hitting pedestrians whenever possible.

What if the driver fled the scene?

If you were injured in a hit-and-run, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other legal avenues.

How long does a pedestrian accident case take?

The timeline depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, insurance company cooperation, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases settle within months, while others may take longer.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offers me a settlement?

Yes. Insurance companies often make low offers to resolve cases quickly. A Miami pedestrian accident attorney can evaluate whether the settlement truly covers your losses.

What does it cost to hire your firm?

At The Florida Law Group, we handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Speak with a Miami Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

Miami is an iconic party city – one of the largest urban areas, a cultural center, a tourist hot spot, a beach destination, the queen of night life. Because it is so busy and crowded, and because of the sometimes reckless or intoxicated behaviors of drivers in the city, it can be a dangerous place to be a pedestrian. 

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian in Miami, do not face the legal process alone. The Florida Law Group is committed to helping accident victims pursue justice and maximum compensation. Our team understands the challenges you’re facing and is ready to provide compassionate, aggressive representation.

Contact us today at (833) 899-0310 for a free consultation with an experienced Miami pedestrian accident attorney.