Sarasota Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Struck by Vehicle While Walking? Let Our Firm Fight for You!
Sarasota is a beautiful city to walk around – you’ve got St. Armand’s Circle, the John Ringling causeway, the beaches, and various parks and trails; the bad news is that Sarasota actually ranked in the top 20 deadliest pedestrian areas in the entire country. If you were hit by a car while walking, jogging, crossing the street, or while you were on foot in any capacity, you are not alone, and you have rights! You shouldn’t have to pay for the costs of your medical expenses if you weren’t the one at fault.
The Florida Law Group has helped hundreds of pedestrians just like you recover damages. We can make a claim, communicate and negotiate with the insurance company of the driver who hit you (or your own insurance company, if the driver didn’t have insurance), and ensure that the insurance company doesn’t devalue your injuries to protect their bottom line.
What is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person on foot is struck by a motor vehicle, bicycle, or even another pedestrian in some cases. In Florida, these types of accidents frequently involve cars, trucks, or motorcycles colliding with someone who is walking, jogging, or crossing the street.
Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protective barrier between themselves and a vehicle. Even at low speeds, pedestrian accidents can cause life-changing injuries. Victims often face costly medical bills, time away from work, and long-term rehabilitation needs. Unfortunately, pedestrian fatalities are also far too common in Florida, which consistently ranks among the states with the highest pedestrian death rates.
Florida Pedestrian Laws
Florida has specific statutes that govern the rights and responsibilities of both pedestrians and drivers. Understanding these laws is critical for determining liability in a pedestrian accident case. Key rules include:
- Right-of-Way in Crosswalks – Drivers must yield to pedestrians lawfully crossing the street at marked crosswalks.
- Obligation to Stop at Intersections – Vehicles must stop for pedestrians when traffic signals indicate a “walk” signal.
- Pedestrian Duties – Pedestrians should use sidewalks where available and must yield to vehicles when crossing outside of a crosswalk.
- Duty of Care for Drivers – Even when pedestrians are crossing outside of designated areas, drivers are still required to exercise due care to avoid collisions.
A violation of these traffic laws can be strong evidence of negligence in a pedestrian accident claim. At The Florida Law Group, our attorneys carefully analyze the circumstances of each case to identify how the law applies and to build the strongest possible claim for our clients.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents in Sarasota often result from driver negligence, but other factors may also contribute. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Distracted Driving – Texting, eating, or using a GPS can take a driver’s attention away from the road, increasing the risk of striking a pedestrian.
- Speeding – Drivers traveling at high speeds may not have enough time to stop when a pedestrian crosses their path.
- Failure to Yield – Many crashes occur when drivers ignore crosswalk laws or fail to yield at intersections.
- Impaired Driving – Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times, leading to severe pedestrian accidents.
- Poor Visibility – Accidents are more likely at night or in poorly lit areas where pedestrians are harder to see.
- Backing-Up Accidents – Drivers in parking lots often fail to check behind them before reversing.
Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Liability in pedestrian accident cases generally depends on negligence—whether the driver or pedestrian acted carelessly and caused the collision. In many situations, drivers are held responsible when they fail to follow traffic laws or operate their vehicles safely.
However, in Florida, the rule of comparative negligence applies. This means that a pedestrian’s compensation may be reduced if they were partially at fault, such as crossing outside a crosswalk or against a traffic signal. For example, if a pedestrian is found 20% at fault, their damages award would be reduced by 20%.
Other parties may also share liability, including:
- Municipalities – If poor road design or malfunctioning traffic signals contributed to the crash.
- Vehicle Manufacturers – In cases where a defective vehicle part (like faulty brakes) played a role.
An experienced Sarasota pedestrian accident attorney can identify all liable parties to maximize the compensation you are entitled to recover.
Recovering Compensation
Victims of pedestrian accidents in Sarasota may be entitled to significant compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. These damages may include:
- Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages – Income lost during recovery and diminished earning capacity for long-term injuries.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
- Disability and Disfigurement – Awards for permanent injuries that alter your ability to work or enjoy life.
- Wrongful Death Damages – Surviving family members may recover compensation if the accident results in a fatality.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?
Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention right away. If possible, collect witness information, take photos of the scene, and avoid giving statements to insurers until you speak with a lawyer.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations generally gives victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, surviving family members also typically have two years from the date of death.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under Florida’s comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
You may still be able to recover through your own insurance policies, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, or by pursuing compensation from other liable parties.
Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident claim?
While not required, having an attorney significantly improves your chances of recovering full compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but a lawyer can advocate for your best interests and fight for the maximum settlement.
Speak with a Sarasota Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. At The Florida Law Group, we provide compassionate, aggressive representation to help victims and their families secure the justice and financial recovery they need.
