Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes on Florida roads and Florida (especially Tampa, Brandon, Riverview and Carrollwood – Hillsborough County) rank amongst the worst in the country. According to a May 30, 2024, Tampa Times article, Tampa is this 8th worst in the country for pedestrian accidents. Let’s think about that.
When a car, truck, or any motor vehicle hits a pedestrian, the injuries are often severe, life-altering, and, in some cases, fatal. If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle, you need to understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.
At Martin Hernandez Law Office, we fight aggressively for victims of pedestrian accidents because we know the stakes are high. You didn’t choose to be hit, but you can choose to fight back.
Florida Pedestrian Accident Victim Rights
Under Florida law, pedestrians have the right to seek compensation when they are injured due to a driver’s negligence. Here’s what you need to know:
- You Have the Right to Medical Coverage Under PIP Insurance
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers up to $10,000 in medical bills and lost wages—no matter who caused the accident. If you don’t own a car, you may still qualify for PIP benefits under a resident relative’s policy.
However, PIP coverage is limited and doesn’t always (I’d say rarely) fully compensate victims for their injuries. This is where an experienced Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.
- You Can Sue the At-Fault Driver for Additional Damages
If your injuries are severe or permanent, Florida law allows you to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver responsible for your accident. Compensation in these cases can cover:
✔️ Medical bills beyond PIP limits
✔️ Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
✔️ Pain and suffering
✔️ Emotional distress
✔️ Loss of quality of life
Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% responsible (e.g., jaywalking), your settlement would be reduced by 20%.
- You Have a Limited Time to File a Lawsuit
Florida’s statute of limitations (Florida Statute Section 95.11(4)) for personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents, is two years from the date of the accident (as of March 23, 2023). If you wait too long, you could lose your right to compensation – in other words, it’s gone.
Don’t delay—speak to a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your claim by calling Martin Hernandez at 813-755-9500
What are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Florida?
✔️ Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using GPS while driving
✔️ Failure to Yield: Drivers ignoring crosswalks and pedestrian right-of-way
✔️ Speeding: High-speed areas increase injury severity
✔️ Drunk or Impaired Driving: DUIs contribute to many pedestrian fatalities
✔️ Poor Visibility: Accidents often occur at night due to driver inattention
If any of these negligent actions played a role in your accident, you deserve justice.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you’ve been hit by a car in Florida, take these critical steps to protect yourself:
1️⃣ Call 911 – Always report the accident to the police. The accident report will be crucial for your case.
2️⃣ Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries can appear later.
3️⃣ Gather Evidence – Take photos, get witness contact information, and document everything.
4️⃣ Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer – Insurers will try to minimize your payout.
5️⃣ Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney ASAP – The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Why Choose Martin Hernandez Law Office?
At Martin Hernandez Law Office, we fight HARD for pedestrian accident victims across Florida. With years of experience handling complex personal injury cases, we know how to take on the insurance companies and win.
✅ Millions Recovered for Clients
✅ Aggressive, Trial-Tested Representation
✅ No Fees Unless We Win
They hit you. We hit back HARDER.
Get a Free Case Review Today
Don’t wait. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, call Martin Hernandez Law Office at (Your Contact Info) or click here to schedule a FREE consultation.
Your fight for justice starts NOW. Let’s win this together.
How Martin Hernandez Law Can Help
To help you or your loved one navigate the complexities of rideshare auto accidents, and to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, your best bet is to contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who has experience in rideshare auto accidents.
To date, Martin Hernandez has handled thousands of car accident cases and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients. Martin Hernandez, founding partner of the firm, is an award-winning personal injury attorney who also has a Business degree. With his combination of legal knowledge and tenacity, we can build a strong case in favor of maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.
For your convenience, we are available 24/7 and accept rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t be asked to pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses. Rather, we’ll only charge once the case has been successfully settled, taking a small percentage of the overall settlement amount awarded to you.
As a family-owned law firm based in Tampa, we understand the importance of save driving and protection. To find out more about how we can help, contact us today.
Tampa, Florida Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawyer | Personal Injury Attorney | Pedestrian Injury Lawyer
As a family-owned law firm based in Tampa, we understand the importance of save driving and protection. To find out more about how we can help, contact us today.
See why Experience and Results matter.
| Call or Text Your Tampa Accident Personal Injury Lawyer at 813-755-9500 |
Practice Areas:
- Personal Injury
- Automobile Negligence
- Wrongful Death
- “Ride Share” Uber/Lyft Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Tractor Trailer Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
Tampa Auto Accident Injury Lawyer | Martin J Hernandez, Esq.
If you have been injured in any kind of accident, your personal injury lawyer with the law firm of Martin J. Hernandez will guide you every step of the way. Call or Text us now at 813-755-9500
Martin J. Hernandez Firm’s lawyers handle personal injury cases throughout the entire Tampa, Temple Terrace, Carrollwood, Carrollwood Village, Northdale, Town ‘n’ Country, Brandon, Plant City, Seffner, Dover, Fish Hawk, Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Valrico, Gibsonton, Palm River | Clair-mel, Riverview, Seffner, Bloomingdale, Wimauma, Egypt Lake-Leto, West Tampa, Westchase, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes, Trinity, Spring Hill, 33635, 33615, 33634, 33626, 33625, 33508, 33509, 33510, 33511,33568, 33569, 33578, 33579 & all of Hillsborough County and the state of Florida.