Heavy foot traffic can contribute to car accidents as both pedestrians and drivers navigate congested areas, potentially leading to confusion. This situation can create confusion as drivers navigate roads, parking areas, and intersections. At the same time, pedestrians attempt to cross intersections and walkways.
Increased foot and roadway traffic can also complicate identifying the at-fault party in a vehicle versus pedestrian accident. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in an accident, a local attorney can clarify how pedestrian traffic affects car accidents in Fort Lauderdale. A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can also help you recover damages, starting by offering a free consultation with a team member to learn more about the merits of your case.
Who Compensates the Driver When a Pedestrian Causes a Car Accident?
After an accident caused by pedestrian negligence, your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers many of your initial expenses. In general, it covers the following:
- Up to 80% of your medical bills
- Up to 60% of your lost wages
If the accident results in a fatality, PIP also provides limited death benefits. A lawyer can help you access PIP benefits under your insurance policy.
What Are Your Compensation Options After PIP Coverage Is Exhausted?
If your accident-related expenses and losses exceed PIP’s coverage, you have options for recovering the additional damages, including:
- Suing the at-fault pedestrian directly
- Filing a claim with your own insurance company
Car accidents with pedestrians are complicated. If you have a lawyer, they can handle all the moving parts of your claim while you focus on getting better.
Pedestrian Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics in Fort Lauderdale
According to the 2024 preliminary statistics of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were:
- 10,472 pedestrian crashes resulting in injuries
- 683 accidents resulting in pedestrian fatalities
Your lawyer will investigate your case, document the pedestrian’s actions, and gather evidence to support your claim for compensation.
How Pedestrian Negligence Can Cause Car Accidents
Like vehicle drivers, pedestrians share the responsibility of roadway and intersection safety. Some commonly reported reasons pedestrian negligence can cause motor vehicle accidents include:
- Crossing against traffic signals
- Walking while distracted
- Drug or alcohol intoxication
- Walking in restricted areas
- Intentionally distracting a driver
If you were involved in an accident caused by a pedestrian, your lawyer can help you seek financial compensation for your pedestrian car accident injuries and property damage.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover for a Pedestrian vs Vehicle Crash?
Financial recovery after a car accident can include a wide range of compensation. The compensatory damages you can recover include:
- Economic damages: Current and future medical care expenses, treatment-related travel costs, current and future lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and property damage, destruction, or diminished value.
- Non-economic damages: Temporary and permanent disabilities and disfigurement, physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish, and diminished quality of life.
If your loved one passed away in a pedestrian versus vehicle accident, you may be eligible for wrongful death compensation. In addition to the costs of making your loved one’s final arrangements, you can request compensation for the loss of the decedent’s income and their contributions to your family.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida law, like all states, imposes a time limit for filing a lawsuit. In general, Florida Statutes § 95.11 gives you:
- Two years from the date of the accident to file your personal injury lawsuit
- Two years from the date of a loved one’s demise to file your wrongful death lawsuit
If the statute of limitations expires, the court will not permit you to file your lawsuit. Your attorney can handle this critical part of your claim by filing your lawsuit on time and in the appropriate Fort Lauderdale court.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Pursue Compensation for Damages After an Accident?
While you are not required to have an attorney, your case could benefit from legal representation. If you have an attorney, they can:
- Assess the monetary value of your claim
- Prove the at-fault pedestrian’s negligence
- Compile evidence that supports your case
- Canvass for photos and video footage
- Communicate with the insurance company
- Manage all case-related forms and filings
- Negotiate a fair and appropriate settlement
- Respond to your questions and concerns
- Provide ongoing updates on your case
Another benefit of hiring a lawyer versus going it alone is that they can help you focus on getting better without wasting valuable time on your insurance claim or lawsuit.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
It costs nothing upfront to hire a lawyer. Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. They will cover all the costs of your case, and you will compensate them with a percentage of your settlement or verdict. If you do not recover damages, you will not owe any fees.
Discuss Your Legal Options with An Attorney During a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one suffered injury after a vehicle versus pedestrian accident, we can help you pursue compensation for your car damage from hitting a pedestrian and additional losses you suffered.
Learn more about how pedestrian traffic affects car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and how hard we work to build your case. Contact our consultation team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato to get started.
