Key Takeaways
- Pedestrians hit by cars in Florida can claim compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and damages, even if they share some fault in the accident.
- After being hit by a car, call 911, get medical care, request a police report, take photos, collect witness information, and avoid discussing details with insurers without a lawyer.
- Strong evidence includes crash reports, medical records, photos, surveillance footage, damaged clothing, and treatment notes that prove injuries and link them directly to the accident.
- Florida requires filing a personal injury lawsuit within two years from the accident date, and missing this deadline can bar your claim, making it critical to consult an attorney soon.
Your rights and steps to recover full compensation
If a car strikes you while walking, you have the right to claim compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and damages from the negligence of the driver. Florida law protects pedestrians. When a negligent driver causes a pedestrian serious injuries, such as broken bones, a brain injury, spinal damage, or disability, these require immediate medical attention and continuing treatment. You shouldn’t have to deal with these expenses when someone else has been at fault.
At Justin C. Johnson & Associates, we understand that this process is stressful. In fact, our goal is to ensure real compensation, not just verdicts. We have recovered millions of dollars by preparing our cases for trial, which often encourages insurance companies to offer a fair settlement. You pay us nothing up front; we work on a contingency basis, earning only if we win. This ensures that, regardless of your financial situation, expert legal support is available, and our efforts are aligned with maximizing your recovery.
What Happens When You Get Hit by a Car
The fastest way to protect your health and case is to act right away. Call 911, get medical care, and ask for a police report. Take photos or a short video showing vehicles, skid marks, nearby stores with cameras, the weather, and your visible injuries. Ask witnesses for names and numbers. Do not argue at the scene. Share only basic facts with insurers and refer adjusters to your attorney.
These steps help answer what happens when you get hit by a car and set a clear record for your claim. If the driver leaves, report a possible hit and run to the police immediately and keep the incident number.
Florida Law Basics for Pedestrians
Florida treats walking safety as a shared responsibility, and crashes are sadly common. State data show thousands of pedestrian crashes each year, with hundreds of deaths. NHTSA reports 7,314 pedestrian deaths nationwide in 2023—about one every 72 minutes—showing how severe these events are.
Florida negligence rules can still allow recovery even if a pedestrian shares some fault. Your compensation may be reduced by your share of responsibility, but you may still have a case. Insurance issues are complex, so speak with a lawyer for a pedestrian hit by a car early to protect your rights.
Evidence That Strengthens Street Crossing Claims
The best way to get street crossing accident legal help is to gather clear proof from day one. Strong evidence includes the crash report, EMS and hospital records, photos, location pins, traffic-camera or store-camera video, damaged clothing or gear, and regular treatment notes from your doctors. Your attorney can send preservation letters to stores and agencies, request 911 audio, and obtain vehicle data when needed. Timely medical visits also show your pain and link it to the crash.
Insurance Coverage and Medical Bills
Pedestrian cases often involve several insurance sources. Florida requires drivers to carry certain coverages; personal injury protection is a key part of Florida’s system and helps pay medical bills after crashes.In addition, uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance can help if the driver has little or no coverage and may protect you even when you are a pedestrian.
We map all available coverages, handle billing issues, and work with providers so you can focus on healing.
Why Choose Justin C. Johnson & Associates for Street Crossing Cases
If you need a pedestrian accident lawyer near Florida, our firm blends experience with personal attention. We have represented injured people across Florida for more than 25 years and have been voted the #1 Personal Injury Attorney in St. Petersburg in 2024, 2021, and 2019. We rely on client referrals for about 95 percent of our work and operate on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
Founding partner Justin C. Johnson holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been named a Super Lawyer every year since 2011. Attorneys Kevin M. Cooper and Elizabeth L. Bauerlein work alongside him, bringing a caring, responsive approach to every file. Our case results include actual payments from $50,000 to $15,000,000, and about 95 percent of cases settle between $50,000 and $750,000. Each case is unique, but our trial-ready stance often moves insurers to pay fairly. We offer comprehensive support, from the first call to resolution.
How Our Walking Accident Injury Claim Process Works
Our walking accident injury claim process is simple and focused on you. First, we listen to your story and review the crash facts at no cost. Next, we launch a fast investigation: we request the police report, secure video, contact witnesses, and track your medical care.
Then we calculate losses, including medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, pain, and the effect on your daily life. We negotiate with insurers and keep you updated at every step. If an insurer refuses to be fair, we are ready for trial. We work to ensure you understand options before any decision.
Damages You May Recover as a Pedestrian
As a pedestrian, if you get injured due to an accident involving a vehicle, then you are entitled to seek compensation for various types of damages. These may include medical treatment expenses, including hospital bills and rehabilitation costs, and any future care that may be required.
You can seek compensation for lost income, future earning capacity, pain, suffering, emotional distress, and effects on family relationships. Family can file wrongful death claims for damages in fatal cases.
Your Options When Dealing with a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident
If the driver runs away, there are fewer ways to get compensation, but options still exist. A hit-and-run lawyer can make the process easier for your claim. You must report the crash immediately to the police and provide any available information about the vehicle, such as the make, model, or license plate. Also, ask nearby businesses or witnesses for security footage.
Your own insurance can be critical. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for damages when the responsible motorist cannot be identified or pays for the damages. We work with law enforcement to gather evidence and find video footage, and we communicate with the insurance companies so that you receive your benefits as soon as possible.
Important Deadlines to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida
There are strict time limits in Florida for filing a lawsuit against the at-fault vehicle following a pedestrian injury. Usually, you have two years from the date of an accident to pursue a negligence action, so failing to do so can bar you from taking action and recovering damages.
In fact, the process must be initiated as soon as possible. Of course, there could be exceptions or even special circumstances affecting these two years, and so we advise you to consult with an attorney soon to confirm your deadline and keep your rights preserved.
How Justin C. Johnson & Associates Establishes Liability
We explain how the at-fault driver failed to exercise reasonable care, establishing liability. It includes the identification of unsafe behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield at a crosswalk. We support our claims with evidence, including, but not limited to, scene photos, black box data, cell phone records, and expert opinions.
Additionally, we utilize safety resources from national organizations, as well as Florida-specific safety data, to identify common patterns of risk. This helps us to further develop our justification for holding a driver legally responsible for the accident and underscores the strength of our case.
Supportive, Client-Focused Service
At our law firm, we treat all our clients like family. We believe in always keeping you informed about what’s going on with your case. If you call us, you will immediately be speaking with a highly qualified attorney-and not some call center employee- so you get personalized and accurate information.
Our team, including Kevin M. Cooper and Elizabeth L. Bauerlein, reviews our case updates, answers questions in a timely manner, and makes progressive steps forward. Cooper is known for going the extra mile, while Bauerlein is respected for compassionate communication, especially in serious injury cases.
Results That Count
We focus on providing results that matter: settlements and awards that help you recover from your injuries and financial hardship. With a proven record of obtaining seven- and eight-figure settlements throughout Florida, we’re prepared to go to trial if that’s what it takes to secure the justice you deserve.
With years of success and professionalism comes an enhanced ability to negotiate favorable settlements, which often leads to swifter, more favorable offers. Our ultimate aim is always to deliver the results that mean the most to you and your family.
Get the Legal Support You Need After a Pedestrian Accident
Being hit by a car is traumatic and life-changing. While healing, you shouldn’t have to fight insurance, gather evidence, or navigate legal procedures alone. Justin C. Johnson & Associates has the experience to enforce your rights.
Voted the #1 Personal Injury Attorney in St. Petersburg for 2024, 2021, and 2019, we treat every case with seriousness, securing many seven-figure settlements. 95% of our clients come from referrals. Contact us for a free consultation and let us handle the legal fight while you recover.
FAQs
1. What should I do in the first hour after a crash while walking?
Call 911, get medical care, request a police report, take photos, and save witness contacts. Then call our team before speaking with insurers.
2. Who pays my medical bills if the driver has little insurance?
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help, even as a pedestrian, and we also pursue all at-fault policies.
3. How long does a pedestrian case take to settle?
Timelines vary with injury recovery and insurance response. Many cases resolve after treatment is documented; some require filing suit or trial.
4. Do I have a case if I was outside a crosswalk?
Possibly. Fault can be shared, and you may still recover money. Talk with us about the facts so we can assess your options.
5. How much does it cost to hire you?
We work on a contingency fee. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.