Key Takeaways
- If a pedestrian is hit by a car in Florida, they should call 911, seek medical care, and document the accident immediately.
- Injured pedestrians in Florida can file claims for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Acting quickly after a pedestrian accident helps preserve evidence and strengthen your legal case.
If you are hit by a car in Florida, call 911 immediately, seek medical attention, document the scene, and avoid speaking with insurance companies before consulting an attorney. These steps protect both your health and your legal rights.
A pedestrian accident can be a very overwhelming experience. The pain, shock, and confusion you might feel at the scene can make it difficult to think clearly or make quick decisions. Knowing what steps to take right after an accident can help protect your health, support your case, and secure your future.
At Justin C. Johnson & Associates, we have spent more than 25 years helping injured pedestrians across Florida. Our team focuses on protecting your rights, gathering evidence, and securing fair compensation for your losses.
What Happens When You Get Hit by a Car
Being struck by a vehicle can have serious and lasting consequences. The effects depend on the severity of the impact, but many people experience shock and disorientation immediately after the accident.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Spinal injuries
- Internal injuries
Unlike occupants of a vehicle, pedestrians have no physical protection during a collision. Even low-speed impacts can result in devastating injuries that require emergency treatment, hospitalization, and extended recovery time.
This is why the actions you take immediately after the crash matter so much for both your health and your legal claim.
What to Do If You Are Hit by a Car
Taking the proper steps after being hit by a car can protect both your health and legal rights.
- Call 911 immediately
- Move to a safe location if possible
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine
- Do not admit fault
- Document the accident scene with photos
- Contact a Florida pedestrian accident lawyer
These steps help preserve evidence, protect your rights, and strengthen your case.
Can a Pedestrian Sue After Being Hit by a Car in Florida?
Yes, a pedestrian can sue after being hit by a car when the driver acted negligently or violated traffic laws. Florida law allows injured pedestrians to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Many pedestrian accidents occur because drivers fail to yield, speed, drive distracted, or ignore traffic signals. Even if a driver tries to shift blame, pedestrians often have strong legal protections, especially when walking in crosswalks, sidewalks, or areas where drivers should expect foot traffic.
Justin C. Johnson & Associates handles pedestrian accident cases involving serious injuries, including head trauma, spinal injuries, and long-term disabilities. Our firm has secured settlements ranging from $50,000 to $15,000,000 for injured clients.
What Happens If You Hit a Pedestrian With Your Car in Florida
Drivers who hit a pedestrian must stop, call 911, and provide assistance. Florida law requires drivers to remain at the scene of the accident.
Law enforcement will investigate the collision. If the driver violated right-of-way laws, ignored traffic signals, or acted carelessly, they may face fines or criminal charges. The pedestrian has the right to pursue compensation for all damages related to the crash.
Justin C. Johnson & Associates represents injured pedestrians and focuses on proving liability and recovering full compensation.
Why Medical Care Matters Immediately
Seeking medical care right away protects your health and connects your injuries directly to the accident. Delaying treatment can make recovery more difficult and may allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries came from another cause.
After a pedestrian accident, you should:
- Get evaluated by emergency responders
- Follow up with a doctor or hospital
- Request imaging tests if needed
- Keep all medical records
These medical records are critical in proving the extent of your injuries and supporting your compensation claim.
Protecting Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident
Protecting your rights starts with acting quickly. Evidence can disappear within days, and witness memories fade over time.
An experienced attorney can:
- Gather surveillance footage
- Interview witnesses
- Review police reports
- Document injuries
- Handle insurance communications
Justin C. Johnson & Associates provides direct access to your attorney, keeps you informed, and helps you understand every step of the process.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
Holding negligent drivers accountable requires strong evidence, legal experience, and a commitment to pursuing full compensation. Our firm has secured significant settlements, including seven-figure and multimillion-dollar results.
Insurance companies recognize our trial-ready approach, which often leads to higher settlement offers.
Get Help After a Pedestrian Accident in Florida
If you have been hit by a car in Florida, Justin C. Johnson & Associates can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation.
Contact our office in St. Petersburg today for a free consultation. Our team is committed to helping you through every step of the legal process, so you can focus on recovery.
FAQs
1. What should I do first after being hit by a car in Florida?
Call 911 immediately and request medical assistance. If it is safe, document the scene with photos or notes to help support your case.
2. Should I speak with the driver’s insurance company after a pedestrian accident?
No. It is best to have an attorney handle communication with the insurance company to ensure your rights are protected and your claim is not undervalued.
3. How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Florida?
Florida has strict deadlines for filing injury claims, so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to seek compensation.
4. What if I was not in a crosswalk when I was hit by a car?
You may still have a valid claim. Drivers are required to remain alert and watch for pedestrians in many situations, even outside of crosswalks.
5. How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
We do not charge any upfront fees. You only pay if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.