Jacksonville Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Seeking Justice for Injured Pedestrians in Florida

While accidents are an inevitable part of life, it’s important to seek justice after a wrongful injury to protect your health and financial well-being. Sadly, Florida is consistently ranked as one of the deadliest states for pedestrian accidents, making it all the more imperative for on-foot commuters to stay alert and seek sound counsel immediately if they sustain a wrongful injury on the road. 

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we understand how frightening and frustrating it can be to sustain an unexpected injury, especially when it occurs due to someone else’s negligence. Our pedestrian accident attorneys have extensive knowledge of Florida law to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. With decades of handling personal injury cases and a longstanding track record of record-breaking verdicts, our Jacksonville lawyers can zealously protect your rights while pursuing the justice you deserve. 

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Jacksonville, our skilled advocates can fight to recover fair compensation. Call (904) 295-1050 to schedule a free consultation. 

Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents in Jacksonville

Regardless of the type of accident, pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries and even death. Victims can sustain a wide range of painful injuries, such as lacerations and burns, spinal cord injuries, neck and back injuries, broken bones and fractures, soft tissue injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). 

It's essential to understand the common causes of pedestrian accidents to establish negligence and hold liable parties accountable, from reckless drivers to bicyclists to vehicle manufacturers. Common types of pedestrian accidents include: 

• Jaywalking accidents: These occur when pedestrians cross the street outside of designated crosswalks or against traffic signals. Drivers may not anticipate a pedestrian crossing in these areas, resulting in collisions.
• Intersection accidents: Intersections can be dangerous for pedestrians, especially those involving multiple lanes of traffic and turning vehicles. Pedestrian accidents may occur when drivers fail to notice pedestrians crossing or turn without checking for foot traffic.
• Parking lot accidents: Many pedestrian accidents occur in parking lots, where cars can move at varying speeds without clear patterns. Drivers may be distracted while looking for a parking spot or leaving their spot, resulting in pedestrian injuries. 
• Hit-and-run accidents: Some drivers flee the scene of an accident involving a pedestrian, making it difficult for victims to identify liable parties and recover compensation. 
• Crosswalk collisions: These accidents occur when a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. They can happen for various reasons, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to obey traffic laws.
• Dart-out accidents: This type of accident occurs when a pedestrian suddenly appears in front of a vehicle, such as someone chasing a ball or pet into the road without looking both ways, leaving the driver with little time to react. 

Who Is Liable in a Florida Pedestrian Accident?

Depending on the circumstances of the pedestrian accident, various parties may be held liable for resulting injuries. Common types of liable parties in pedestrian accidents include: 

• Motor vehicle drivers: From car operators to commercial truck drivers, negligent motorists can inflict serious harm on pedestrians. 
• Bicyclists and scooter operators: Pedestrian accidents can occur when negligent bicyclists and electric scooter operators fail to obey traffic laws or exercise reasonable prudence while riding, resulting in pedestrian injuries. 
• Vehicle manufacturers: If the accident occurs due to a defective product or part in the vehicle, the manufacturer may be partially or fully liable for damages. 
• Property owners: When the owner of a property fails to adequately warn or resolve known hazards, such as unsecured construction sites or poorly lit parking lots, they may be liable for injuries in a pedestrian accident.
• Business owners: Businesses may be liable in a pedestrian accident if their employee is responsible for ensuing injuries, such as a delivery driver hitting a pedestrian during work hours. 

Proving liability in a pedestrian accident is an essential but highly challenging part of recovering damages in a personal injury case. From negotiating with evasive insurance companies to backing up your claim with sufficient evidence, establishing critical elements in a pedestrian accident case can be complex, especially without a working knowledge of Florida law. 

Because the burden of proof rests on the injured party (plaintiff), securing experienced representation is crucial to recover damages. That’s where our seasoned attorneys come in. Our pedestrian accident lawyers can thoroughly evaluate your case to establish the necessary elements to establish liability and recover compensation. 

These critical elements include: 

• Duty of Care: You must demonstrate that the negligent party (defendant) owed you a duty of care, such as obeying traffic laws on Florida roads. 
• Breach of Duty: You must show that the defendant violated or "breached" their duty of care by acting recklessly or negligently, such as running a red light. 
• Causation: Often the most difficult step, proving causation requires you to establish that the defendant's negligence was the "proximate cause" of your injuries.
• Damages: To have a valid claim, you must show that the accident resulted in compensatory losses (damages). 

Collecting robust evidence is crucial in building a compelling case. This includes gathering police reports, eyewitness statements, medical records, and expert witness testimonies. Understanding the interplay of these elements can significantly influence the outcome of the claim, making seasoned legal counsel invaluable in these cases.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

In this video, Attorney Katie DeSantis McCranie explains the steps you can take to protect your rights after a pedestrian accident:

Compensation Available for Injured Pedestrians

After a pedestrian accident, victims may face overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and emotional trauma. Our firm helps injured pedestrians pursue full compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical bills (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members)

Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. Our attorneys work diligently to minimize your percentage of fault and maximize your recovery.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also two years from the date of death.

What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?

Call 911, seek medical attention, and document the scene. Take photos of the vehicle, injuries, and surroundings. Then, contact a Jacksonville pedestrian accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Under Florida’s comparative fault law, you can recover compensation even if you were partly responsible, as long as your fault is not greater than 50%.

What if the driver fled the scene?

Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents can still be compensated through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other legal avenues. Our attorneys can help identify your recovery options.

Do I need an attorney for a pedestrian accident claim?

Yes. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.

Call Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. today at (904) 295-1050 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.