Orlando Pedestrian Accident Lawyers - Paul Knopf Bigger

Orlando Pedestrian Accidents

Were you hit as a pedestrian by a negligent or reckless driver in Orlando? You may have the right to pursue financial relief from an at-fault driver or other liable parties for the losses you incur due to your injuries. An Orlando pedestrian attorney from Paul Knopf Bigger can help you seek compensation and accountability from the careless driver who hit you.

At Paul Knopf Bigger, we are committed to advocating for the rights of injury victims. Our attorneys and staff believe every client deserves compassionate, personalized service and dedication. With a proven track record of success at negotiating and litigating court cases, we are prepared to fight for you and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

If you suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident in Orlando, you need effective legal representation to protect your rights and interests. Contact our law firm for a free initial consultation and learn more about the legal options available to you for a pedestrian accident lawsuit.

What Are the Florida Pedestrian Laws?

Florida’s pedestrian laws give pedestrians certain rights and impose various obligations to reduce the risk of accidents and keep pedestrians safe. Some of the essential regulations for drivers and pedestrians in Florida to know include:

  • Pedestrians must obey official pedestrian traffic control devices unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
  • Pedestrians must use sidewalks wherever available and may not walk on a road equipped with sidewalks.
  • On roads lacking sidewalks, pedestrians may walk on the shoulder or left-hand edge of the roadway, facing traffic approaching from the opposite direction.
  • Drivers approaching an intersection with a traffic signal must stop and yield to allow a pedestrian with a permitted signal to cross the road.
  • Drivers must stop at a marked crosswalk to permit a pedestrian who has entered the crosswalk to finish crossing the road.
  • When a road or intersection lacks a traffic signal or signage, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
  • Pedestrians may not step onto the roadway in front of approaching traffic so close that drivers cannot safely stop in time to avoid a collision.
  • When a vehicle has stopped at an intersection or crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross, other drivers may not pass or overtake the stopped vehicle.
  • Pedestrians crossing the street other than at an intersection or marked crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to vehicular traffic. Contrary to popular belief, pedestrians do not always have the right-of-way.
  • Pedestrians must cross the road at a marked crosswalk between adjacent intersections with traffic control signals.
  • Pedestrians may not cross an intersection diagonally unless authorized by a traffic control device.
  • Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, including giving audible warnings when necessary and driving with care around a child or visibly confused or incapacitated person.

What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Many pedestrian accidents happen due to driver negligence or recklessness. Some of the most frequent causes of pedestrian accidents include:

  • Distracted driving, including looking at a cell phone and texting while driving
  • Speeding or driving too fast for road, weather, or visibility conditions
  • Reckless driving, including street racing; excessive speeding; or swerving around or through traffic
  • Aggressive driving and road rage
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Drowsy or fatigued driving
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Disregarding yield signs or pedestrian crossing lights
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way
  • Turning without signaling, checking mirrors, or looking for crossing pedestrians
  • Backing out of a driveway or parking spot without looking behind or checking mirrors

Other factors contributing to pedestrian accidents include poor visibility, low lighting, unsafe intersections, poor road designs, and defective or malfunctioning traffic signals.

How Many Pedestrians Are Killed in Orlando Each Year?

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in one recent year, there were over 9,000 pedestrian crashes statewide, resulting in 835 pedestrian fatalities. In Orange County, where Orlando is the county seat, there were more than 600 pedestrian crashes in one recent year, which led to 70 pedestrian fatalities and 541 pedestrian injuries.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

In a pedestrian accident case, the driver who hits the pedestrian is typically liable for the injuries and other damage from the crash. However, other parties may also bear responsibility for an accident and losses, depending on the circumstances. For example, if the at-fault driver was on the clock for their employer at the time of the crash, their employer could also be liable for injuries and other losses. Also, the owner of the at-fault driver’s vehicle may bear liability for a pedestrian accident if the owner negligently entrusted the vehicle to the driver.

A pedestrian accident can also occur due to a defective auto part, such as faulty brakes, that causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash. When this happens, the designer, manufacturer, or retailer of the defective auto part could be liable for crash injuries and losses.

An experienced Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer can assess your case, determine who is liable for your injuries, and identify your options for seeking compensation.

What Are Common Injuries Someone Can Sustain in a Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrian accidents can cause severe injuries, even when these crashes occur at low speeds, because pedestrians have little protection in collisions with vehicles. Some examples of common injuries that victims suffer in pedestrian accidents include the following:

  • Lacerations
  • Abrasions and road rash
  • Broken bones
  • Dislocated joints
  • Soft tissue injuries, including ligament, tendon, and muscle tears
  • Herniated spinal discs
  • Whiplash
  • Nerve damage
  • Burns
  • Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
  • Facial injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Traumatic amputation or limb loss
  • Wrongful death

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?

In a pedestrian accident claim, you can be compensated for financial and personal losses you incur due to your accident injuries. At Paul Knopf Bigger, our attorneys can help you pursue money for the following:

  • Your medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses, such as hospitalizations; surgeries; doctor’s visits; diagnostic tests; prescription pain medications; and physical or occupational therapy
  • Long-term expenses for disabilities, including home health services; personal assistance or housekeeping; medical and mobility equipment purchases; or disability accommodations
  • Loss of wages or income if you need to take time off work or transfer to a lower-paying alternate duty position during your recovery
  • Loss of earning capacity and employment benefits if your injuries cause a permanent disability that prevents you from returning to work or being gainfully employed
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress, including anxiety; depression; and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Loss of enjoyment and quality of life due to physical disabilities or visible, permanent scarring and disfigurement

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

Under Florida’s statute of limitations, you typically have two years from the date of a pedestrian accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. Two years might seem like plenty of time, but your attorney will need weeks or months to build a compelling case. If you file your suit after the statutory deadline, the court will likely dismiss your lawsuit, which means you will lose your right to pursue compensation in civil court. For these reasons, you should contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Orlando as soon as possible to ensure your lawsuit is filed promptly.

Benefits of Hiring an Orlando Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a collision with an automobile, you may have a long road to recovery. However, you don’t have to go through this challenging time alone. An Orlando pedestrian accident attorney from Paul Knopf Bigger can handle all the details of your lawsuit so that you have the time and space to focus on healing from your injuries.

When you hire our firm, you can rest assured that we are building a robust case for you by:

  • Investigating the accident and obtaining crucial evidence, such as police accident reports; surveillance or traffic camera footage; eyewitness reports; driver cell phone records; or accident scene photos and videos
  • Identifying the driver at fault for the accident and other potentially liable parties
  • Documenting your injuries and calculating your past, ongoing, and future losses to pursue the total compensation that you need
  • Filing your claims and handling negotiations with the insurance companies and defense lawyers on your behalf
  • Negotiating aggressively for the full and fair settlement that you deserve
  • Taking your case to trial when litigation gives you the best opportunity to obtain the maximum compensation

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Orlando Today

If you are a pedestrian who was hit by a motor vehicle, you may have the right to hold the driver accountable for their negligent or reckless behavior. The pedestrian accident attorneys at Paul Knopf Bigger can help you seek the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We understand the challenges you face, and we will provide you with the practical, compassionate representation you deserve.

Learn more about your legal options for pursuing financial relief and accountability from those who hurt you. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Orlando.