Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is a city built for sunshine and movement. From the scenic strolls along the St. Pete Pier to the bustling sidewalks of the Grand Central District, being a pedestrian is part of our local way of life. However, Florida consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous states for people on foot.

If you or a loved one was struck by a vehicle, the physical and financial consequences are often devastating. At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges of Florida insurance laws and the tactics used by defense teams to minimize your suffering. We’ve been helping clients like you since we opened our doors in 1955. Our aggressive approach has paid off. Our team has recovered more than $675 million in various personal injury claims.

You can trust Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers to fight to maximize your compensation award. Just contact our St. Petersburg law office to schedule a free consultation today at (727) 591-3354.

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a person traveling on foot is struck by a motor vehicle. These incidents can involve cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, or other vehicles sharing the road.

Pedestrian accidents are often severe because pedestrians have little protection from the force of impact. Even when a driver is traveling at moderate speeds, a collision can lead to catastrophic injuries.

Common injuries from pedestrian accidents include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Head and traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Severe lacerations or road rash
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

In the most tragic cases, pedestrian accidents can result in fatalities. Families may then need legal guidance when pursuing a wrongful death claim.

How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents?

Florida is one of the most dangerous states in the U.S. for pedestrians. In fact, a recent report shows that Florida is one of five states that account for almost half of all pedestrian fatalities nationwide.

In 2020, 8,106 motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians were reported in the state of Florida. At least 713 of those pedestrian accidents were fatal.

People walking around the St. Petersburg-Tampa-Clearwater metro area are especially vulnerable to harm. A study conducted by Smart Growth America identifies this metropolitan area as the 8th most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians.

Florida Department of Motor Vehicles and Highway Safety reports back that up. At least 32 pedestrian deaths and 438 pedestrian crashes were reported in Pinellas County in 2020. That’s more than one pedestrian accident every single day.

Florida Pedestrian Laws

Florida has specific laws designed to protect pedestrians and promote safer roads. Understanding these rules can help determine liability when an accident occurs.

Some important pedestrian laws in Florida include:

• Right-of-way in crosswalks: Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections.
• Pedestrian responsibilities: Pedestrians must obey traffic control devices and signals, such as “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” indicators.
• Sidewalk usage: When sidewalks are available, pedestrians are generally required to use them rather than walking in the roadway.
• Walking along roads without sidewalks: If sidewalks are not present, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder facing traffic when possible.

Even if a pedestrian may have partially contributed to an accident, Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning an injured person may still recover compensation if another party shares fault.

Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Often Happen in St. Petersburg?

While an accident can happen on any quiet residential street, certain corridors in St. Petersburg are notorious for high-risk interactions between vehicles and pedestrians. Data indicates that arterial avenues pose the highest risk due to higher speed limits and heavy commuter traffic.

Frequent "hot spots" for accidents in St. Pete include:

• 4th Street North: Historically ranked as one of the riskiest roads in the city for severe crashes.
• 34th Street (US-19): A high-volume corridor where speeding and red-light running are common.
• 5th Avenue North: A major artery where pedestrians often cross to reach medical facilities or local businesses.
• Downtown Intersections: Areas like 1st Avenue North and 28th Street North, where heavy nightlife traffic meets high pedestrian density.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are often preventable and usually occur due to driver negligence. When motorists fail to follow traffic laws or drive responsibly, pedestrians can suffer the consequences.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers using smartphones, adjusting navigation systems, or engaging in other distractions may fail to notice pedestrians.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of injuries in a crash.
• Failure to yield: Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way at crosswalks or intersections.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly affects a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
• Poor visibility: Accidents often occur at night or during poor weather conditions when drivers fail to watch carefully for pedestrians.
• Running red lights or stop signs: Ignoring traffic signals can lead to devastating collisions with pedestrians crossing legally.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident can be complex. While drivers are frequently responsible, other parties may also share fault depending on the circumstances.

Potentially liable parties may include:

• Negligent drivers: Motorists who speed, drive distracted, or fail to yield are commonly responsible for pedestrian accidents.
• Employers: If a driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may be held liable.
• Government entities: Poorly designed intersections, malfunctioning traffic signals, or inadequate crosswalks may contribute to accidents.
• Vehicle manufacturers: In rare cases, defective brakes or other vehicle malfunctions may play a role.

Our St. Petersburg pedestrian accident attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and determine who should be held accountable.

Compensation Available for Injured Pedestrians

Pedestrian accidents can result in overwhelming financial and emotional burdens. Medical treatment, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation can quickly add up.

Victims may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In fatal pedestrian accidents, surviving family members may also pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Florida?

For accidents occurring after March 2023, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. It is critical to act quickly to preserve evidence.

Can I still recover money if I wasn't in a crosswalk?

Yes. While "jaywalking" may result in a portion of fault being assigned to you, Florida law still requires drivers to exercise "due care" to avoid hitting anyone on the road. You can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible.

What if the driver fled the scene (hit and run)?

Hit-and-run accidents are tragically common. In these cases, we can help you file a claim through your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or seek other avenues of recovery.

How much is my pedestrian accident claim worth?

The value of a claim depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term effects of the accident. An attorney can evaluate your case and estimate potential compensation.

What should I do after a pedestrian accident?

If you are able, seek medical attention immediately and report the accident to law enforcement. Gather contact information from witnesses and document the scene if possible. Speaking with a pedestrian accident attorney can help protect your legal rights.

How Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrians are prone to devastating injuries if hit by a car. After all, they have nothing to protect them. Serious injuries come with serious expenses. It can feel like an uphill battle to pay for your medical bills and recoup your lost wages after an accident.

You need and deserve money–but you know that the insurance company won’t hand it over without a fight. You might wonder how you can possibly handle a legal battle on top of everything else. 

At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we have over 300 years of combined experience. When the stakes are this high, you can count on us to protect you. Our team includes Board Certified attorneys, “Super Lawyers,” “Rising Stars,” and Tampa Bay Magazine “Top Lawyers.”

Hiring our lawyers means you’ll have someone in your corner to:

• Handle the investigation and identify the cause of your accident
• Locate all at-fault parties who owe you compensation
• Assess the value of your claim and demand fair compensation
• Negotiate with the insurance companies to maximize your settlement 

Our personal injury attorneys aren’t afraid to take your case to court if the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation. We’re here to help in any way we can. Just call our law firm today to take the first step.

Our lawyers are prepared to help you demand the maximum compensation available. If you’re ready to get started, give us a quick call at (727) 591-3354 for a free case review today.