Pedestrian accidents in Fort Lauderdale are an unfortunately common occurrence. These accidents can occur at traffic intersections and in parking lots or parking garages, among other locations. They are especially common when drivers fail to watch the road, speed, or commit other traffic law violations.
If you sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident, the Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers at The Russo Firm will fight for your rights and interests. We can swiftly investigate the circumstances surrounding your pedestrian accident, determine your legal options, and file a timely claim or lawsuit for the compensation you need.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer, please call us at (954) 767-0676 or contact us online right away.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!
Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Guide:
- How Much Is My Fort Lauderdale Third-Party Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
- Most Common Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
- Most Common Causes of Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accidents
- Common Injuries in Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accidents
- Fighting the Insurance Company in a Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Case
- Important Steps to Take Following a Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident
- Speak with an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Why Choose Us?
When it comes to recovering compensation for injuries in a pedestrian accident, you want the best possible legal team in your corner advocating for your interests. The knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers at The Russo Firm have recovered settlements in excess of $1 billion over the years. We have a strong track record of success and are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. You can review our most recent client testimonials and case results by clicking on the following links.
Our office is conveniently located at 110 East Broward Boulevard, #1700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
How Much Is My Fort Lauderdale Third-Party Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
If you’ve suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale you may be wondering how much compensation you can recover. Since Florida is a no-fault state for motor vehicle accidents, injured pedestrians can first look to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage for compensation if they or someone in their household has PIP insurance for a vehicle. If not, they may look to the at-fault driver’s PIP insurance coverage. However, if your medical expenses and lost income exceed the PIP coverage limits of $10,000 – or if you suffered a “threshold injury” – you can pursue a third-party claim against the at-fault motorist who caused your pedestrian accident.
In a third-party case, there are several forms of compensation for which you may be eligible.
- First, you can receive medical expenses. This covers the cost of hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and any ongoing treatments related to your injuries. If you need physical therapy or long-term care, these costs can also be included in your claim.
- Lost earnings are another form of compensation. If your injuries have prevented you from working, you can claim the income you’ve missed out on during your recovery. This may also include future lost income if your injuries will affect your ability to work in the long term.
- Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical and emotional distress resulting from the pedestrian accident. This is more subjective, as it depends on the severity of your injuries and how they have affected your quality of life. The more severe the circumstances, the higher the potential compensation.
- Emotional distress damages can be claimed if you’re experiencing significant psychological effects due to the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Proving this type of damage often requires medical testimony.
- Loss of consortium can be pursued if your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse. This compensation addresses the loss of companionship and support due to your injuries.
- Punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless. These are meant to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Most Common Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
In Fort Lauderdale, pedestrian accidents often occur due to driver negligence:
- Busy intersections are among the most common locations for pedestrian accidents. Areas like the intersection of Broward Boulevard and Federal Highway are notorious for high traffic volumes and complex traffic patterns. Drivers may become distracted or fail to yield to pedestrians, which results in dangerous situations. Crosswalks at these intersections are especially risky if drivers are not attentive to pedestrians.
- Shopping areas and parking lots are another hotspot for pedestrian accidents. Places like The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale and surrounding retail centers see a great deal of foot traffic. Drivers navigating these crowded areas may be focused on finding parking or dealing with traffic congestion, often leading to collisions with pedestrians who are crossing or walking through the parking lot.
- School zones are also common locations for pedestrian accidents. Schools such as Fort Lauderdale High School and the surrounding areas experience heavy foot traffic during drop-off and pick-up times. Drivers may be in a hurry and not pay close attention to crossing guards or pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Residential neighborhoods with high traffic volumes can also be dangerous. Streets near popular residential areas, such as those close to the Riverwalk, may not have adequate pedestrian crossings or signage. Drivers in these areas may not expect pedestrians and may be less vigilant, especially during early morning or late evening hours.
- Major roads and highways are significant risk areas, too. Roads including U.S. Route 1 and Interstate 595 are often fast-moving and lack pedestrian infrastructure, making it hazardous for pedestrians who may need to cross or walk alongside these roads.
- Lastly, beachfront areas and popular recreational spots such as Fort Lauderdale Beach often have a high concentration of pedestrians. Drivers who are distracted by the view or searching for parking may overlook pedestrians, leading to accidents.
Most Common Causes of Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accidents
Driver negligence can lead to pedestrian accidents in Fort Lauderdale in several ways:
- One major cause is distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or using other electronic devices often fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street or walking on sidewalks. When drivers are not fully focused on the road, they may not see pedestrians in time to stop or yield properly.
- Speeding is another key factor. Drivers who speed have less time to react to pedestrians. When a driver is going too fast, it becomes harder to stop quickly if a pedestrian appears suddenly. This increased stopping distance can lead to serious accidents.
- Running red lights or stop signs is also a common form of negligence. Drivers who ignore traffic signals may enter crosswalks when pedestrians are crossing, leading to collisions. These violations are particularly dangerous in busy areas where pedestrians may expect drivers to follow the rules.
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of pedestrian accidents. An impaired driver’s reaction time slows down, and their ability to judge distances and spot pedestrians decreases. This creates a hazardous situation for anyone walking near the road.
- Failing to yield to pedestrians is another frequent issue. Some drivers do not stop for pedestrians at crosswalks or fail to give the right of way when required. This can occur when drivers are impatient or do not understand traffic laws related to pedestrian right-of-way.
- Driving too close to the curb is another dangerous behavior. When drivers do not maintain a safe distance from the edge of the road, they risk hitting pedestrians who are walking near the curb or waiting to cross.
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals that regulate pedestrian traffic can also lead to accidents. For example, a driver may ignore signs indicating pedestrian crossings or other warnings meant to protect people on foot.
Common Injuries in Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident victims in Fort Lauderdale can suffer a range of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting effects. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head injuries are among the most severe types of injuries. Victims can suffer concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) if a vehicle strikes them or they hit the ground hard. TBIs can result in cognitive issues, memory loss, or long-term impairment, making them particularly devastating.
- Spinal cord injuries are also significant. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting a person’s ability to move their limbs or control bodily functions. This kind of injury often requires extensive medical treatment and can lead to permanent disability.
- Bone fractures are also common in pedestrian accidents. Victims may break bones in their legs, arms, ribs, or pelvis due to the impact of the collision. Fractures often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation, and they can leave lasting effects, such as chronic pain or limited mobility.
- Internal injuries can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. These injuries involve damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, and may not be immediately apparent. Internal bleeding or organ damage can require urgent medical intervention and extended recovery.
- Soft tissue injuries include damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Sprains, strains, and tears can cause significant pain and limit movement. Although they may not be as immediately visible as fractures or internal injuries, soft tissue injuries can still affect a person’s daily life and require rehabilitation.
- Road rash or abrasions occur when a victim’s skin scrapes against the pavement. These injuries can be painful and prone to infection, potentially requiring specialized wound care.
- Emotional and psychological trauma can also result from pedestrian accidents. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the trauma of the accident and its aftermath.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Case
Fighting an insurance company in a Fort Lauderdale third-party pedestrian accident case involves several strategic steps to ensure you receive fair compensation. Here’s how we can help you through this process at The Russo Firm:
- Gathering Evidence: First, we’ll collect and analyze all relevant evidence from the accident. This includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage. Solid evidence establishes liability and the extent of your injuries, which are crucial for your claim.
- Evaluating Your Claim: We’ll assess the full effect of the accident on your life, including medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects. This comprehensive evaluation helps determine the fair amount of compensation you should seek.
- Dealing with Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts. We will handle all communication with the insurance adjusters, ensuring that they don’t pressure you into accepting a low settlement or making statements that may hurt your case.
- Negotiating Settlement: With your best interests in mind, we will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. We know the tactics insurance companies use and can push back against low offers to secure a more reasonable amount for your damages.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory settlement, we are prepared to file a lawsuit. This legal action can help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve, and it shows the insurance company that you are serious about pursuing your claim.
- Representing You in Court: If your case goes to trial, we will represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguments to support your claim. Our goal is to fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
By taking these steps, we work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your pedestrian accident injuries and losses.
Important Steps to Take Following a Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident
Following a pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale, taking the right steps is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Seek Medical Attention: Follow all medical advice, complete your treatment to ensure full recovery, and document your injuries thoroughly.
- Gather Documentation: Collect and preserve all relevant documents. This includes medical records, accident reports, photos of the scene and your injuries, and any correspondence with insurance companies. Detailed records will support your claim and help in negotiations.
- Contact a Lawyer: Speak with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At The Russo Firm, we will aggressively advocate on your behalf to secure fair compensation.
Speak with an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Pedestrian accidents in Fort Lauderdale can lead to debilitating and sometimes permanent injuries. If you sustained injuries in a pedestrian collision, the attorneys at The Russo Firm will advocate for you and pursue the financial recovery you deserve for your injuries and other losses. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorney, please call us at (954) 767-0676 or contact us online today.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!
The Russo Firm – Fort Lauderdale Office
110 E Broward Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 767-0676