Orlando Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Hurt in a Pedestrian Crash? Contact Our Orlando Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Pedestrian safety matters. Unfortunately, in Orlando and across the United States, pedestrian accidents are a serious concern. There were reported 5,977 pedestrian fatalities in 2022 alone – roughly one death every 88 minutes. These accidents often result in devastating injuries due to the vulnerability of pedestrians compared to motorists. Survivors frequently face long-term consequences and a significantly reduced quality of life. In such cases, consulting with an experienced pedestrian accidentlawyer is crucial to ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. While the process can be challenging, the Orlando pedestrian accident lawyers at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, are here to help. You deserve justice and the maximum compensation. You need a top-tier accident lawyer on your side after a pedestrian crash. We offer free consultations to discuss your Orlando pedestrian accident case and explore your legal options.

Protect Yourself: Five Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Collision in Orlando

Were you or your loved one struck by an automobile in Orlando? It is imperative that you take proactive measures to protect your safety, your well-being, and your legal rights. Insurance companies will look out for their own best interests after a collision—not what is right for you and your family. Here are five key things to do after a pedestrian accident in Orlando: 

1. Report the Accident: All pedestrian accidents that result in physical injuries should be reported to law enforcement. Make sure that your accident is reported right away to the Orlando Police Department or another law enforcement agency. 
2. Seek Immediate Care: If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, it is essential that you seek professional medical care for your injuries. Not only is protecting your health a top priority, but you will also need medical records in order to bring a successful pedestrian accident lawsuit.
3. Document the Crash: Try to proactively document your pedestrian accident lawsuit. Along with other things, it is a best practice to take photographs, get witness contact details, and write down a comprehensive account of what happened.
4. Beware of Insurers: Insurance companies are not on your side after an accident. You may get a phone call from an insurance adjuster relatively shortly after a crash. Be very careful about what you say to them. They can and will try to use your own words against you. 
5. Speak to an Orlando Lawyer: As pedestrian accident cases are complicated, the right advocate can make the difference. The best thing you can do after a major collision is to consult with a top-tier Orlando pedestrian accident attorney.

Pedestrian Accident Risk Factors

While anyone can fall victim to a pedestrian accident, certain groups are at higher risk. The CDC reports that alcohol is a factor in nearly half of all fatal pedestrian accidents, involving either the driver or the pedestrian. Additionally, older adults and children are particularly vulnerable. People over 65 account for 20% of pedestrian accident fatalities, while approximately one in five children killed in traffic collisions are pedestrians.

A pedestrian accident can happen at any time. The risk is heightened in urban areas and at night. However, there are also pedestrian accidents reported during the day and in very rural areas. If you or a family member has been involved in a pedestrian accident, you have the right to pursue a legal claim for damages. A successful claim could provide compensation for medical bills, physical pain, and lost wages.

Common Causes for Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Most pedestrian accidents are preventable. Drivers have a responsibility to be aware of and yield to pedestrians, especially in crosswalks and other designated areas. When drivers fail to follow traffic laws regarding pedestrians, it can be grounds for a personal injury claim. Here are some frequent examples of driver negligence leading to pedestrian accidents:

• Speeding: Speed is a big factor in many pedestrian accidents. Not only does speeding make a pedestrian accident more likely to happen—especially in urban areas—it makes any resulting accident far more likely to result in serious injuries to the victim.
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a serious—and growing—public safety problem in Central Florida. Texting while driving is one of the most common (and dangerous) examples. Distracted drivers must be held accountable for a pedestrian accident. 
• Red Light/Stop Sign Violations: A disproportionate share of pedestrian accidents happen at intersections. Motorists who run red lights and/or run stop signs put nearby pedestrians at risk. They should be cited for a ticket—can be held liable for a crash.
• Reckless Driving: Speeding or aggressive driving in high-traffic areas increases the risk of pedestrian accidents, particularly those involving pedestrians. Such behavior can lead to decreased attentiveness, making it more likely for drivers to overlook pedestrians until it’s too late to avoid a collision.
• Poor visibility: Many accidents occur because drivers fail to see nearby pedestrians. This is especially common in parking lots, at night, or in areas with obstructions or inadequate lighting. While not all visibility-related accidents are avoidable, drivers are responsible for staying alert and watching for pedestrians in areas with heavy foot traffic.
• Failure to Yield: A significant number of pedestrian accidents happen at intersections. Many drivers neglect to give way at crosswalks, leading to pedestrian accidents. These accidents can be particularly severe, especially if the driver is distracted and fails to notice approaching pedestrians.

Determining Responsibility in Orlando Pedestrian Accidents

Both pedestrians and motorists are required to follow state safety laws when using Florida’s roadways. As a result, either party (or both) can be held legally responsible for a pedestrian accident. Florida follows a comparative fault system, meaning an injured pedestrian may still be eligible for compensation even if they were partially at fault for the accident.

In many cases, responsibility is clear-cut. For instance, Florida law requires motorists to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks at intersections once the pedestrian has entered the roadway even without crossing signals. If a vehicle fails to yield and strikes a pedestrian in this scenario, the driver is at fault. Conversely, when there’s no designated crosswalk at an intersection, pedestrians must yield to vehicles. If a pedestrian doesn’t yield and is hit, they bear at least partial responsibility.

What to Know About Pedestrian Accident Liability in Florida

Pedestrian accident injury claims fall under state law. If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in Orange County, it is crucial that you know how Florida law operates. Here are some of the key points to understand about pedestrian accident liability in Orlando:

Florida’s No-Fault Standard Does Apply to Pedestrian Crashes:

• As described clearly by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), our state requires all motorists to obtain no-fault insurance coverage. It is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. Notably, PIP coverage can apply regardless of who was at fault for your crash. Here is a key point to know: PIP coverage can apply to a pedestrian accident. Even if you are a pedestrian who is hurt outside of your vehicle, you can bring a no-fault claim through your own PIP policy if you have such a policy.

The Party at Fault Can Be Held Liable for Serious Pedestrian Injuries:

• Not all pedestrian accident claims in Florida are no-fault claims. Quite the contrary, you may have a fault-based claim if 1) You do not have your own PIP policy, or 2) You have injuries that are so severe that they exceed the PIP coverage. You may have a claim against the negligent driver or other negligent party who caused your accident. To hold a defendant and their insurer accountable, an injured pedestrian must demonstrate that the driver was at fault. 

Modified Comparative Fault May Be a Factor:

• Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 768.81), a modified comparative negligence standard applies to motor vehicle accident claims, including pedestrian accidents. As an example, imagine that a pedestrian in Orlando is found to be liable for 30 percent of their own crash because they crossed against the traffic signal. He or she would be liable for 30 percent of their own damages. That could represent thousands of dollars, ten of thousands of dollars, or more. With that being said, Florida bars financial recovery for injured victims—including injured pedestrians—who bear liability for the majority (51 percent or more) of their own accident.  

A Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Injury Claims

Under Florida law (), there is a two-year statute of limitations for pedestrian injury claims. What happens if you wait too long to file a personal injury lawsuit? You could be denied an opportunity to recover financial compensation for your damages, including medical bills. Do not wait to take action: Speak to an Orlando pedestrian accident attorney right away after a bad crash.

Compensation for Orlando Pedestrian Accident Victims

If you have been injured by a motor vehicle while walking in Orlando, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In Florida, injured pedestrians have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages, including both economic losses and non-economic losses. Sadly, insurance companies fight hard to pay out as little as possible. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our Orlando pedestrian accident lawyers fight for our clients to receive fair compensation, which may include:

• Current medical expenses: This covers emergency services, hospital bills, diagnostic imaging, surgeries, post-operative care, travel to and from medical appointments, prescriptions, and rehabilitation.
• Future healthcare costs: Anticipated medical expenses, including future surgeries, ongoing treatments, rehabilitative care, medical equipment, and assistive devices.
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work because of accident-related injuries. Make sure your wage loss is well-documented.
• Diminished earning capacity: Compensation for decreased or lost earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or pursuing equally well-paying employment.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, and psychological issues stemming from the accident.
• Reduced quality of life: Compensation for a diminished ability to enjoy life due to accident-related injuries.
• Wrongful Death: If your spouse, child, parent, or other close family member was killed in a tragic pedestrian crash, you may be entitled to wrongful death compensation.

How Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, Can Help

The experienced legal team at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, is here to help those involved in Orlando pedestrian accidents. We are proactive and committed to delivering justice for injured victims. With a strong record and proven history, we have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for injured victims across the full range of our legal practice. Our approach to handling pedestrian accident cases includes:

• Thorough investigation: We leave no stone unturned in investigating the circumstances of your personal injury case. This includes gathering police reports, interviewing witnesses, analyzing surveillance footage, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts when necessary.
• Comprehensive damage assessment: Our team works closely with medical professionals and life care planners to fully understand the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact. This allows us to accurately calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical bills and lost earning potential.
• Skilled negotiation: We engage in vigorous negotiations with insurance companies and opposing counsel to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. With deep legal experience, we know exactly how the big insurance companies operate.
• Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our experienced Orlando pedestrian accident attorneys are prepared to take your case to court. We have a proven track record of success in litigating complex pedestrian accident and car accident cases.
• Client-centered approach: Throughout the legal process, we prioritize clear communication and compassionate support. We understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to guiding you through every step of your pedestrian accident case.
• A Drive for Results: The reality is that you need an Orlando, FL pedestrian accident attorney who knows how to get results. Above all else, our core goal is to help injured pedestrians secure the absolute maximum financial compensation.

Orlando Pedestrian Injury Cases: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Should I Look for in an Orlando Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

When choosing an Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer, look for someone with a strong track record in handling similar cases, a deep understanding of local traffic laws, a commitment to personalized client advocacy, and a proven record of results in complex claims. Experience with insurance companies and trial litigation can make a big difference.

How Much is My Pedestrian Accident Claim Likely to Be Worth?

The value of your pedestrian accident claim depends on factors that are unique to your case, including your ability to prove fault and the extent of your damages. Key issues that matter include medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other types of non-economic damages. A top-tier Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer will fight for the maximum compensation.

What should I do if I am the Victim of a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident in Orlando?

If you are involved in a hit-and-run as a pedestrian in Orlando, you should be sure to immediately call the police to report the incident. Ensure that they document everything at the scene. Beyond that, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Getting medical care is key to protect your safety and document your claim. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process. You may be able to track down the at-fault driver and/or you may have a claim against your own insurance company.

What if I am Partially at Fault for My Pedestrian Crash?

You can still recover financial compensation for your damages, even if you are found partially at fault for your own serious injuries in a pedestrian crash in Florida. Florida’s comparative negligence rule allows injured victims to recover damages despite partial fault. However, their compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Found liable for 25 percent of your own pedestrian accidents in Orlando, you will bear liability for 25 percent of your own losses.

We Represent Injured Pedestrians in Orlando On Contingency 

Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP is a boutique personal injury law firm that represents injured pedestrians on a contingency fee basis. There are no out-of-pocket costs or hourly bills to pay. Instead, our Orlando pedestrian injury lawyers only get paid when you get paid. Your initial consultation with our attorneys is always free, confidential, and carries no obligations.

Get in Touch with Our Team at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP

At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, we don’t just handle pedestrian accident cases but immerse ourselves in Orlando’s unique traffic patterns and local ordinances. Our team has successfully dealt with complex cases involving International Drive tourists, UCF students on University Boulevard, and downtown residents near Lake Eola. We have challenged inadequate crosswalk timings and fought against negligent theme park shuttle drivers.

When you work with us, you are partnering with attorneys who understand Orlando pedestrian accidents and how to leverage that knowledge for your benefit. If you or your loved one was hurt in an accident, we are here to help. Call us to schedule your appointment. We fight for the rights and the interests of injured victims in Orlando, Orange County, and throughout the wider region in Central Florida.

Reach out to Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, at (305) 371-2692 for a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation. We’re here for you 24/7, ready to answer your questions and provide the guidance you need during this tough time. Allow us to use our expertise to protect your rights and pursue the full and fair compensation you’re entitled to for your pedestrian accident injuries and losses.