Pedestrian accidents happen far too frequently in Florida. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Sunshine State has one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the nation. This growing concern affects pedestrians in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, especially as the area expands. A Department of Housing and Community Development report notes that the region’s roads tend to prioritize automobiles over other road users, highlighting the need for safer networks for people on foot.
Were you hit by a car while walking? Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe injuries with long-term consequences. When someone else is responsible for those injuries, Florida law allows victims to seek compensation for financial and personal losses. The legal team at Holliday Karatinos Law Firm can help you demand it.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience representing injured Floridians, and we bring a professional and personalized approach to every case. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
Table of contents
- Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian-Car Accident?
- Types of Compensation Available for a Pedestrian Accident Claim
- Florida Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims
- How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?
- St. Pete’s Dangerous Roads for Pedestrians
- Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
- Why Choose Holliday Karatinos Law Firm for Your Claim?
Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian-Car Accident?
Many different parties could be liable for a Pinellas County pedestrian accident, including:
- A negligent driver who failed to stop at a crosswalk, made an unsafe turn, or drove while intoxicated
- The at-fault driver’s employer, if the driver was performing job-related tasks at the time
- A government entity or construction contractor that failed to maintain the roadway, such as by neglecting to repaint crosswalk stripes or install signs warning drivers of pedestrian traffic
- A private property owner, such as the operator of a parking garage that failed to install safety mirrors at blind corners
- A mechanic who negligently repaired a driver’s brakes, leaving them unable to stop in time to avoid a pedestrian in their path
- An automaker or parts company that manufactured defective components that affected a driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely
In some cases, multiple parties share liability for an accident. A thorough investigation by an experienced attorney can help you identify each responsible party to pursue fair compensation.
Types of Compensation Available for a Pedestrian Accident Claim
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This means your initial source of compensation is likely your own auto insurance policy, even as a pedestrian. Under Florida Statutes § 627.736, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits generally provide up to $10,000 in medical and work-loss benefits, covering 80 percent of your reasonable and necessary medical expenses and 60 percent of your lost wages. If you don’t have PIP, you may still pursue benefits from a relative’s policy, provided you live in the same household.
If the person who hit you was at fault for the accident, they may owe you additional compensation for:
- Eligible medical bills not covered by PIP
- The full amount of your lost income, as well as reduced earning potential
- The repair or replacement costs for damaged personal property
Note that Florida Statutes § 627.737 limits the recovery of damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience. To recover these non-economic damages, an accident victim must meet at least one of the law’s criteria:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
A pedestrian injury attorney can help you evaluate the potential value of your claim based on your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and other losses.
Florida Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(a), pedestrian accident victims generally have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims against government entities are subject to special notice requirements and different deadlines (Florida Statutes § 768.28). In either case, filing after the applicable deadline can cause the court to dismiss your case. Protect that right by contacting Holliday Karatinos Law Firm to learn the statute of limitations for your pedestrian injury claim.
How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?
Many factors affect how much your pedestrian accident case could be worth, such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- Your medical costs
- How your injuries affect your life, both now and in the future
- Available insurance coverage of the at-fault driver or other party
- Whether liability is disputed
The experienced pedestrian accident lawyers with Holliday Karatinos Law Firm can evaluate your case’s potential value after reviewing the facts, evidence, injuries, and available insurance coverage.
St. Pete’s Dangerous Roads for Pedestrians
The Safe Streets Pinellas Action Plan identifies several roadways with concentrations of fatal and serious-injury crashes, including portions of:
- Park Boulevard
- Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard
- Bay Drive
- 4th Street
- 38th Avenue
- U.S. 19
The plan also examines safety concerns at specific locations, including Alternate U.S. 19 near Curlew Road.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are at a high risk of catastrophic injuries when they’re hit by motor vehicles. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Traumatic amputation
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Cuts and lacerations (“road rash”
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue damage
Why Choose Holliday Karatinos Law Firm for Your Claim?
Legal issues are always complicated, but they’re especially challenging when you’re badly hurt and trying to put your life back together. You don’t have to navigate the confusing legal system alone. The St. Pete pedestrian accident attorneys at Holliday Karatinos Law Firm can pursue your case on your behalf while you rest and heal.
Injured pedestrians choose us because:
- We offer the personalized attention of a small firm with the capacity to handle even the most complex cases. Each case is unique, and you deserve more than a cookie-cutter approach to seek full and fair compensation. Our law firm has the resources to investigate the accident fully and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
- We will put your needs first and treat you with respect and compassion. That is our pledge to you. When you pursue compensation, you may face pushback from insurance companies — even your own — as they look for ways to limit your payout. We’re here to protect your interests and challenge attempts to undervalue your claim.
- We strive to achieve the best possible outcome for every client. We work quickly to preserve critical evidence and work with qualified experts, when needed, to build a robust case. Our experience with insurance companies helps us challenge efforts to minimize or deny valid claims during settlement negotiations. But if they won’t make you a fair offer, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. We don’t back down when a client’s future is on the line.
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, which means there are no upfront fees and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
The first step is a free case evaluation. Contact Holliday Karatinos Law Firm to arrange a consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in St. Pete.
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