Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer | Competent & Compassionate Legal Support

Tampa is a beautiful city with miles of coastline and top-notch shopping, restaurants, and attractions. With resplendent sunshine and warm temperatures most of the year, Tampa also has a large volume of pedestrian traffic that must share the roads with vehicle traffic. Tragically, this leads to many pedestrian accidents each year.

If a negligent vehicle driver caused a pedestrian accident in Tampa that injured you or killed a close family member, you could obtain compensation from those responsible. Like all personal injury claims, successfully navigating a pedestrian accident injury claim and getting compensation involves a complex process, and you will need an attorney for help.

The Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers at Apex Law have extensive experience helping clients throughout the greater Tampa Metro and surrounding areas recover the compensation they need to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages and losses. We offer free consultations to review cases and advise the best legal options. Call us today at (813) 212-0955 or contact us online to request a no-case evaluation of your claim.

Why Choose Our Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyers?

At Apex Law in Tampa, led by Jeff Constantinos and Chris Castillo, we provide competent, compassionate legal representation for pedestrian accident victims. 

Our attorneys have two decades of experience handling pedestrian accident cases, and we understand the pain, suffering, and financial losses that victims endure in the short and long term.

Apex Law Firm stands out for its dedicated focus. We combine the accessibility of a small practice with the powerful resources and determination needed to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering. 

Aggressive negotiators and litigators, our pedestrian accident attorneys have the legal knowledge and experience to represent your best interests when catastrophic injuries, emotional trauma, or wrongful death have resulted from a pedestrian accident in Tampa.

Choosing Apex Law means partnering with a team that truly understands the impact of your experience and is committed to guiding you toward recovery and rightful compensation with care and professionalism. 

Schedule a no-cost case evaluation with our Tampa Pedestrian accident attorneys. We take all cases on a contingency fee to help injured parties afford the legal representation they deserve.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Tampa?

Driver Negligence

So many pedestrian accidents occur due to driver negligence. Negligent actions are those that fail to exercise the appropriate level of care in a given situation. This can include distracted driving, speeding, running red lights or stop signs, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Failure to Yield to Pedestrians

Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at intersections or crosswalks cause many pedestrian accidents. This can happen when drivers are inattentive, unaware of pedestrian right-of-way laws, or simply disregarding them.

Poor Visibility

Low visibility conditions, such as poor lighting, bad weather (rain, fog), or nighttime, make it difficult for drivers to navigate the roads safely. Drivers may not see pedestrians until it is too late, resulting in catastrophic and fatal injuries when the two collide.

Unsafe Road Conditions

Poorly maintained sidewalks, broken pavement, inadequate signs, or lack of pedestrian crosswalks can contribute to pedestrian accidents. These conditions make it difficult for pedestrians to navigate safely around drivers.

Intoxication

Drunk or intoxicated drivers, with their impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and slower reaction times, increase the chances of a pedestrian crash. Intoxication can also lead to reckless and aggressive driving behaviors, putting both pedestrians and other drivers at risk.

Inadequate Driver Awareness

Some drivers may fail to anticipate or notice pedestrians, especially in areas with high foot traffic, near schools, or in residential neighborhoods. Frequent Commuters often become complacent and may not pay enough attention to their surroundings on familiar routes, leading to unintentional, yet still liable, harm to pedestrians. 

Reckless or Aggressive Driving

Drivers who engage in reckless behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or aggressive maneuvers put pedestrians at risk. These actions can limit the time pedestrians have to react and avoid accidents.

Lack of Pedestrian Infrastructure

Insufficient pedestrian infrastructure in Tampa Bay areas, including Gulf Blvd., Veterans Expressway, and Interstate 275, causes life-threatening pedestrian accidents every year. When traffic in these areas increases, pedestrians are forced to share the road, increasing the risk of spinal cord and traumatic brain injury.

What Is My Tampa Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?

Understanding Fault, Liability, and Personal Injury Protection in Tampa 

Several factors come into play when determining the worth of a pedestrian accident case in Tampa, including who was at fault for the accident, the extent of injuries sustained, and any available personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.

Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires all drivers to carry PIP coverage, which covers medical expenses and other damages regardless of who is at fault in an accident. Both parties file claims with their own insurance companies, and PIP covers up to the amount listed in their respective policies. 

Unfortunately for pedestrians hit by a car, commercial truck, or cyclist, injuries sustained often exceed the PIP limit. In these cases, the pedestrian may be able to file a personal injury claim against the driver’s insurance company, assuming that: 

• The driver showed negligence in some way, such as speeding or disobeying traffic laws, which led to the accident. 
• The pedestrian’s injuries resulted from the accident and not a pre-existing condition.
• The pedestrian’s actions did not contribute significantly to the accident.
• The claim is filed within the statute of limitations, which is two years for personal injury cases in Florida. 

Sometimes, the other driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover the full extent of damages and injuries. More commonly, insurance companies don’t want to cover the total amount and are unwilling to pay a fair settlement. 

In either scenario, understanding how fault and liability are determined is crucial to ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. Let our pedestrian accident lawyers in Tampa help you navigate the legal process for full, fair compensation.

A Breakdown of Economic and Non-Economic Damages After a Pedestrian Accident in Tampa, FL

The value of any personal injury cases is determined by the damages incurred, both economic and non-economic. 

Economic damages can be quantified with a dollar amount, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Typical costs for economic damages after a pedestrian accident in Tampa include:

• Ambulance and Paramedic Care: $943 to $5,000+, not including mileage
• Emergency Room Visit: $1,233
• Diagnostic Testing (X-rays, CT Scans): $2,000+
• Hospital Services (surgery, ICU stays): ~$5,000 per day
• Doctor Visits and Follow-up Care: $136 to $282+ per visit
• Traumatic Brain Injury Treatments: $85,000+; $3+ million over a lifetime
• Spinal Cord Injury Treatments: $150,000+; 2+ million over a lifetime
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: $100+ per hour; $4,800 to $14,400
• Psychotherapy and mental health services: $120+ per session
• Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity: $22,880 to $60,300+ per year
• Property Damage (personal items, clothing, etc.): A few hundred to several thousand dollars
• Home Modifications and Medical Equipment: $2,000 to $25,000+
• Medications and Medical Devices: as much as $2,200+ per month

With economic damages alone, your case could be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, depending on the severity of your injuries. But that’s not all. 

Non-economic damages, which cover the more intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, can significantly increase the value of your case. These damages are determined by: 

• The severity and permanence of your injuries
• The impact on daily life, including physical limitations and mental health issues like PTSD
• Your age, occupation, and future earning potential
• Any pre-existing conditions that may have been exacerbated by the accident. 

While non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify, they can make up a significant portion of your overall case value. But that’s not all.

In extreme cases of gross negligence, where the driver showed an extreme disregard for the safety of others, punitive damages may also be awarded. These punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. 

Punitive damages in Florida are capped at three times the compensatory damages up to $500,000 maximum.

No matter how minor or severe your pedestrian accident case is, it is always worth seeking counsel and exploring legal options. With competent legal representation, you can recover the compensation needed to move forward with your life.

Why Do I Need A Pedestrian Accident Attorney In Tampa?

With a two-year statute of limitations and yet-to-be-noticed injuries, accident victims assume they can relax and let the insurance company handle their case. Not knowing how to proceed correctly, victims often end up with less than they deserve or no compensation at all. 

When you hire a Tampa pedestrian accident attorney from Apex Law Firm, you get a dedicated legal team that will:

• Evaluate your case for free. Our attorneys will listen to your story, inform you of your rights, detail your options, and answer your questions. Through this initial consultation, we can determine the strength of your case and recommend the best course of action.
• Gather evidence. Our team will thoroughly investigate your accident to gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. This evidence is crucial in building a strong case for maximum compensation.
• Negotiate with insurance companies. Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements or denying claims altogether. Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with insurance companies and will fight for your rights to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Represent you in court. Our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. We have the knowledge and experience to present a strong case on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Considering the mountains of paperwork, deadlines, and legal jargon involved in a personal injury case, having a pedestrian accident lawyer by your side is essential to proving your claim. With their help, you can focus on your recovery while they work diligently to secure the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Our Practice Areas

Apex Law Firm has represented injured victims in Florida for two decades. We are proud to offer our comprehensive and compassionate legal services in the following practice areas:

• Truck Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Wrongful Death
• Product Liability
• Medical Malpractice

Don’t spend another minute suffering from the consequences of someone else’s negligence. Let the personal injury attorneys at Apex Law Firm fight for your rights and rightful compensation.

Tampa Pedestrian Accident FAQs

What should I do at the accident scene to help my personal injury claim?

After receiving medical care, gather as much information as possible at the accident scene. This includes taking pictures of the scene and any injuries, obtaining contact information from any witnesses, and exchanging insurance information with the other parties involved.

Where do Tampa pedestrian accidents occur most?

According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Tampa’s busiest roads and intersections tend to have more pedestrian accidents. Some of the most common locations for pedestrian accidents in Tampa include Dale Mabry Highway, Bayshore Boulevard, and Hillsborough Avenue.

What is considered severe pedestrian injuries?

Severe pedestrian injuries can include but are not limited to broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage. These types of injuries often require long-term medical treatment and can significantly impact the victim’s quality of life and ability to work. 

How do I prove negligence in a Tampa personal injury lawsuit? 

A Tampa personal injury lawyer will gather evidence to prove negligence in a pedestrian accident case. This can include obtaining witness statements, reviewing surveillance footage, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts. Our experienced attorneys at Apex Law Firm know how to build strong cases using these and other effective strategies.

How long does it take to resolve a Tampa pedestrian accident case?

The duration of a pedestrian accident case can vary depending on the specific circumstances and case complexity. It is essential to work with a skilled personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your case is resolved as efficiently as possible. 

Recover Fair Compensation With A Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer from Apex Law Firm

Whether crossing the street, jogging on the sidewalk, or simply walking to your destination, being hit by a vehicle instantly alters your life. Unfortunately, nothing can undo the physical and emotional trauma of being involved in a Tampa pedestrian accident.

However, by trusting experienced Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers to provide competent, compassionate, and dedicated legal advocacy, you can recover compensation that makes healing from physical and emotional injuries easier and more manageable.  

Schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer online or at (813) 212-0955.