Clearwater Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in a pedestrian accident in Clearwater, FL? If so, you could be facing serious health issues, expensive medical bills, and reduced income from time off work. You deserve the time and space to focus on your health right now, not to worry about how you’ll make ends meet. That’s why you should turn to the experienced team at Zervos & Calta, PLLC for help.

Our compassionate legal team understands the challenges of recovering meaningful compensation after a Clearwater pedestrian accident. At Zervos & Calta, PLLC, we take the time to carefully review your situation and outline your options for pursuing compensation for your injuries. For years, we’ve worked to protect pedestrian accident victims’ rights and advocate for maximum compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. We take pride in the results we’ve accomplished and are eager to put our skills to work on your behalf.

If you are struggling after a Clearwater pedestrian accident, contact our office today for a free case review.

What Are Clearwater’s Laws for Pedestrians?

Under Florida law, pedestrians:

• Have the right of way at designated crosswalks, intersections, and stop signs
• Must yield the right of way outside of designated crosswalks
• Must obey traffic signs and signals
• Must use sidewalks whenever they are available
• Cannot stand on Florida roadways to solicit rides from motorists

Violating these regulations is a noncriminal traffic infraction. However, a violation does not necessarily make a pedestrian solely responsible for a subsequent collision.

What Are the Most Frequent Locations in Clearwater for Pedestrian Accidents?

Unfortunately, statistics show Florida is one of the deadliest states in the nation for pedestrian accidents, ranking number two overall. Further studies show that the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area is the fourth deadliest area in the United States for pedestrian accidents.

Intersections are dangerous spots for pedestrians, as they often require passing in front of oncoming vehicles.

Some of the most risky intersections in Clearwater for pedestrians include:

• SR 686 and 34th Street N.
• SR 60 and Belcher Road
• Fort Harrison Avenue and Chestnut Street
• Fort Harrison Avenue and Court Street
• U.S. Highway 19 and Drew Street
• U.S. Highway 19 and Gulf to Bay Boulevard

Other areas considered hazardous to bikers and pedestrians because of heavy traffic flow include Missouri Avenue, Gulf to Bay Boulevard, Drew Street, and Court Street.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Driver error is the most common cause of pedestrian accidents in the United States. When drivers ignore their surroundings, they risk overlooking pedestrians around them. Some of the most hazardous driver behaviors include:

• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Drowsy driving
• Failing to yield to pedestrians
• Speeding
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Turning into intersections without looking both ways

Although less common, mechanical defects, bad weather, and road defects can also lead to significant pedestrian accidents.

What Types of Injuries Occur in a Pedestrian Accident?

Unfortunately, flesh and bone is no match for over 3,000 pounds of steel and fiberglass. Pedestrians hit by vehicles are often left with severe injuries that can develop into long-term complications. Even low-speed accidents can be devastating for pedestrians.

Some of the injuries that commonly occur in pedestrian accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Contusions
• Burns
• Soft tissue injuries
• Road rash
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Other neck and spine injuries
• Organ damage
• Internal bleeding

Traumatic pedestrian accidents can also lead to mental health concerns such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Does Florida No-Fault Insurance Also Apply to a Pedestrian Accident?

An injured pedestrian may have a Florida car insurance policy or live in a household with someone who does. In that case, they may be able to turn to their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for compensation for their injuries. Basic PIP policies cover:

• 80 percent of crash-related medical costs
• 60 percent of their lost regular income
• Death benefits

If an injured pedestrian does not have PIP coverage, the policy of the driver who hit them may apply.

How Do I Prove Who Was At Fault for the Accident?

If the driver who hit you was at fault for the accident, you could also be entitled to file a lawsuit against them seeking additional compensation.

To prove the motorist is at fault for the accident, you need evidence like the following:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Photographs and videos of the accident scene
• Traffic cam, surveillance, or dashcam footage
• Medical records

Gathering vital evidence can be challenging, especially if you’re still recovering from injuries. However, you do not have to do it alone. An experienced Clearwater pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate the collision for you. They’ll take the evidence they uncover to build a solid case on your behalf and present it to the at-fault driver’s insurer. If the insurer won’t accept liability, your lawyer can take the case to court and demand compensation before a judge or jury.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Case in Florida?

The statute of limitations in Florida allows only two years from the date of an injury to file suit. Filing a case after the two-year deadline means you could lose the ability to recover maximum compensation for your financial losses. Don’t risk that happening – get in touch with an attorney today.