Pedestrian accidents injure thousands of people and claim hundreds of lives in Florida every year. The state has a unique blend of tourists, families, and retirees that enjoy great weather year-round.
Unfortunately, Florida’s roads weren’t designed with foot traffic in mind, which is why it is the most dangerous state in the U.S. for pedestrians.
If you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident in Cocoa Beach, Florida, consider reaching out to the experienced personal injury attorneys at DeGraff Hicks Law Group by calling us at (321) 44-SHARK.
Our Cocoa Beach pedestrian accident lawyers have the necessary knowledge, experience, and resources to help you stand up to the insurance companies and fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
What Are Some of the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents in Cocoa Beach, FL can occur for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common include:
- Speeding
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving
- Inadequate lighting
- Passing stopped vehicles at a crosswalk
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Dangerous road design
- Disregarding weather or traffic conditions
- Malfunctioning traffic lights
- Failure to keep a proper lookout
- Disobeying traffic signals or signs
The Cocoa Beach pedestrian accident lawyers at DeGraff Hicks Law Group can investigate your case to determine all the factors likely to have contributed to it and ensure that the responsible parties are held liable. Call us today at (321) 44-SHARK to schedule your free consultation.
What Are Some of the Common Injuries Associated with Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrians generally have little to no protection from the impact of cars and often suffer serious injuries in accidents.
Here are some of the most common types of injuries associated with pedestrian accidents:
- Head injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures caused by impact with the vehicle.
- Fractures: Broken bones, particularly arm, leg, pelvis, and ankle fractures are commonly reported in pedestrian accidents.
- Internal injuries: Serious injuries such as damage to major organs such as the liver and spleen or internal bleeding from forceful impact.
- Back injuries: Pinched nerves, disc herniations, and paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries.
- Lacerations and abrasions: Major wounds, cuts, and scrapes suffered during the collision.
- Psychological trauma: Medical health impact such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD due to an accident.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent scars that result from skin grafts, lacerations, and surgery.
- Burns: First, seconds, and third-degree burns from fire if the accident involved vehicle fire.
- Lifelong disabilities: Lingering issues such as chronic pain, loss of mobility, or long-term function.
- Whiplash: Soft tissue neck and back injuries resulting from sudden acceleration or deceleration.
- Amputations: Loss of limbs after being run over.
Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in Florida?
Florida law gives pedestrians certain rights and protections, but the right of way depends on where and how a person is crossing the street.
Florida law outlines when pedestrians do and do not have the right of way:
When Pedestrians Have the Right of Way
- Crossing at a marked crosswalk.
- Crossing at an intersection with traffic signals (when they have a “walk” signal).
- When a driver is making a turn into a crosswalk where a pedestrian is legally crossing.
- In school zones or areas with crossing guards present.
When Pedestrians Do Not Have the Right of Way
- Crossing against a traffic signal (e.g., “don’t walk” light).
- Jaywalking or crossing outside of a designated crosswalk.
- Walking along highways or restricted areas where pedestrian access is prohibited.
- Entering the roadway suddenly, not giving drivers reasonable time to react.
Because these laws can be complex and often misunderstood, disputes about who had the right of way are common in pedestrian accident cases. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer near you can review the facts, determine liability, and help you pursue full compensation.
Who is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?
Liability in a pedestrian accident depends on the facts of the case and Florida’s comparative negligence law. Both drivers and pedestrians can share responsibility, and determining fault often requires careful investigation.
When Drivers May Be Liable
- Failing to yield at a crosswalk or intersection.
- Driving while distracted, speeding, or under the influence.
- Ignoring traffic signals or stop signs.
- Striking a pedestrian in a school zone or residential area.
When Pedestrians May Share Liability
- Crossing outside of a designated crosswalk (jaywalking).
- Entering the street suddenly, without giving drivers time to react.
- Crossing against traffic signals.
- Walking in prohibited areas, such as highways.
Shared Liability Under Florida Law
Florida follows comparative negligence rules, meaning fault can be divided between drivers and pedestrians. For example, if a pedestrian is found 30% at fault, their compensation may be reduced by that percentage.
Because liability can be disputed, having an experienced Cocoa Beach pedestrian accident lawyer is critical. Your pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate police reports, witness statements, video footage, and accident reconstruction evidence to establish fault and fight for fair compensation.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims in Florida
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Cocoa Beach, it’s important to know that you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action. Under Florida law, most personal injury claims—including pedestrian accident cases—must be filed within two years of the date of the accident.
Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. Acting quickly is also important because evidence like surveillance footage, accident scene details, and witness memories can fade with time.
An experienced Cocoa Beach pedestrian accident lawyer can review your case, make sure your claim is filed on time, and begin building a strong case while evidence is still fresh. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
What to Do if You Have Been Involved in a Pedestrian Accident?
You want to protect your rights the best way possible following a pedestrian accident to increase your chances of being fairly compensated for your injuries.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Florida, you should take the following steps:
- Get to a Place of Safety: You could still be in danger. So, avoid lying in the middle of the road if you can move to the ride of the roadway.
- Get the Vehicle Information: Pedestrian accidents are usually caused by hit-and-run drivers. Note the vehicle color, make, model, and tag number.
- Call 911: Don’t assume that someone will contact first responders. Do it yourself and tell the dispatcher your name, exact location, nature of your injuries, and a description of the vehicles involved.
- Take Pictures: To preserve the accident scene while it’s still fresh, document it with pictures and video. Take photos of road markings, street signs, visible injuries sustained, damage to the vehicle, skid marks, debris on the road, and anything else you believe can strengthen your case.
- Seek Medical Attention: You should still seek medical attention even if you feel fine. It’s important to do this so that you can establish a baseline should any injuries appear in the days following the accident. You should also follow the directions given by the medical practitioner.
- Contact a Lawyer: To ensure that your rights are adequately protected, call the experienced Cocoa Beach pedestrian accident lawyers at DeGraff Hicks Law Group. We can offer you a free, no-obligation consultation.
How Can a Cocoa Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me?
If you are the unfortunate victim of a pedestrian accident, you might assume that it’s easy to recover compensation from the at-fault driver. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The insurance provider can contest liability entirely.
It’s usually very difficult to prove the value of your losses following a serious injury.
Fortunately, hiring an experienced Cocoa Beach pedestrian accident lawyer can help in the following ways:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the accident
- Gathering the evidence required to prove your case
- Handling all the paperwork and claims process
- Working with experts to strengthen your claim
- Determining how much the case is actually worth
- Negotiating aggressively for the maximum possible compensation.
Why Should I Choose DeGraff Hicks Law Group?
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Cocoa Beach, Florida, you should consider hiring DeGraff Hicks Law Group to represent you.
We will:
- Explain your legal rights and educate you about the merits of your case during your free, no-obligation consultation.
- Conduct a thorough investigation into your pedestrian accident to determine how it happened and who is liable.
- Collect evidence from all the available sources to build a strong case and prove that the at-fault party owes you damages.
- Identify the at-fault party, contact their insurance provider, and ask them to pay you fair compensation without unnecessary delays.
- Handle all negotiations with the insurance company and fight hard to ensure that they don’t offer less than you deserve.
- Represent you at trial, if necessary, by speaking on your behalf in the courtroom and working to convince the jury that you’re entitled to this compensation.
Our Cocoa Beach pedestrian accident lawyers are here to fight for you!
Your Recovery Starts Here—Schedule a Free Consultation with a Skilled Cocoa Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accidents can be both terrifying and serious for victims. Unlike vehicle passengers in auto accidents, pedestrians have nothing shielding them, not even a helmet like a bicyclist or motorcyclist would likely have.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Cocoa Beach, Florida, the legal team at DeGraff Hicks Law Group can help.
Our Cocoa Beach pedestrian accident lawyers pursue compensation tirelessly from negligent parties. Call us today at (321) 44-SHARK for your free, no-obligation consultation!
