Orlando Pedestrian Accidents Attorneys
For more than 35 years, Wieland & DeLattre, P.A., has provided dedicated personal injury representation to people in Florida. You can rely on our attorneys’ experience and commitment to clients.
Our Orlando pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to help you hold negligent drivers accountable for your injuries and other losses. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, our personal injury lawyers are here for you and your family. We offer a free consultation.
What Is A Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident happens when a motor vehicle hits a person in the street, on the sidewalk, in a parking lot or garage, in an alley, or in a driveway. Any type of motor vehicle can cause these accidents, including:
- Cars and other passenger vehicles
- Semi trucks, vans and other commercial vehicles
- Garbage trucks
- Buses
- Motorcycles
- Motorized scooters
- Taxis and ridesharing vehicles
- Airport shuttles
Was your injury caused by another kind of vehicle? Contact us to see if we can help.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents In Florida?
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles data, there were over 10,000 pedestrian accidents in 2023. Nearly 800 of them were fatal. Additionally, more than 1,400 people suffered debilitating injuries.
These statistics show the devastating effects of pedestrian accidents on the victims. If you or a family member was injured, you will need a lawyer’s help to recover compensation that addresses your needs.
What Damages Are Available After A Pedestrian Accident In Florida?
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you can recover economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include:
- Lost wages and benefits
- Loss of earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of contributions to the household
Noneconomic damages cover things such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Physical disfigurement
- Emotional trauma/mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of a loved one/loss of consortium
The exact type and amount of compensation you may recover depends on the specifics of your personal injury or wrongful death case.
Who Can Be Liable For Orlando Pedestrian Accidents?
In the majority of cases, the driver of the vehicle is liable for a pedestrian accident. If the driver is distracted, under the influence, driving recklessly or speeding, or ignoring traffic laws, they can be liable for the accident.
In some cases, however, the pedestrian is partially or completely at fault. If they were negligent and did not look before crossing the road, for example, they may be held liable. They can also be liable if they were intoxicated or distracted.
There are pedestrian accident cases in which the city or municipality is at fault. If roads are not properly maintained, traffic signs are obscured or missing, or traffic signals are not working, the accident may be the fault of the city. These are complex cases that require experienced personal injury attorneys.
If the vehicle was impaired by a defective part, the auto manufacturer may be held liable for the accident.
What If I’m Partially At Fault?
Florida uses a comparative negligence system to determine fault in accidents. This means that if a pedestrian is partially responsible for the accident, they can still recover compensation, but the amount will be reduced by the percentage of their liability. So, if a pedestrian is 30% at fault for the accident, their settlement or jury award will be reduced by 30%. We can explain whether this applies in your case.
What To Do If You’ve Been Hit As A Pedestrian?
The following steps can help you and your case after a pedestrian accident:
- If you are able, call 911 immediately and move off the road
- Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Exchange information with the driver
- Do not admit fault for the accident
- Speak with a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible
Getting medical attention should be your priority, but these other steps are also important if you can manage them.
We Offer A Free Consultation To Discuss Your Pedestrian Accident
Don’t wait to get started on your case. We will investigate the accident and determine who is liable. We’ll handle all of the paperwork and the insurance company lawyers. Contact us in Orlando today at 407-841-7699 or send us an email.