Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents in Tampa can be devastating, leaving victims with severe injuries and emotional trauma. Navigating the aftermath of such incidents can be overwhelming, but knowing your rights and legal options is the first step you can take to charting your path forward.

With years of experience and a proven track record in personal injury law, Dolman Law Group is dedicated to providing compassionate and aggressive representation. Our team of skilled Tampa Pedestrian Accident attorneys is ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. 

Call Dolman Law Group at (813) 303-0916 for a free consultation and let us help you navigate your legal journey.

Why Choose Our Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyers?

Our team of experienced attorneys has successfully handled numerous pedestrian accident cases, securing significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. We pride ourselves on our client-focused approach and our dedication to fighting for justice for those who have suffered at the hands of negligent parties.

One key factor that sets us apart is our commitment to litigation. Unlike many firms that opt for quick settlements, we are prepared to take your case to trial if it means obtaining the best possible outcome.

Our proven track record in the courtroom has earned us recognition from prestigious organizations, including being named among Florida Super Lawyers and members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

We have two offices in Tampa: one on West Horatio Street, just a short drive from Tampa International Airport; the other at 13529 Prestige Place, just off Florida State Road 580, making it easy for clients from across the region to access our services. With multiple offices throughout Florida and beyond, we offer the convenience and accessibility you need during this challenging time​​.

From the moment you contact us, you'll work directly with an experienced attorney who will guide you through every step of the legal process. We believe in open communication and transparency, ensuring you are informed and empowered to make the best decisions for your future.

Understanding Pedestrian Accident Compensation

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries that can have lasting impacts on a victim's life. Thankfully, compensation is available for accident survivors to help them rebuild their lives.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the tangible financial losses that result from a pedestrian accident.

These can include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for all medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical treatment required.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes both past and future income that you cannot earn due to your injuries.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Coverage for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any necessary adaptations to help you recover and regain independence​.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible effects of an accident that affects your quality of life. These can include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident and injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, resulting from the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss​​.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the at-fault party's conduct was particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may apply. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. While not applicable in every case, they can significantly increase the overall compensation if awarded.

Calculating Damages

Calculating the full extent of damages requires a thorough evaluation of both current and future needs.

Our attorneys work with medical professionals, financial experts, and other specialists to assess the total impact of the accident on your life. We consider all factors, including the severity of injuries, the long-term implications on your career and lifestyle, and any necessary accommodations or treatments.

Tampa Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Tampa's beautiful weather and numerous attractions should make it a walker's paradise. Yet, the city's ranking as the eighth most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians paints a starkly different picture.

Accident Hotspots

Studies show several areas in Tampa known for high pedestrian traffic and, consequently, a higher incidence of accidents:

• Hillsborough Avenue: A major thoroughfare that sees heavy traffic and frequent pedestrian crossings, making it a common site for accidents.
• Dale Mabry Highway: Known for its busy intersections and nearby shopping centers, this highway can be particularly dangerous for pedestrians.
• Fowler Avenue: Close to the University of South Florida, this area experiences significant pedestrian activity, particularly with students crossing to and from campus.

Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of pedestrian accidents in Tampa:

• High Traffic Volume: The city's growth and tourism contribute to increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic, raising the likelihood of accidents.
• Poor Lighting: Inadequate street lighting in certain areas can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially at night.
• Limited Crosswalks: 77% of Tampa's roads lack crosswalks or traffic control devices, forcing individuals to cross in unsafe areas​.

Alarming Statistics

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:

• On average, three pedestrian accidents occur in Tampa every day.
• In one recent year, 223 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in Tampa, marking the deadliest year on record for pedestrian fatalities.
• Tampa currently holds the highest traffic fatality rate among large metro areas in the United States.
• Alcohol is involved in 47% of crashes that result in a pedestrian death in Tampa.
• There is an average of 3.75 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people annually.
• The number of people struck and killed by drivers while walking in Tampa has increased by 45% over the last decade.

A Breakdown of Common Pedestrian Accidents and Injuries

Types of Pedestrian Accidents

• Crosswalk Accidents: These occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at designated crossings. Despite marked crosswalks, many drivers are inattentive or distracted, leading to dangerous encounters.
• Hit-and-Run Incidents: These involve drivers fleeing the scene after striking a pedestrian. Such cases can complicate the legal process, as identifying and holding the responsible party accountable becomes more challenging.
• Parking Lot Accidents: Often overlooked, parking lots can be hazardous for pedestrians. Limited visibility, inattentive drivers, and high pedestrian traffic contribute to these incidents​​.
• Intersection Accidents: Intersections are hotspots for pedestrian accidents due to traffic signals, turning vehicles, and driver impatience. Vehicles may hit pedestrians while crossing legally with the signal or when drivers fail to notice them. Busy urban intersections are the most common pedestrian accident locations nationwide.
• Sidewalk and Off-Road Accidents: Drivers who lose control or veer off the road can pose a significant threat to pedestrians on sidewalks or other non-road areas​​.

Types of Injuries

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the direct impact with vehicles.

Some common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Resulting from a direct impact on the head, TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can cause paralysis or significant mobility issues, drastically affecting a victim’s quality of life.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a collision can easily result in broken limbs, ribs, or other bones, often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation​​.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can occur upon impact, sometimes resulting in life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention.
• Lacerations and Bruises: While less severe, cuts and bruises can still be painful and require medical treatment to prevent infection and promote healing​.

Navigating Insurance Claims After a Pedestrian Accident

Insurers often prioritize their profits over fair compensation, making it challenging for victims to secure the financial recovery they deserve. Understanding the tactics insurance companies use and having the right legal representation will significantly impact the outcome of your claim.

Challenges with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are known for employing various strategies to minimize payouts, including:

• Denying Liability: Insurers may dispute liability, arguing that the pedestrian was at fault or contributed to the accident somehow. This tactic aims to reduce or eliminate their financial responsibility​​.
• Offering Low Settlements: Insurance adjusters often present initial settlement offers for far below what the victim truly needs to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Insurers typically make these offers quickly to settle the claim before the victim consults with an attorney.
• Delaying Claims: By dragging out the claims process, insurance companies pressure victims into accepting lower settlements due to financial stress or mounting medical bills.
• Exploiting Lack of Representation: Victims without legal representation are at a disadvantage, as they may not fully understand their rights or the value of their claim. Insurance companies may exploit this by offering settlements that don't reflect the true extent of damages​​.

How We Will Help Fight Back

Our attorneys employ a range of strategies to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve, including:

• Thorough Case Evaluation: We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case to determine the full extent of damages, ensuring your case accounts for all economic and non-economic losses.
• Aggressive Negotiation: Our team is skilled in negotiating with insurance adjusters, leveraging our knowledge of personal injury law and past successes to secure favorable settlements.
• Willingness to Litigate: If an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our reputation for litigation success is a powerful tool in negotiations, as insurers know we are not afraid to pursue justice on behalf of our clients​.
• Comprehensive Support: Throughout the claims process, we provide support and guidance, ensuring that you are informed and empowered to make the best decisions for your case​.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

We know you will feel shaken up after the accident, but consider your next steps as soon as possible. The following will help protect your rights and enhance your legal claim:

Preserve Evidence and Documentation

1. Document the Accident Scene:
   • If you can, take photographs of the accident scene, including the vehicle involved, your injuries, and any road conditions or signage that may have contributed to the accident.
   • Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident. Their testimonies can be crucial in establishing liability.
2. Keep Medical Records:
   • Maintain detailed records of all medical treatments related to the accident. This includes hospital visits, prescriptions, and any recommended therapies or rehabilitation.
   • Track your symptoms and recovery progress in a journal to provide a comprehensive account of how the accident has impacted your life​​.
3. Obtain a Police Report:
   • Request a copy of the police report from the accident. This document often contains valuable information about the incident, including the officer's observations and any citations issued.

Protect Your Rights

4. Avoid Making Statements:
   • Refrain from providing statements to insurance companies without first consulting with your attorney. Insurance adjusters may use your words against you to minimize your claim.
   • Be cautious about discussing the accident with others, especially on social media platforms, as opposing parties will use these statements against you in legal proceedings​.
5. Follow Your Treatment Plan:
   • Adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare providers. Failing to follow medical advice can negatively impact your claim by suggesting that your injuries are not as severe as claimed.
6. Consult with an Experienced Attorney:
   • Contact Dolman Law Group as soon as possible to discuss your case. Our attorneys can provide valuable guidance and representation, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve​.

Win Your Case With Dolman

If you or a loved one has suffered a pedestrian accident in Tampa, you don't have to navigate the legal complexities alone. Dolman Law Group can provide the support and representation you need to secure fair compensation. 

Our experienced team is ready to fight for your rights and ensure that justice is served. Contact us today at (813) 303-0916 for a free consultation and take the first step towards recovery and resolution.