Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents – being struck by a car, truck, motorcycle, or another motor vehicle – are almost always caused by driver negligence or recklessness. Victims of pedestrian accidents often face severe, debilitating injuries, costly medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. When a pedestrian is seriously injured in an accident that was not their fault, they are entitled to compensation.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Flagler or Volusia County, you need to assert your right to compensation. From the medical costs of your injuries to lost wages from missing work, you may be entitled to a significant financial recovery.

The negligent motorist who hit you could and should be held accountable. At Rue & Ziffra Law Offices, we are committed to fighting for the rights of injured pedestrians in Volusia and Flagler Counties. We have been serving personal injury victims in Florida since 1976, and we have a successful track record of helping clients collect the full and fair compensation they deserve.

 If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident in Florida, you should be compensated—not only for your financial losses but also for the pain and suffering you have had to endure.

The Flagler and Volusia County pedestrian accident attorneys are committed to protecting your best interests and serve as your advocate throughout the legal process. Insurance companies may try to approach you with a low offer or deflect blame to another party. We’ll work hard to a full and fair settlement that covers all your bills, lost wages, and suffering.

Call us now at 1-800-JUSTICE to schedule a free initial consultation.

Types of Pedestrian Accidents

Some of the most common types of pedestrian accidents in Florida include:

Vehicles that back into pedestrians: A vehicle backing out of a parking spot or a driveway can hit a pedestrian if the driver is not aware of their surroundings.

Vehicles that hit pedestrians on the side of the road: When a pedestrian is walking along the side of the road, a vehicle can sideswipe them if they do not see the pedestrian, or if they lose control of the vehicle. This often occurs at night when pedestrians are harder to see.

Pedestrians crossing when vehicles are turning left: If a car is making a left turn at an intersection, they could strike a pedestrian if the person is crossing the intersection where the vehicle is turning into. Motorists need to be aware of pedestrian crosswalks at intersections, as well as watching for oncoming traffic when turning left.

Work or play accidents: When children play in residential areas, there is always the chance they may run into the street after a ball or while playing tag or another game. Construction workers may have to work on roadways that require them to be in the middle of the street. Drivers should always reduce their speed in residential and work zones.

Off-road accidents: These pedestrian accidents take place off of the road, such as when a vehicle leaves the road and strikes a pedestrian on a sidewalk or when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian standing close to the edge of the road, such as someone waiting at a bus stop.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are typically caused by negligence or the inattentiveness of a driver. However, a pedestrian who is not taking reasonable care for their own safety can also contribute to an accident. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

Improper Lane Use
Unmarked Crosswalks
Left-Hand Turns
Distracted Drivers
Impaired Drivers
Reduced Visibility at Night
Rubbernecking
Speeding
Inexperienced Drivers
Quiet Cars
Jaywalking
Rolling stops
Inclement Weather

Types of Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents

Common types of pedestrian accident injuries include:

  • Soft tissue injuries: Strains, sprains, tears, dislocations, contusions, lacerations are all forms of soft tissue injuries. While it usually takes less time to recover from a soft tissue injury than other more severe pedestrian accident injuries, these injuries can cause severe pain, scars, and long-term issues.

  • Broken bones: Pedestrians frequently break their arms, hands, wrists, legs, back, and shoulders in accidents. Fractures are often extremely painful and can cause long-term problems.

  • Internal Injuries: Many pedestrian accident victims do not realize they suffered internal injuries until they start experiencing serious effects. Among the most common types of internal injuries are internal bleeding, rib fractures, and brain bleeding.

  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are some of the most serious and permanent injuries you can suffer. The spinal cord transmits signals from your brain to your body. Damage to the spinal cord can interfere with many aspects of your daily life. Partial or total paralysis can result from a spinal cord injury.

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): This catastrophic injury can have permanent consequences. In pedestrian accidents, it is not uncommon for the pedestrian to suffer a serious blow to the head when struck by a car. TBI victims can experience a host of issues, including memory loss, loss of consciousness, depression, and insomnia.

  • Amputation injuries: When struck by a vehicle, a pedestrian can sustain an amputation injury or an injury to a limb that is so severe that it requires amputation.

Types of Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents

In Florida, drivers are required to exercise “due care” to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pedestrians are allowed to walk on highways, as long as they are walking on the shoulder or to the extreme edge of the highway. When walking on the shoulder of a two-way street, pedestrians should walk only on the left side of the roadway.

According to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, pedestrians are required to follow the directions of any official traffic control device, including posted signs and traffic signals. When pedestrians are crossing an intersection with the flow of traffic facing a green light, cars are required to give the right-of-way to the pedestrians. Vehicles crossing the sidewalk must give the right-of-way to all pedestrians walking on the sidewalk. The only time pedestrians shouldn’t cross at a green light is if there is a pedestrian-specific light stating otherwise.

Pedestrians facing a yellow light shouldn’t try to cross the street if they are still on the curb. Only those already in the road should continue crossing. And when motorists are turning right at a red light, they should give the right-of-way to the crossing pedestrians.

It is unlawful for a pedestrian to step in front of a vehicle in a way that creates an “immediate hazard.” Pedestrians should never cross a street diagonally. Pedestrians are required to give right-of-way to emergency vehicles.  

Frequently Asked Questions

After a serious injury or accident, victims and their families have many questions in mind. We encourage you to contact us today for a free consultation, so we can personally address all your questions and concerns.

Meanwhile, these are a few of the most common questions we hear from our clients.

Can I sue for my pedestrian injuries in Florida?

Yes, but only if the driver of the vehicle was at fault for causing the accident. If you were a pedestrian in the crosswalk when a car struck you, you can sue. On the other hand, if the driver did not cause the accident, the pedestrian may not sue.

The driver may be held liable for damages in a negligence case, which may include:

  • Medical bills
  • Funeral expenses if the pedestrian dies
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium


If you are injured as a pedestrian in Florida, you have four years from the date of injury to bring a personal injury case. For a wrongful death case, it’s two years.

Florida follows the pure comparative negligence standard. This means that even if a pedestrian is 90% responsible for their accident, they can collect 10% of damages. A jury would examine the situation and assign fault between the two parties based on the facts and circumstances of the case.

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Flagler or Volusia County, seeking compensation with a lawsuit can be confusing and intimidating. The experienced Florida pedestrian accident attorneys at Rue & Ziffra Law Offices can help. As a personal injury law firm with over four decades of experience, we have the resources to devote to your pedestrian accident case.

We will act quickly to locate witnesses and preserve evidence before it is lost or destroyed. Oftentimes, we look at the cell phone records of the at-fault driver to determine if they were distracted by talking or texting at the time of the collision. We will identify all the potentially liable parties in your pedestrian accident, broadening the pool of insurance funds available to you.

The Flagler and Volusia County pedestrian accident lawyers at Rue & Ziffra Law Offices can conduct a thorough investigation of your case, protect your rights, and make sure that you do not say anything that could compromise your claim. We will fight for the maximum compensation that you need and deserve. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at 1-800-JUSTICE today.

Office Locations

Port Orange

632 Dunlawton Ave.
Port Orange FL, 32127
Phone: (386) 221-2957

Deland

101 N. Woodland Blvd.- Suite 201
Deland, FL 32720
Phone: (386) 204-0086

Palm Coast

4879 Palm Coast NW - Suite 1
Palm Coast, FL 32137
Phone: (386) 433-2168

Lake Mary

1540 International Pkwy - Suite 2000
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: (407) 259-4485

Winter Park

941 W Morse Blvd.
Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone: (407) 634-2250

Orlando

7380 W Sand Lake Rd.
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 329-3976
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