Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Suffering injury in a pedestrian accident can change your life in devastating ways in the blink of an eye. Tampa is a hotbed for these accidents as tourists are drawn to the warm weather and attractions like Busch Gardens, historic Ybor City, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park. If you or someone you love has sustained injury or property damage in a pedestrian accident, a skilled and experienced Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer is here to protect your rights to compensation. 

Trust the Personal Injury Team at Ronald Bone, P.A.

When it comes to personal injury cases, the team at Ronald Bone, P.A., is the team for you. Our trial lawyers are here to secure the results you deserve. We pride ourselves on our client-focused, professional, and articulate practice and have over 30 years of experience. In previous cases, we have secured millions of dollars for our clients and can work to do the same for you. While past results cannot guarantee a future outcome, we are here to support you and your injury claim. 

In the past, we have also passed a claims bill through the Florida state legislature, are AV-rated— the highest rating achievable from Martindale-Hubbell, and have been honored with a Client Champion Silver designation. We strive to bring this level of excellence to every client who trusts their personal injury to our team. 

Common Causes of Tampa Pedestrian Accidents

In a single year, the country suffers around 7,148 pedestrian accident fatalities. These accidents can take place anywhere a pedestrian comes into contact with a vehicle or bicycle, and 75.76 percent of pedestrian accidents take place outside of intersections, and a large portion takes place at night in non-lit areas. Wherever your pedestrian accident has occurred, if it happened due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, you are entitled to compensation.

Understanding the cause of your pedestrian accident is the first step in uncovering liability in a personal injury case. At Ronald Bone, P.A., we can review the evidence available in your case, determine the cause, and thereby identify who the liable party, or parties, is. In Tampa, the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Speeding. When a driver is operating their vehicle at higher speeds, it can reduce their ability to stop and increase their risk of hitting a pedestrian who walks into their path. Additionally, in cases of speeding, the injuries are typically much more severe and can even be fatal. 
• Failure to yield. Many drivers can forget to allow pedestrians the right of way, particularly in crosswalk areas, which can increase the risk of injury or death for individuals attempting to cross the roadway. 
• Distracted driving. When a driver takes part in any behavior that takes their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel, they are driving distracted. In a single year, around 3,275 people are killed because of distracted driving. Many of these victims are pedestrians, as distracted drivers are more likely to not notice a person attempting to cross the street. A common action of distracted driving includes texting and driving. 
• Impaired driving. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol will struggle to react in a necessary way to pedestrians who are lawfully crossing the road. 
• Inexperience. Brand new drivers may not be as familiar with roadway rules, which can cause them to not understand the rules when it comes to stopping or yielding to pedestrians. 
• Reckless driving. When a driver engages in reckless driving, it can pose a huge risk to individuals on foot. Common behaviors of reckless driving include excessive speed, road rage, disregarding roadway rules, and making sudden and dangerous maneuvers. 
• Poor visibility. Tampa is no stranger to poor weather. Conditions like fog, heavy rain, or intense wind can harm a driver’s ability to see the roadway around them and any pedestrians that might be present, especially at night in darkly lit areas. 

At Ronald Bone, P.A., we know these common causes and use this knowledge to determine liability. Whoever is to blame for your pedestrian accident and resulting injuries, we can identify them by first understanding the cause.

What You Should Do Following a Pedestrian Accident

If you have been struck by a vehicle on a Tampa roadway, it is important that you take certain steps in order to protect your health and your rights to file a future claim. We understand that this is an overwhelming and terrifying moment in your life, and it is only natural for you to feel panicked and uncertain. The smartest thing you can do in this moment is to remain calm and take the following actions:

• Seek medical attention. In most cases of pedestrian accidents, severe injuries are common. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, you could be suffering from invisible injuries that can prove life-threatening if not addressed right away. If you are able to, move yourself to a place of safety off the road and call 911. If you are physically unable to do so, ask a nearby witness to call for medical services. 
• Report to the police. In addition to calling for medical services, you should also call the police and make them aware of the accident. This can allow the police to create an official report of the accident, which can act as a vital piece of evidence in your case and can include details such as the location of the accident, who the at-fault driver is, and the contact information of any eyewitnesses. 
• Collect evidence. If you are physically capable, you should try to collect further pieces of evidence, including photos of your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, and the site of the accident. You will also want to exchange contact information with the at-fault driver, but under no circumstances should you admit to fault. Even saying a seemingly simple “I’m sorry” can be seen as admitting fault in the accident.
• Contact an attorney. As soon as you can, you need to reach out to a lawyer. At Ronald Bone, P.A., we are here to listen to your side of the story and do whatever is in our power to secure the compensation and justice you deserve. 

How to Avoid a Pedestrian Accident in Tampa

Because Florida sees some of the highest percentages of pedestrian accidents in the country, it is important to be aware of how you can protect yourself when out and about in Tampa. In order to minimize your risk of being hit by a reckless or negligent driver, you can take the following actions:

• Use the sidewalk. No matter where you are on your walk, it is important that you stay as far from the road and traffic as possible. If you are in an area without sidewalks, walking in a way that allows you to face traffic can help them spot you and mitigate any risk of hitting you. 
• Remain visible. If you are strolling at night or in an area where there is poor visibility, it is always wise to wear brightly colored clothing and stick to places that are well-lit. 
• Remain cautious at crosswalks and intersections. When you are crossing the street, even in places where you have the official right-of-way, you need to make eye contact with any approaching driver to make sure they have seen you. Do not try to cross if it seems the driver does not notice you or is not slowing down. 
• Avoid certain distractions. Many pedestrians walk while enjoying music, but if you are about to cross the street, you should remove your headphones and remain alert as you advance. 

FAQs

Q: What Damages Can I Recover in a Pedestrian Accident?

A: In a pedestrian accident in Tampa, there are several damages you may be able to recover depending on the severity of your injuries and property damage. These damages include all related medical bills, lost wages or the loss of employment benefits, loss of future earning capacity, physical pain and emotional suffering, loss of the enjoyment of life, possible punitive damages, and wrongful death damages. 

Q: What Are the Most Common Injuries a Pedestrian Can Sustain in Florida?

A: There are several injuries that a pedestrian can sustain in a Florida accident. These injuries include broken bones and fractures, internal organ or nerve damage, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, spinal cord damage, which may or may not result in complete or partial paralysis, internal bleeding, road rash, amputations, crushing or pinning injuries, and even death.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle an Injury Claim in FL?

A: The amount of time it takes to settle an injury claim in Florida depends on a number of factors that may be involved in your case. These factors can include the severity of your injuries and how long it takes you to recover, the complexity of your case, the availability of evidence, and the willingness of all involved parties to cooperate. 

Q: How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?

A: In a pedestrian accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you in many ways. They can investigate the accident to collect additional evidence, determine cause and liability, negotiate with the insurance companies involved to secure a fair and full settlement, and, when a settlement is not possible, take your case to trial. 

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Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been injured while out for a walk or run, you need to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer. At Ronald Bone, P.A., we are here to secure your rights to compensation. Contact our offices today to learn more and to schedule your initial consultation with our team.