Did a negligent driver or some other factor beyond your control cause a pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale that hurt you or a close family member? Whether a bicyclist clipped you on the sidewalk or a car struck you while you were crossing an intersection, you may have the right to recover compensation from those responsible.

The experienced Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers are here to fight for you to help maximize your financial recovery.

Contact our Fort Lauderdale law office or call us at (954) 231-2320 to arrange a time to discuss the details of your personal injury claim. Your initial case evaluation is free, and you won’t have to pay anything upfront for us to represent you.

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How Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Pedestrian Accident in Fort Lauderdale

Even though you may have the right to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering, getting the money you need is often an uphill battle. Those responsible for causing a pedestrian accident won’t be eager to accept responsibility. Insurance companies will work hard to find a way to deny your claim or, at the very least, minimize your payout.

Hiring an experienced attorney to represent you and advocate on your behalf can make a world of difference.

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At Hollander Law Firm, we’ve been advocating on behalf of accident victims in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida for more than 28 years. During that time, we’ve negotiated life-changing settlements and won sizable jury awards in court for our clients.

If you sustained serious injuries or losses in a pedestrian accident, you can trust that we will use every tool and resource at our disposal to help you get the best possible outcome.

A Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm will:

  • Provide you with compassionate and transparent legal advice and support throughout the process
  • Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to and caused your traffic accident
  • Enlist the aid of experts and specialists, including accident reconstructionists and medical professionals, as we work to build a strong claim on your behalf
  • Help you make the tough decisions – like whether to accept a settlement offer or have our accomplished trial lawyers litigate your case in court

Give our personal injury attorneys in Fort Lauderdale a call to learn more. There’s no charge for your first consultation.

Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Statistics

When it comes to pedestrian accidents, the state of Florida leads the nation. Statistics show that the Fort Lauderdale area is the 14th most dangerous in the United States for pedestrians. Just how common are pedestrian accidents in Fort Lauderdale? Consider the latest crash data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):

  • In 2023, 10,299 total pedestrian accidents occurred in Broward County and the Ft. Lauderdale area.
  • These accidents resulted in 8,118 pedestrian injuries and 789 pedestrian accident fatalities.

Alcohol impairment was a factor in more than 5,000 motor vehicle accidents in the area, including pedestrian accidents. The area also reported more than 105,000 hit and run crashes.

Since pedestrians don’t benefit from the protection of a passenger vehicle, helmet, or other safety gear, accidents involving those on foot tend to do a lot of harm. Most pedestrian accidents result in catastrophic injury and/or death.

What Are Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

At Hollander Law Firm, we’ve been representing pedestrian accident victims in Fort Lauderdale for nearly three decades. We’ve seen firsthand just how devastating an auto accident can be for pedestrians.

Often, pedestrians we represent are struggling with painful, debilitating injuries, such as:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Head and face injury
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Amputation
  • Crushing injury
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Lacerations and cuts
  • Damage to internal organs

In some cases, injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident are simply too severe for the victim to survive. When that happens, our law firm is there to help grieving family members pick up the pieces with a wrongful death lawsuit.

Why Are There So Many Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

On an average day in Broward County, there are anywhere between 2 and 3 accidents involving pedestrians. These accidents tend to take place in busy urban parts of the county, like Fort Lauderdale. 

Why?

Busy intersections, in particular, are a huge problem.

Fort Lauderdale intersections that tend to be the most dangerous include:

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  • A1A and Las Olas
  • A1A/Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard
  • Sunrise Boulevard and Andrews Avenue 
  • NE 26th Street and Federal Highway (U.S. 1)
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale, particularly around Broward Boulevard
  • The intersection of Oakland Park Boulevard and Federal Highway
  • 17th Street Causeway near Port Everglades

In truth, any intersection can be dangerous for a pedestrian. Often, motorists of larger vehicles navigate these crossroads aggressively. Many speed through to beat red or yellow lights, and it’s all too common for drivers to be distracted by a cell phone or electronic device. Sadly, many drivers are also simply unaware of local traffic laws and don’t understand when they have an obligation to yield the right of way.

What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents in Ft. Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale’s bustling streets and vibrant tourism industry create unique challenges for pedestrian safety. Understanding the primary causes of pedestrian accidents can help your attorney establish liability to recover compensation for you. Here are the most common factors contributing to pedestrian accidents in Fort Lauderdale:

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Drivers who are:

  • Texting or using mobile phones
  • Adjusting GPS systems
  • Eating or drinking
  • Interacting with passengers

Distracted drivers may fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or entering the roadway

Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians at:

  • Marked crosswalks
  • Intersections with pedestrian signals
  • School zones
  • Shopping areas with heavy foot traffic

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of injuries in pedestrian accidents. Aggressive driving behaviors such as:

  • Running red lights
  • Rolling through stop signs
  • Making improper turns

These pose significant risks to pedestrians legally crossing streets

Impaired Driving

Despite strict laws, impaired driving remains a serious threat to pedestrian safety. Drivers under the influence of:

  • Alcohol
  • Illegal drugs
  • Prescription medications

Impaired drivers have diminished judgment and slower reaction times.

Infrastructure Issues

Some accidents result from inadequate infrastructure, including:

  • Missing or faded crosswalk markings
  • Lack of dedicated pedestrian crossings in high-traffic areas
  • Insufficient sidewalk maintenance
  • Poorly designed intersections
  • Inadequate pedestrian signals

Bicycle-Related Incidents

While cyclists themselves can be victims of accidents, they can also pose risks to pedestrians by:

  • Riding on sidewalks at high speeds
  • Failing to signal when passing
  • Ignoring traffic signals
  • Operating without proper lighting at night

Commercial Vehicle Blind Spots

Large commercial vehicles, delivery trucks, and buses have significant blind spots that can make it difficult to spot pedestrians, particularly:

  • When making wide turns
  • While backing up
  • During lane changes
  • In busy downtown areas

If you suffered injuries or lost a family member in a pedestrian accident that wasn’t your fault, you must understand your legal rights and options. Contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney right away to discuss your case at no cost and get the legal help you need.

Liability for Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accidents and Resulting Injuries

Whether you’re struck by a car or hit by debris that’s catapulted in your direction from a nearby motor vehicle accident, you may have the right to file an injury claim and demand compensation for your injuries. In Florida, anyone who owed you a duty of care and contributed to the pedestrian accident can be on the hook, so to speak, for your damages.

Potentially liable parties could include:

  • Negligent motorists
  • Bicyclists
  • Truck drivers
  • Electric scooter operators
  • Uber and Lyft drivers
  • Employers of negligent parties
  • Government agencies
  • Transit companies
  • Companies responsible for defective safety equipment or vehicle components

Sometimes, a pedestrian will contribute to an accident, too. Under Florida’s modified comparative fault system, if they were 50% or less at fault, the pedestrian’s financial award would be reduced in direct proportion to their degree of blame. However, if the pedestrian’s share of fault exceeds 50%, the court will bar them from recovering compensation from the other party.

Our attorneys will work hard to place all due blame on the appropriate parties and push back against any attempts to blame you for the accident and your injuries.

What Types of Compensation Can a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Help Me Recover?

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Every injury claim is different. It will ultimately boil down to the specific facts and circumstances of your case. This can include the extent and severity of your injuries, whether you’re permanently disabled or unable to work, and the emotional toll the accident takes on you. 

The more debilitating your injuries and the more severe your emotional distress, the more your case will be worth.

At Hollander Law Firm, we always strive to demand and recover the full value of all damages that are available under state law.

If you’ve been hit by a car, this can include economic and non-economic awards for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation and therapy
  • Loss of consortium
  • Lost income and wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Funeral and burial expenses, if an accident is fatal.

Our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorneys will work closely with accident and injury experts to make sure that we properly value your claim. We’ll dig deep and try to really understand the extent of your suffering and how it will affect you in the future. 

How Can an Attorney Help Me Obtain Compensation for My Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

After a pedestrian accident someone else caused, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and significant physical and emotional trauma. An experienced personal injury attorney from our firm can help you secure the full compensation you deserve. Here’s how we can assist with your pedestrian accident claim:

Thorough Investigation of Your Accident

Our legal team will:

  • Gather and preserve crucial evidence from the accident scene
  • Obtain surveillance footage when available
  • Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
  • Work with accident reconstruction experts to establish fault
  • Collect police reports and official documentation
  • Document road conditions, signage, and other relevant factors

Comprehensive Documentation of Damages

We help quantify all accident-related losses, including:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Property damage

Skilled Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Our attorneys will:

  • Handle all communications with insurance adjusters
  • Protect you from making statements that could harm your claim
  • Challenge unfair settlement offers
  • Present compelling evidence to support maximum compensation
  • Navigate complex insurance policies and coverage issues

Building a Strong Legal Case

We strengthen your position by:

  • Identifying all potentially liable parties
  • Establishing clear evidence of negligence
  • Consulting with medical experts to document injury severity
  • Calculating accurate long-term cost projections
  • Preparing thoroughly for litigation if necessary

Managing Complex Legal Procedures

Our team handles all aspects of your case:

  • Filing necessary legal documents within strict deadlines
  • Ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations
  • Representing you in court proceedings
  • Managing settlement negotiations
  • Protecting your rights throughout the legal process

Maximizing Your Recovery

We fight to secure compensation for:

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Hospital stays and surgeries
  • Ongoing medical care
  • Lost income and benefits
  • Reduced future earning potential
  • Physical and emotional suffering
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Home modifications if needed
  • Other accident-related expenses

No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

  • No attorney fees unless we win your case
  • Free initial consultation
  • We advance all costs related to your claim
  • You focus on recovery while we handle your legal matters

Don’t face the aftermath of a pedestrian accident alone. Our experienced legal team will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation about your pedestrian accident case.

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Ft. Lauderdale?

If you’ve just been involved in a pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale, your immediate actions are crucial for both your safety and your potential legal case:

If You’re Still at the Accident Scene:

Move to Safety if Possible

  • Get out of the road and onto the sidewalk or shoulder
  • If you can’t move due to injuries, ask others to help protect you from traffic

Call 911 Immediately

  • Request both police and emergency medical services
  • Stay on the line and follow the dispatcher’s instructions

Document Everything

  • Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle, and your injuries
  • Get the driver’s contact and insurance information
  • Collect contact information from any witnesses
  • Note the exact location and time of the accident

Do Not Admit Fault

  • Avoid making statements like “I’m sorry” or “I should have looked”
  • Don’t negotiate with the driver or accept any immediate offers
  • Give only factual information to the police

If You’re Already Home or in the Hospital Recovering

If you’re reading this after your accident, you’re likely wondering about your legal options and how to secure compensation for your injuries. Your first priority is to contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. 

You have a limited time to file a pedestrian accident claim in Florida, and you want to preserve evidence that could support your claim. Here’s why you should contact a lawyer promptly:

  • Evidence disappears quickly
  • Witnesses’ memories fade
  • Surveillance footage may be overwritten
  • The at-fault party’s insurance company is already building its defense

You Have a Limited Time to Assert Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident in Florida

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In Florida, you must have an attorney file a pedestrian accident lawsuit for you within two years of the date of the accident. Once the statute of limitations runs out, you lose the right to file a civil personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Keep in mind that some exceptions may apply. You could have additional time to file a claim if you don’t discover your injuries right away, or if the victim was a child. However, other claims may have far shorter deadlines, such as those involving government agencies.

Regardless of how much time you have to file a lawsuit, you must contact an attorney as soon as you can. The sooner you ask for help, the sooner we can begin to investigate, gather evidence, and get to work on building a persuasive claim on your behalf. 

Request a Free Consultation With Our Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Pedestrian accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Don’t let those responsible walk away without consequence. The Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at Hollander Law Firm have successfully handled numerous pedestrian accident claims, and we’re fully committed to recovering maximum compensation on your behalf. 

We appreciate how much pain you’re in right now. You deserve to get the most from your claim so you can realize the fullest physical recovery possible. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you maximize your financial award.

Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office In Fort Lauderdale, FL

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers
1975 E Sunrise Blvd Suite# 702
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Phone: (954) 287-0566
Hours: Open 24 hours daily

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