Over the last year, over 3,304 people have been killed in pedestrian accidents in the U.S. Many more have been left with serious or life-changing injuries. In Tampa, Florida alone, preliminary 2025 data show 359 pedestrian crashes, resulting in 21 fatalities and 308 injuries between January and July.
If you have been hit by a car while walking, you may be unsure of what to do next. You might wonder if hiring a personal injury lawyer is really necessary or if you can handle everything on your own.
The truth is, pedestrian accidents often involve serious injuries and complex legal issues. An experienced personal injury attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
Here’s why it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer if you have been hurt in a crash as a pedestrian.
Pedestrians Often Suffer Serious Injuries in a Crash
Pedestrians have no protection in a crash, and most suffer at least some injury. At impact speeds of 15 mph or lower, more than 90% of pedestrians do not suffer severe injuries. However, even low-speed collisions can cause serious trauma or injuries that have long-term consequences. The risk of severe injury rises dramatically as speed increases.
At 25 mph, about 30% of pedestrians suffer severe injury. At 30 mph, nearly half of pedestrians are severely injured, and one out of five are killed.
Common injuries sustained in a crash include:
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Leg and knee injuries
- Shoulder, elbow, and arm injuries
- Rib injuries
After the accident, you may think you’re fine or that your injuries are fairly minor. It’s still important to get prompt medical care. Many injuries may seem minor at first or have no noticeable symptoms but worsen over time.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System Can Be Complicated
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurance company pays for certain expenses after a car accident, no matter who caused it. This applies to pedestrian accidents, too, but the rules can get tricky.
If you’re hit by a car while walking and you own a vehicle with insurance, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will pay for your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. This is true even though you weren’t driving when the crash happened.
If you don’t have your own auto insurance, you may still be covered under a family member’s PIP policy if you live in the same household. If that’s not an option, the at-fault driver’s PIP benefits can cover your damages.
But here’s the catch: PIP coverage is limited. In Florida, it only pays for 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages up to $10,000.
Florida’s “Serious Injury” Threshold Can Be Confusing
PIP does not cover pain and suffering, out-of-pocket costs, or other non-economic damages. To go beyond the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver, you must meet what Florida calls the “serious injury” threshold.
This means your injuries must involve:
- Permanent or significant loss of an important bodily function
- An injury that is likely to be permanent
- Significant, permanent scarring or disfigurement
If your injuries meet this threshold, you can file a claim against the driver who hit you and seek full compensation for all your losses, including future damages.
Navigating Florida’s no-fault rules is confusing, especially when you’re hurt. That’s why it helps to have a personal injury lawyer who can explain your rights and help you pursue the compensation you truly deserve.
You May Be Blamed for Your Pedestrian Accident
Even if you were the one hit by a car, don’t be surprised if the insurance company tries to blame you. Maybe they’ll say you crossed outside of a crosswalk, were distracted by your phone, or were under the influence. Why? Because in Florida, modified comparative fault rules directly affect how much money you can recover.
You can still get compensation if you’re partly at fault, but only if your share of the blame is 50% or less. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover anything.
Even if you’re less than 51% at fault, every percentage point of blame directly reduces your compensation.
Some people mistakenly assume that drivers are always to blame when a pedestrian is hit. The truth is, pedestrians often cause or contribute to collisions when they’re intoxicated, distracted, crossing outside a crosswalk, or engaging in other unsafe behavior.
Insurance companies have a strong incentive to shift blame. They might dig into every detail to reduce your settlement or deny your claim altogether.
If you are being blamed for the accident, it’s crucial to speak with a lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can protect you from unfair blame and fight to make sure the fault is assigned accurately based on the evidence.
You Deserve an Advocate on Your Side
A pedestrian accident can be life-changing. A lawyer doesn’t just offer legal advice and handle the paperwork; they serve as your advocate to ensure you are treated fairly.
A good personal injury attorney will carefully investigate your accident, gather evidence, and negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement that helps you move forward with your life. This allows you to focus on healing, not fighting an uphill legal battle.
The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case. Crucial evidence, like witnesses or traffic camera footage, can disappear quickly, and you have just two years to file a lawsuit.
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