Wesley Chapel, FL Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Walking is a healthy and environmentally friendly way to get around Wesley Chapel, but it comes with risks. Pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries and life-altering consequences.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident someone else caused, the experienced attorneys at Zervos & Calta, PLLC can help. With over 50 years of combined legal experience recovering millions for our clients, we have the skills and determination to fight for you and demand the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Wesley Chapel Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents in Wesley Chapel are often caused by negligence. While every accident is unique, some common causes include:

• Failure to yield – Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, but many accidents happen when drivers ignore this law. Whether it’s due to distraction or impatience, failing to yield can result in devastating collisions.
• Distracted driving – Drivers who text, talk on the phone, or engage in other distractions often fail to see pedestrians in time to avoid an accident.
• Speeding – High-speed driving reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly to pedestrians crossing or walking along the side of the road.
• Driving under the influence – Drunk or impaired drivers pose a significant danger to pedestrians, as their reaction times and judgment are severely impaired.
• Unsafe road conditions – Poorly marked crosswalks, inadequate lighting, and broken signals can contribute to pedestrian accidents by making it harder for drivers to see and avoid people on foot.

What Types of Injuries Can Happen in a Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious, life-altering injuries due to the lack of protection pedestrians have compared to drivers. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries – A pedestrian struck by a vehicle can easily suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion due to the force of impact.
• Broken bones – Collisions often result in fractures to the arms, legs, hips, and ribs, which may require surgery and lengthy recovery periods.
• Spinal cord injuries – These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering a victim’s quality of life.
• Internal injuries – The blunt force of a car hitting a pedestrian can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, requiring emergency medical intervention.
• Lacerations and bruises – While these injuries may seem minor, severe cuts can result in infections and long-term scarring.

Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

Pedestrian accidents can occur almost anywhere, but there are some locations where these incidents are more common:

• Crosswalks and intersections – Pedestrians are most vulnerable when crossing streets, especially if drivers fail to yield or obey traffic signals.
• Parking lots – Accidents in parking lots often occur at lower speeds but can still cause significant injuries, especially when drivers aren’t paying attention.
• Residential areas – Children and pets are particularly at risk in neighborhoods where drivers may not expect pedestrians to cross streets.
• Busy streets and highways – Pedestrian accidents on highways and busy streets are often fatal due to the high traffic speed and limited visibility.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Wesley Chapel Pedestrian Accident?

In Florida, multiple parties can be held liable for a pedestrian accident, depending on the circumstances. Some potentially at-fault parties include:

• Drivers – A negligent driver who fails to yield, speeds, drives under the influence, or is distracted may be held responsible for the injuries caused to a pedestrian.
• Pedestrians – In some cases, pedestrians may share liability if they cross outside a crosswalk or disregard traffic signals.
• Government entities – If poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic lights contributed to the accident, the local government could be held partially liable.
• Vehicle manufacturers – In rare cases, defects in the vehicle, such as brake failure, could contribute to an accident, making the manufacturer responsible.

Determining liability in pedestrian accidents often requires a thorough investigation. At Zervos & Calta, PLLC, our team works with expert witnesses, reviews accident reports, and examines available evidence to build a strong case for our clients.

What Should You Do If You Have Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Wesley Chapel, it’s crucial to take the following steps to protect your rights:

• Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, some injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
• Call the police. A police report is essential to document the details of the accident and will be critical in your case.
• Gather evidence. Take photos of the scene, collect witness statements, and gather contact information from everyone involved.
• Avoid speaking to insurance companies. Insurance adjusters may try to offer you a low settlement. It’s best to consult a lawyer before speaking with them.
• Contact a Wesley Chapel pedestrian accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you seek full compensation for your injuries.

What Compensation Could Be Recovered in a Pedestrian Accident Case?

Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to recover various types of compensation, including:

• Medical bills – This includes hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any future medical care related to your injury.
• Lost wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you can pursue compensation for your lost income and any reduction in future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering – This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.

Does Florida Have a Time Limit for Filing an Accident Lawsuit?

Florida law places a strict time limit on filing a lawsuit for pedestrian accidents. The statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims in Florida allows two years from the accident date to file suit. However, there may be exceptions to this rule depending on the specifics of your case. It’s important to consult an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

Contact a Wesley Chapel, FL Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Wesley Chapel, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Zervos & Calta, PLLC will aggressively fight for you and the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. According to our clients, we make sure they are “taken care of from the start up to the very end of the process.” With offices across the Tampa Bay area and a commitment to meeting you wherever is most convenient, we are ready to take on your case. Contact us today for your free consultation to discuss your case with one of our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys.