Pedestrians in Pompano Beach, Florida, are often involved in accidents with vehicles, which may lead to stress, trauma, and confusion. But what should you do if you find yourself in this situation?
A qualified pedestrian accident lawyer in Broward County can help you claim monetary damages for your medical bills, lost income from lost work, physical pain, and emotional trauma.
Here at Long & Jean, P.A., we represent clients on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t have to pay out of pocket for our legal services. Call today for a free consultation.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are Especially Serious
As of July 10, 2025, there have been 5,222 pedestrian crashes and 273 pedestrian fatalities in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Nationwide, pedestrians accounted for 16 or 17% of total traffic fatalities from 2017 to 2021.
Unlike drivers and passengers, pedestrians have no seatbelts, airbags, or other protective measures to shield them from harm when hit by a car. As we’ve seen many times over the years, this can result in serious injuries or, in the worst-case scenario, death. Even a low-speed collision can cause serious health complications for a pedestrian.
The Risks of Distracted or Speeding Drivers
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. If a driver looks away from the road, even for a few seconds, they might end up hitting a pedestrian.
Speeding is another leading cause of pedestrian accidents. In many cases, the faster a car travels, the greater the force of impact. This can lead to more serious injuries.
Why Florida Has Some of the Highest Pedestrian Death Rates in the U.S.
Florida is the second most deadly state for people walking, with the state seeing an average of 3,705 deaths on its roadways from 2018 to 2022. Eight of the country’s 20 deadliest metro areas for pedestrians are also in Florida.
Several factors may contribute to the high number of pedestrian deaths in Florida. For example, the government didn’t plan cities and public spaces with pedestrians in mind.
The University of Florida says:
“We’ve shaped unwalkable places that were developed in the mid-20th century when the personal vehicle was gaining popularity. Our fascination with the car and its vast potential misled us into creating sprawling, car-dominated environments, rather than walkable places.”
Broward County, and Pompano in particular, is not a pedestrian-friendly area. While both the city and county are crisscrossed with roadways and highways, not all areas have safe walkways and crossings for pedestrians. Busy areas often place parking lots far away from popular attractions, sometimes forcing pedestrians to cross hazardous roadways.
Additionally, during the tourist season, both the number of pedestrians and drivers on the roadways skyrocket. This creates a hazardous situation that disproportionately endangers pedestrians.
What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents?
Here are some of the more prevalent causes of pedestrian accidents in Broward County:
Dangerous Intersections and Crosswalk Negligence
Some pedestrians are injured while trying to cross intersections when they have the right of way. This could be the result of drivers not understanding the right-of-way laws or trying to run a red light.
Intersections with inadequate signage or signals that don’t work properly can also increase dangers for drivers and pedestrians.
Drunk Driving, Speeding, and Driver Inattention
Drunk driving can increase the chances of a pedestrian accident. Alcohol slows reaction times and judgment. It can also cause drivers to swerve into pedestrian lanes or onto the sidewalk.
Speeding is another major cause. The higher the speed is, the longer it takes for a vehicle to stop. Additionally, it makes the car much more dangerous.
Texting while driving and other distractions are also common causes of car accidents. This poses an even greater danger for pedestrians, as they often present a much less visible profile than vehicles.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
In a pedestrian accident, one or more parties may be responsible, such as the driver, a government agency, or, in rare cases, the pedestrian.
Drivers aren’t always automatically responsible in a pedestrian accident. A court can determine liability by examining negligence, which means failure to take proper care when doing something. For example, a pedestrian may be liable if they try to cross a busy road when they are not supposed to.
When the Driver Is Clearly at Fault
A driver may be at fault for a pedestrian accident if they fail to exercise reasonable care when driving. They could be liable if they are speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or texting on their phone.
Can I sue for being hit on a crosswalk in Florida?
There may be times when the city is responsible for a pedestrian accident. This could happen if malfunctioning traffic signals or a poorly maintained crosswalk caused a driver to have a collision. In these instances, someone may be able to sue the city for unsafe conditions with the help of a good pedestrian accident lawyer.
Common Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects
Some common injuries that can arise after a pedestrian accident include:
- Broken bones: These may occur in the arms, legs, shoulders, or other parts of the body. While broken bones can heal over time, some people might require expensive surgery to fix injuries.
- Back injuries: A back injury can lead to long-term pain and mobility problems. Treatment might include surgery, chiropractic care, or physical therapy, all of which may cause the injured person to lose income from time off work.
- Head injuries: A pedestrian hit by a car can develop lifelong head injuries, leading to headaches, loss of coordination, and speech issues.
- Mental health problems: A pedestrian accident may not just cause physical complications but mental health ones, too. For example, someone might develop depression, sleeping issues, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an accident. This can affect their relationships and ability to work.
What to Do Right After the Accident
Here’s what to do after getting hit by a car as a pedestrian:
- Protect yourself from further harm: Lying in the roadway can lead to a secondary collision. If possible, try to move to the shoulder or the sidewalk.
- Call 911: The sooner you can get first responders en route, the better. The dispatcher will want to know your exact location, a description of the vehicle that hit you, including the license plate, and the nature of your injuries.
- Ask witnesses to remain on scene: Most people will stop when they see a pedestrian get hit by a car, but once they realize that help is on the way, they may leave. Ask witnesses to stay or get their contact information.
- Take pictures: The accident scene may change rapidly, so document it with your smartphone. Take photos of road signs, vehicle damage, visible injuries, debris on the roadway, skid marks, and anything else you think might be important.
- Allow EMTs to examine you: Pedestrian accidents often result in some kind of injury. Allow paramedics to examine you and, if necessary, transport you to the ER. In any event, follow up with your physician.
- Contact an attorney: An experienced lawyer specializing in personal injury cases can provide guidance on next steps and protect your legal rights.
- Contact your insurer: Finally, notify your insurance company about the accident. They will ask you for information about what happened, including the time of the accident and whether you have any injuries. Under Florida’s no-fault insurance system, you may receive personal injury protection (PIP) benefits to cover costs that result from your accident if you own a vehicle and have insurance. However, there are several conditions you need to meet to qualify.
Protecting Your Health and Legal Rights
It’s important to prioritize both your health and legal rights after a pedestrian accident. Getting medical attention straight away can help you get the proper treatment and prevent further injuries.
Consulting with a legal professional will increase your chances of securing fair compensation, especially if you are unable to work or have mental trauma after your accident. Legal professionals can also help you step outside of Florida’s no-fault system, allowing you to seek additional damages on top of any PIP benefits you may receive.
Why Early Legal Help Makes a Difference
The earlier our personal injury lawyers become involved in your case, the more likely it is that we can get you the best possible compensation. Insurance companies may try to contact you for a settlement, but don’t accept an offer before you speak to a professional pedestrian accident attorney.
In Florida, you usually only have two years from the date of your accident to pursue legal action, so it’s important to act quickly.
Check out answers to frequently asked questions about motor vehicle injuries.
Suing for a Pedestrian Injury in Florida
The state of Florida allows pedestrians involved in an accident to pursue three types of damages. Economic damages and non-economic damages are considered compensatory in nature. Punitive damages are non-compensatory. While there are no caps for compensatory damages in Florida, punitive damages are capped at either $500,000 or three times the amount of compensatory damages, whichever is greater.
Here’s some more information about the three types of damages:
- Economic damages: These include all monetary costs associated with a pedestrian accident. All of your medical expenses and anticipated medical expenses are compensable, as are your lost wages and property damage.
- Non-economic damages: Simply reimbursing you for your monetary expenses would not be fair since you’ve undoubtedly suffered physical and emotional pain. Non-economic damages seek to compensate accident victims for the intangible costs of an accident.
- Punitive damages: The court typically awards these damages when the defendant has acted recklessly or criminally.
How Fault and Compensation Are Calculated
After a pedestrian accident, the court determines fault by evaluating the actions of all parties involved in the incident. For instance, a driver may be wholly responsible for the accident if they sped through a red light while under the influence of alcohol. In other cases, the pedestrian and the driver may share fault for the accident. It all depends on the specifics of the case.
After determining fault, the court will decide how much compensation (if any) the injured pedestrian will receive. A good personal injury attorney in Florida can help fight for the maximum compensation available by presenting a strong case.
It’s important to note that Florida now has a comparative negligence law, which affects how much compensation someone can receive. If a judge finds a pedestrian to be 50% or more at fault, they won’t receive any damages at all.
Let Our Team Stand Up for You
Long & Jean, P.A. can represent you after a pedestrian accident on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t have to pay out of pocket. Our lawyers will provide the support you need at this difficult time and ensure your voice is heard.
Services we provide include:
- Collecting accident and medical reports
- Deposing witnesses, including the driver and any passers-by
- Calculating all damages
- Hiring an accident reconstruction expert
- Issuing letters of protection to doctors
- Filing a demand letter with your insurer
- Negotiating with adjusters and attorneys
- Litigating your case in court, if necessary
If you’ve been struck by a vehicle while walking, running, skating, or on a personal mode of transportation, Long & Jean, P.A., is here to help. Call our Pompano Beach law firm today for a free consultation.