Every year, hundreds of pedestrians in Orlando are injured or killed in collisions with motor vehicles. With little protection compared to drivers, these accidents often lead to devastating injuries and life-changing consequences.
If you or a loved one has been struck while walking, you need an experienced Orlando pedestrian accident attorney to advocate for you. They can protect your rights, pursue maximum compensation, and guide you through every step of the legal process.
At The Martindale Law Group, we have more than 50 years of combined experience representing injured pedestrians in Florida. We know the challenges pedestrian accident victims face, from medical bills to lost income and long recoveries, and we fight tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Choosing the right pedestrian accident lawyer can make the difference between a rushed settlement and a fair resolution that covers your losses.
The Martindale Law Group is recognized throughout Florida for delivering results in complex personal injury cases. Our attorneys have successfully recovered millions of dollars for accident victims, including those injured in crosswalk and hit-and-run incidents.
A serious pedestrian accident can happen in seconds, yet its consequences can last a lifetime. These cases are unique because they involve a vulnerable person on foot who is struck by a motor vehicle. This means they often require careful investigation to determine the cause of the fault.
In Orlando, heavy tourism traffic, busy intersections, and roads shared by vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians all increase the risk of walking accidents. Although every case is different, here are the common types and reasons pedestrian accidents occur:
Pedestrian accidents occur for several reasons related to driver and pedestrian behavior. Some of the most common scenarios we see include:
Pedestrian accidents are often severe because people walking don’t have the same level of protection as those in cars do. This means that injuries are often more serious and have a potential lifelong impact.
Common injuries include head injuries, spine injuries, broken bones, internal bleeding, and damage to organs. These injuries can cause permanent problems or even death. If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, having the right pedestrian accident attorney can help secure the compensation you need to recover—physically, financially, and emotionally.
Although each pedestrian accident is different, many happen because of unsafe choices made by drivers or pedestrians, as well as outside factors like weather or road conditions. Knowing the most common causes helps understand how these accidents occur and why it’s important to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Here are some of the main reasons pedestrian accidents happen in Orlando:
Drivers who text, eat, adjust controls, or otherwise divert their attention can fail to see pedestrians in time to avoid a collision. This can cause devastating accidents at intersections, crosswalks, or parking lots.
High speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of injuries suffered by everyone involved—especially if one of the impacted parties is a pedestrian. That’s why accidents caused by speeding or recklessness warrant an aggressive legal response.
Florida law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Unfortunately, some drivers do not follow this rule, which can lead to serious accidents and injuries. When a driver fails to give the right-of-way, pedestrians are put at risk, especially in busy or high-traffic areas.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs affects a person’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time. This dramatically increases the risk of accidents, especially for pedestrians. Impaired drivers may not notice people crossing the street or may drive unpredictably, putting others in danger.
Many pedestrian accidents occur at night or in areas with poor lighting. Conditions like fog, rain, or darkness make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. When there is limited visibility, the risk of being hit by a vehicle increases significantly.erve.
While drivers are often responsible for pedestrian accidents, pedestrians can also contribute to dangerous situations. Crossing the street outside of designated crosswalks or ignoring traffic signals can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians in time to stop.
Without clearly marked crosswalks or sidewalks, pedestrians may be forced to cross streets at unsafe sections or share the road with vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents. Improving pedestrian pathways and crossings can help reduce these dangers.
Pedestrians who use phones, wear headphones, or are otherwise distracted may not notice approaching vehicles or traffic signals. This lack of attention can cause them to step into traffic unexpectedly or miss warning signs. Staying alert and aware of surroundings is essential for pedestrian safety.
Florida has clear laws designed to protect pedestrians and hold drivers accountable for their actions. Working with an experienced Orlando pedestrian accident attorney who understands these laws is essential for building a strong injury claim.
At The Martindale Law Group, we bring years of experience navigating Florida’s pedestrian laws to help clients achieve the best possible outcomes. We explain your rights and the legal process in plain language, so you fully understand your case and what to expect.
Under state law, pedestrians and drivers must abide by the following laws:
Under Florida Statute § 316.130, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within marked crosswalks or at intersections without traffic signals. This law aims to protect pedestrians by giving them the right-of-way in designated areas, helping to reduce accidents. Drivers must exercise caution and slow down or stop if necessary to allow pedestrians to cross safely. Failure to yield can result in serious legal consequences and liability in the event of an accident.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule when determining fault in pedestrian accidents. This means that if a pedestrian is found to be partially responsible for the accident, their compensation will be reduced by the percentage of their fault. However, if the pedestrian’s fault is greater than 50%, they may be barred from recovering any damages. This law encourages all parties to exercise reasonable care and affects how damages are calculated in personal injury claims.
In Florida, the statute of limitations (Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a)) for filing a personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident is generally two years from the date of the incident. Missing this deadline typically means you lose the legal right to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. It’s important to act promptly and consult with an attorney early to ensure all necessary paperwork is filed within the required time frame.
Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be scary and painful. But the steps you take afterwards can influence your ability to recover compensation. Safety comes first, but protecting your legal rights is just as important. Acting quickly can help preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Here’s what to do if you’re involved in a pedestrian accident:
If you’ve been hit by a vehicle while crossing the street, our experienced pedestrian accident law firm is here to help you secure justice and support your recovery.
After a pedestrian accident, victims often face significant financial, physical, and emotional challenges. Our dedicated pedestrian accident attorneys help injured pedestrians to pursue several types of compensation to help rebuild their lives, including:
Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs: Covers hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, medications, and assistive devices.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Compensation for income lost during recovery and reduced earning potential.
Pain and Suffering Compensation: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for damaged clothing, electronics, or other personal property.
Punitive Damages in Cases of Gross Negligence: Awarded in rare cases to punish reckless or intentional misconduct.
Successful compensation for a pedestrian accident case is the result of careful preparation, thorough investigation, and relentless advocacy. Our Orlando pedestrian accident law firm delivers just that. We work to gather every piece of evidence that supports your claim and present it in a way that maximizes your chance for recovery.
We approach every case with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome. We are committed to helping you move forward with confidence and the compensation you deserve.
The Martindale Law Group brings together local experience, proven results, and empathetic representation to give your case every advantage. Our team understands the challenges pedestrian accident victims face, and we know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We also handle related injury cases involving car accidents, rideshare vehicles, trucks, and hit-and-run drivers, always with the same skilled approach.
Let our experience and dedication guide you toward justice and recovery.
If you’ve been injured while walking in Orlando, don’t wait to get the help you need. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can protect your rights and build a strong case on your behalf.
At The Martindale Law Group, we understand how overwhelming life can feel after a serious accident. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way with compassionate support, clear answers, and committed legal advocacy focused on your recovery.
We offer free consultations and work on a no-win, no-fee basis—so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
In Florida, there are specific time limits for filing a car accident injury claim. The statute of limitations typically allows victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, cases involving minors or wrongful death may have a different timeline.
It’s important to act quickly after an accident to ensure that evidence is preserved, witnesses are available, and your case is filed within the statutory time limit. Delaying can hurt your chances of a favorable outcome.
Generally, you have two years from the accident date to file a claim. Depending on the case, some exceptions may apply.
Yes. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault under Florida’s comparative negligence law.
Yes. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault under Florida’s comparative negligence law.
If the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage—if it’s included in your auto insurance policy.
If the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage—if it’s included in your auto insurance policy.
Acting quickly after a car accident is crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive fair compensation. At the Martindale Law Group, we have years of experience handling car accident cases in Orlando, with a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes.
Don’t wait, get in touch with us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll go over your options and discuss possible next steps towards your successful recovery.
