Every day in Florida, thousands of pedestrians rely on crosswalks for safe passage across busy roads. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents remain alarmingly common — and when a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be devastating.
At Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, we help injured pedestrians navigate the often-complicated legal process that follows these tragic accidents. Understanding what to do after being struck in a crosswalk — and how Florida law protects you — is essential for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians. According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), thousands of pedestrian crashes occur each year, leading to serious injuries and fatalities.
Many of these accidents happen in or near marked crosswalks — areas where pedestrians are supposed to feel safest. Common causes include:
Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, or other distractions)
Speeding or reckless driving
Failure to yield at crosswalks
Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs)
Poor lighting or visibility conditions
Even a low-speed collision can result in catastrophic injuries for a pedestrian, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or internal damage.
Your health and safety should always come first. After being struck in a crosswalk:
Call 911 immediately. Request both police and emergency medical assistance.
Accept medical treatment at the scene or go to the hospital — even if you feel fine initially. Many serious injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not show immediate symptoms.
Keep all medical records, bills, and reports. These documents are critical for building your injury claim later.
Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also establishes a clear record linking your injuries to the accident — something insurance companies often challenge.
Under Florida law, any traffic crash resulting in injury must be reported to law enforcement. The responding officer will file a Florida Traffic Crash Report, which includes vital details such as the driver’s information, witness statements, and a preliminary assessment of fault.
If possible, try to collect evidence at the scene or have a family member or bystander help. This can include:
Photos of the accident scene, vehicle, crosswalk markings, and traffic signals
The driver’s license, vehicle, and insurance information
Names and contact details of witnesses
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
This evidence will play a crucial role in proving liability and supporting your personal injury claim.
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that after an auto accident, each party’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance initially covers their own medical expenses and lost wages — regardless of who caused the crash.
However, pedestrians are still protected under this system:
If you have your own auto insurance, your PIP coverage applies, even though you weren’t driving.
If you don’t own a car, you may still be eligible for PIP benefits through a household member’s policy or the driver’s insurance.
PIP generally covers:
Up to 80% of reasonable medical expenses
Up to 60% of lost wages
Death benefits (if applicable)
That said, PIP coverage is limited — typically up to $10,000, which is rarely enough for serious injuries. When your damages exceed PIP limits, you may pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
To pursue compensation beyond PIP, it must be proven that the driver was negligent. Common examples of driver negligence include:
Failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk
Running a red light or stop sign
Distracted or impaired driving
Speeding through an intersection
Florida law (Florida Statute §316.130) requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. If a driver violates this rule and hits a pedestrian, they are likely legally at fault.
However, Florida also follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you were partially at fault — for example, if you crossed against the signal or were distracted by your phone.
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help gather evidence, reconstruct the scene, and work with experts to establish clear liability.
Once liability is established, your attorney can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This process typically involves:
Investigation: Collecting all evidence, medical records, and witness statements.
Demand Letter: Your attorney sends a formal request for compensation to the insurer.
Negotiation: Both parties attempt to reach a fair settlement.
Lawsuit (if necessary): If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer can file a lawsuit in civil court.
In a lawsuit, your legal team will argue your case before a judge or jury, seeking damages for:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Long-term rehabilitation or disability
Wrongful death damages (if applicable)
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident, so acting quickly is crucial.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by disputing fault, downplaying injuries, or offering low settlements.
Before accepting any settlement or giving a recorded statement, it’s important to consult with an attorney who understands pedestrian accident law in Florida.
At Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, we handle all communication and negotiation with insurers to protect your rights — ensuring you receive the compensation you are legally entitled to.
Recovering from a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. A skilled attorney can handle the complex legal aspects while you focus on healing. At Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, our legal team:
Investigates the accident thoroughly
Coordinates with medical professionals to assess long-term impact
Identifies all possible sources of compensation
Handles all insurance correspondence and legal filings
Represents you aggressively in court if needed
We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
The value of a pedestrian accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, medical expenses, and the long-term effects on your quality of life.
Potential damages may include:
Economic damages: medical bills, therapy, medication, lost wages, and property damage
Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, emotional trauma, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages: in cases of gross negligence (e.g., drunk driving)
An attorney can assess your unique circumstances and fight for maximum compensation under Florida law.
If you or someone you love has been struck in a crosswalk, know that you are not alone. The legal process can be complex, but with the right representation, you can hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the financial recovery you deserve.
At Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, we are committed to helping Florida pedestrians rebuild their lives after devastating accidents. From filing insurance claims to pursuing lawsuits, our firm stands by your side every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in a Florida crosswalk, don’t wait to get help. Contact Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC for a free consultation today. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight for the justice you deserve.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney for guidance on their specific circumstances.
If you would like to speak to an attorney at Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, please click here.
Every day in Florida, thousands of pedestrians rely on crosswalks for safe passage across busy roads. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents remain alarmingly common — and when a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be devastating.
At Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, we help injured pedestrians navigate the often-complicated legal process that follows these tragic accidents. Understanding what to do after being struck in a crosswalk — and how Florida law protects you — is essential for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians. According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), thousands of pedestrian crashes occur each year, leading to serious injuries and fatalities.
Many of these accidents happen in or near marked crosswalks — areas where pedestrians are supposed to feel safest. Common causes include:
Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, or other distractions)
Speeding or reckless driving
Failure to yield at crosswalks
Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs)
Poor lighting or visibility conditions
Even a low-speed collision can result in catastrophic injuries for a pedestrian, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or internal damage.
Your health and safety should always come first. After being struck in a crosswalk:
Call 911 immediately. Request both police and emergency medical assistance.
Accept medical treatment at the scene or go to the hospital — even if you feel fine initially. Many serious injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not show immediate symptoms.
Keep all medical records, bills, and reports. These documents are critical for building your injury claim later.
Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also establishes a clear record linking your injuries to the accident — something insurance companies often challenge.
Under Florida law, any traffic crash resulting in injury must be reported to law enforcement. The responding officer will file a Florida Traffic Crash Report, which includes vital details such as the driver’s information, witness statements, and a preliminary assessment of fault.
If possible, try to collect evidence at the scene or have a family member or bystander help. This can include:
Photos of the accident scene, vehicle, crosswalk markings, and traffic signals
The driver’s license, vehicle, and insurance information
Names and contact details of witnesses
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
This evidence will play a crucial role in proving liability and supporting your personal injury claim.
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that after an auto accident, each party’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance initially covers their own medical expenses and lost wages — regardless of who caused the crash.
However, pedestrians are still protected under this system:
If you have your own auto insurance, your PIP coverage applies, even though you weren’t driving.
If you don’t own a car, you may still be eligible for PIP benefits through a household member’s policy or the driver’s insurance.
PIP generally covers:
Up to 80% of reasonable medical expenses
Up to 60% of lost wages
Death benefits (if applicable)
That said, PIP coverage is limited — typically up to $10,000, which is rarely enough for serious injuries. When your damages exceed PIP limits, you may pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
To pursue compensation beyond PIP, it must be proven that the driver was negligent. Common examples of driver negligence include:
Failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk
Running a red light or stop sign
Distracted or impaired driving
Speeding through an intersection
Florida law (Florida Statute §316.130) requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. If a driver violates this rule and hits a pedestrian, they are likely legally at fault.
However, Florida also follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you were partially at fault — for example, if you crossed against the signal or were distracted by your phone.
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help gather evidence, reconstruct the scene, and work with experts to establish clear liability.
Once liability is established, your attorney can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This process typically involves:
Investigation: Collecting all evidence, medical records, and witness statements.
Demand Letter: Your attorney sends a formal request for compensation to the insurer.
Negotiation: Both parties attempt to reach a fair settlement.
Lawsuit (if necessary): If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer can file a lawsuit in civil court.
In a lawsuit, your legal team will argue your case before a judge or jury, seeking damages for:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Long-term rehabilitation or disability
Wrongful death damages (if applicable)
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident, so acting quickly is crucial.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by disputing fault, downplaying injuries, or offering low settlements.
Before accepting any settlement or giving a recorded statement, it’s important to consult with an attorney who understands pedestrian accident law in Florida.
At Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, we handle all communication and negotiation with insurers to protect your rights — ensuring you receive the compensation you are legally entitled to.
Recovering from a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. A skilled attorney can handle the complex legal aspects while you focus on healing. At Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, our legal team:
Investigates the accident thoroughly
Coordinates with medical professionals to assess long-term impact
Identifies all possible sources of compensation
Handles all insurance correspondence and legal filings
Represents you aggressively in court if needed
We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
The value of a pedestrian accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, medical expenses, and the long-term effects on your quality of life.
Potential damages may include:
Economic damages: medical bills, therapy, medication, lost wages, and property damage
Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, emotional trauma, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages: in cases of gross negligence (e.g., drunk driving)
An attorney can assess your unique circumstances and fight for maximum compensation under Florida law.
If you or someone you love has been struck in a crosswalk, know that you are not alone. The legal process can be complex, but with the right representation, you can hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the financial recovery you deserve.
At Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, we are committed to helping Florida pedestrians rebuild their lives after devastating accidents. From filing insurance claims to pursuing lawsuits, our firm stands by your side every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in a Florida crosswalk, don’t wait to get help. Contact Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC for a free consultation today. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight for the justice you deserve.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney for guidance on their specific circumstances.
If you would like to speak to an attorney at Sahil Vijay Law, PLLC, please click here.
424 E Central Blvd
Unit 651
Orlando, FL 32801
A transactional law firm headquartered in Orlando, Florida.
