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10 Verified Car Accident Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale

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Florida Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

When a Vehicle Strikes a Pedestrian, the Consequences Are Devastating. We Help Victims and Families Pursue Justice.

When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the consequences are devastating. Pedestrians have no protection against a multi-ton vehicle traveling at speed. The injuries are often catastrophic — traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, internal organ damage — and the medical bills can be overwhelming.

At Florida Advocates, we represent pedestrians who have been struck by negligent drivers throughout Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, and all of Florida. We investigate the accident, preserve critical evidence, document your injuries, and pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.

Carlos D. Cabrera spent years as insurance defense counsel before becoming a trial lawyer. He knows how insurers minimize pedestrian claims and builds counter-evidence from day one.

Free Consultation | 754-290-3803

Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics — The Most Dangerous State for Pedestrians

Florida is the most dangerous state in the nation for pedestrians. The combination of high traffic volumes, wide multi-lane roads, inadequate sidewalks, year-round outdoor activity, and tourist drivers unfamiliar with local conditions makes Florida exceptionally dangerous for people on foot.

9,513
Florida pedestrian crashes
(2023)

8,034
Pedestrians injured
(2023)

843
Pedestrian fatalities
(2023)

1,112
Broward County pedestrian crashes
(2023)

Source: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)

Broward County recorded 1,112 pedestrian crashes in 2023, with 62 fatalities — one of the highest pedestrian death tolls in the state.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Florida

Distracted driving

Drivers texting, talking on phones, adjusting GPS, or otherwise not watching the road.

Failure to yield at crosswalks

Drivers not stopping for pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks, as required by Florida law.

Speeding

Higher speeds mean less reaction time and more severe impacts. A pedestrian struck at 40 mph has only a 15% chance of survival. At 20 mph, survival is 95%.

Turning vehicles

Drivers turning left or right without checking for pedestrians in crosswalks.

Backing vehicles

Drivers backing out of driveways or parking spaces without checking for pedestrians. Particularly dangerous for children.

Drunk or impaired driving

Drivers under the influence with impaired judgment and reaction times.

Running red lights and stop signs

Drivers entering intersections when pedestrians have the right of way.

Poor visibility

Accidents at night, in bad weather, or in areas with inadequate lighting or crosswalk markings.

Insurance companies often argue that pedestrians “came out of nowhere” or “stepped into traffic.” These are blame-shifting tactics. Drivers have a duty to watch for pedestrians and avoid collisions. We counter these arguments with evidence.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accidents typically result in severe injuries because the human body absorbs the full force of impact:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — The leading cause of pedestrian death and disability
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis — Impact with vehicles or the ground can damage the spine
Multiple bone fractures — Legs, pelvis, ribs, arms, and skull fractures
Internal organ damage — Liver, spleen, kidney, and lung injuries from blunt force trauma
Pelvic and hip fractures — Common from the height of vehicle bumpers
Knee and leg injuries — Ligament tears, compound fractures, and crush injuries
Facial injuries and disfigurement — Facial fractures, lacerations, and dental trauma
Psychological trauma and PTSD — Long-lasting emotional effects from the accident
Wrongful death — 843 Florida pedestrians died in 2023

Florida Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

Under Florida Statute 316.130, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Key provisions:

Drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians crossing in marked or unmarked crosswalks
Drivers making turns must yield to pedestrians in the intersection
Drivers exiting driveways or parking lots must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks
Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, regardless of who has right-of-way

Even if you were outside a crosswalk, the driver may still be liable. Drivers have a duty to exercise due care and avoid collisions with pedestrians at all times — not just at crosswalks.

Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children

Children are particularly vulnerable as pedestrians because they:

Are smaller and less visible to drivers
May not understand traffic rules or signals
Can be unpredictable in their movements
May enter the street suddenly while playing
Are often struck in residential areas, school zones, and parking lots

Drivers have a heightened duty of care in areas where children are likely to be present, including school zones, parks, playgrounds, residential neighborhoods, and parking lots.

We hold negligent drivers accountable when children are injured. If your child was injured as a pedestrian, contact us immediately.

What Insurance Companies Do After a Florida Pedestrian Accident

When you file a claim after a pedestrian accident, the driver’s insurance company will work to minimize what they pay:

Blaming the pedestrian

Claiming you were jaywalking, wearing dark clothing, not paying attention, or “came out of nowhere”

Disputing right-of-way

Arguing you did not have the right of way even when you did

Arguing contributory negligence

Claiming you share fault to reduce the settlement

Disputing injury severity

Arguing injuries are minor, pre-existing, or unrelated to the accident

Offering quick settlements

Before you understand the full extent of catastrophic injuries

Requesting recorded statements

While you are hospitalized or in pain

Sending investigators to your home

Attempting to gather evidence against you

Looking for photos or posts that contradict your injury claims

Do not post about your accident on social media. Do not accept quick settlement offers. Contact Florida Advocates immediately.

Free Consultation

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Florida

Call 911

Request police and emergency medical services immediately. Do not refuse ambulance transport — injuries may be more severe than you realize.

Stay at the scene

If you are able, do not leave until police arrive.

Accept medical transport

Do not refuse ambulance transport. Pedestrian injuries are often more severe than they initially appear.

Document if possible

If you are able (or have someone help you), take photos of the scene, the vehicle, and your visible injuries.

Get driver and witness information

Obtain driver’s license, insurance, license plate, and contact information. Get names and numbers for witnesses.

Note surveillance cameras

Look for traffic cameras and nearby business security cameras that may have captured the accident.

Do not give recorded statements

Do not speak with the driver’s insurance company without an attorney.

See a doctor within 14 days

This preserves your PIP benefits and documents your injuries.

Contact Florida Advocates immediately

We send preservation letters for traffic camera footage and surveillance before it is deleted (typically 24-72 hours).

The 14-Day Rule for Pedestrian Accidents

If you were injured as a pedestrian in Florida, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days to preserve your PIP benefits. This deadline is absolute.

Florida’s 14-day rule applies to pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles. Under Florida Statute 627.736, you must receive initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to qualify for PIP benefits.

Given the severity of most pedestrian accident injuries, immediate medical care is typically necessary. However, if you declined ambulance transport at the scene and symptoms developed later, the 14-day deadline still applies.

Why Carlos D. Cabrera Handles Pedestrian Accident Cases Differently

Pedestrian accident cases often involve catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical documentation and life care planning. Carlos D. Cabrera’s background as insurance defense counsel gives him insight into how insurers evaluate these claims and attempt to minimize payouts.

Before becoming an attorney, Carlos worked as insurance defense counsel. He evaluated claims, reviewed medical records, and developed the arguments insurers use to minimize payouts. Now he uses that inside knowledge to pursue full compensation for pedestrians.

We build comprehensive cases that document the full extent of your injuries and pursue maximum compensation for current and future needs.

Learn more about Carlos D. Cabrera →

About Lawyer Carlos D. Cabrera

Carlos D. Cabrera leads the Personal Injury Department at Florida Advocates. Before becoming a lawyer, Carlos worked as insurance defense counsel.

Education

J.D. — St. Thomas University College of Law (2000)
Managing Editor, St. Thomas Law Review
B.A. English — Florida International University (1994)

Bar Admissions

The Florida Bar
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida

Carlos’s federal court admissions mean he can handle complex cases that cross state lines or involve federal questions — not just state court claims.

Credentials & Recognitions

Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
Florida Legal Elite Recognition
Lead Counsel Verified (Appellate, since 2015)
Former Insurance Defense Counsel

Learn more about Carlos D. Cabrera →

Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Pedestrian Accidents

Can I recover if I was jaywalking?

Possibly. Florida’s comparative negligence law allows partial recovery even if you were partially at fault. The driver may still bear significant responsibility for failing to avoid the accident.

What if the driver did not stop (hit and run)?

You can pursue your own UM/UIM coverage. We also investigate to identify the driver through witnesses, traffic cameras, and other evidence.

Who pays my medical bills after a pedestrian accident?

Your own PIP coverage pays first (up to $10,000 at 80%). Beyond that, the at-fault driver’s insurance or your UM/UIM coverage may apply.

How long do pedestrian accident cases take?

Cases involving serious injuries often take 1-2 years to resolve because we need to understand the full extent of your injuries and future care needs before settling.

What does it cost to hire Florida Advocates?

Nothing unless we recover for you. We work on a contingency fee basis and advance all costs.

Florida Pedestrian Accident Local Resources

HOSPITALS AND TRAUMA CENTERS (Broward County)

Broward Health Medical Center (Level I Trauma Center)
1600 S Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: (954) 355-4400

Memorial Regional Hospital (Level I Trauma Center)
3501 Johnson Street, Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: (954) 987-2000

COURTS

Broward County Courthouse (17th Judicial Circuit)
201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565

Serving Pedestrian Accident Clients Throughout South Florida

Contact a Florida Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle while walking, contact Florida Advocates today for a free consultation.

Phone: 754-290-3803
Email: info@fladvocates.com

After all, isn’t that what family would do?