Trusted pedestrian accident attorneys with over 10 years of experience.
The Andres Lopez Law Firm has been representing pedestrian accident victims across South Florida for over a decade. Our Tamarac, FL pedestrian accident lawyer investigates each case thoroughly, identifies every source of liability and insurance coverage, and fights for compensation that covers the full cost of the injuries you have sustained and the ways they have changed your life. We speak Spanish, we work exclusively on contingency, and every initial consultation is completely free of charge.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Tamarac, FL
What makes pedestrian accident claims different from other vehicle crash cases?
Pedestrian accidents typically produce worse injuries than collisions between two vehicles, because the pedestrian absorbs the full force of impact without any of the protections that a car provides. That translates to higher medical costs, longer recovery periods, more time away from work, and a greater likelihood that the injuries will result in some form of permanent disability. From a legal perspective, pedestrian cases also involve frequent disputes over who had the right-of-way at the time of the collision. Insurance adjusters argue that the pedestrian was jaywalking, walking outside a crosswalk, looking at their phone, or wearing dark clothing at night.
A pedestrian accident attorney in Tamarac responds with evidence such as surveillance footage, traffic signal timing records, witness testimony, and crash reconstruction analysis that proves the driver was negligent regardless of what the insurer claims. Florida law under Statute § 316.130 imposes specific duties on drivers when pedestrians are present, including the duty to yield to pedestrians in marked and certain unmarked crosswalks. But statutory protections are only as strong as the willingness to enforce them, and that is the role an attorney fills for you.
The financial burden of a pedestrian accident is also heavier than in most other crash types. Hospital stays last longer, surgeries are more common, and the likelihood of permanent injury is higher, which means the damages calculation must account for years or decades of future medical costs, lost earning potential, and diminished quality of life.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle in Tamarac
Pedestrians are struck in a variety of situations, and the approach we take depends on the specific circumstances of the crash. Our firm handles the following types of pedestrian accident claims.
- Crosswalk accidents. Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks violate Florida law, and we pursue these claims aggressively because the driver’s obligation to stop is clear.
- Intersection accidents. Drivers who run red lights or fail to yield at stop signs put pedestrians crossing with the right of way at extreme risk.
- Parking lot accidents. Drivers backing out of spaces or moving through lots at excessive speed strike pedestrians regularly, and while the speeds may be lower, the injuries are still serious.
- Car accidents. When a car strikes a pedestrian, the driver’s liability insurance is the primary source of compensation, and if the driver is uninsured, the pedestrian’s own UM coverage may provide recovery.
- Truck accidents. Commercial vehicle blind spots create extreme hazards for pedestrians at intersections and near loading areas, and the size of the vehicle makes every collision potentially fatal.
- Hit-and-run pedestrian crashes. When a driver flees after hitting a pedestrian, uninsured motorist coverage may apply, and our firm works with law enforcement and reviews surveillance footage to identify the at-fault driver whenever possible.
- Nighttime pedestrian accidents. Reduced visibility after dark makes walking more dangerous, but drivers still have a legal duty to use headlights and watch for people on foot.
- Wrongful death. Fatal pedestrian collisions are among the most devastating cases we handle, and Florida’s wrongful death statute allows surviving family members to recover damages for lost financial support, funeral costs, and emotional pain.
- School zone pedestrian incidents. Children and parents walking near Tamarac schools face elevated risks from drivers who fail to slow down in designated school zones.
Why Choose The Andres Lopez Law Firm for Pedestrian Accident Cases in Tamarac, FL?
Local Advocacy Backed by a Proven Record
Pedestrian accident claims in Tamarac require an attorney who understands the local roads, the patterns of behavior among Broward County insurers, and the Florida statutes that protect people on foot.
Andres Lopez founded The Andres Lopez Law Firm and has practiced personal injury law in Florida since 2009. He earned his J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law, holds admissions in Florida, Maryland, the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida, and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and was recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2015 and 2016. He is a Million Dollar Advocates Forum member.
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients. We take pedestrian accident cases on contingency. If you need a personal injury lawyer in Tamarac, FL, contact our office for a free evaluation of your claim.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Cases
Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Cases
Pedestrian injuries range from fractures and lacerations to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations, and the medical costs reflect that severity. Compensation in a Tamarac pedestrian accident case may include all past and current medical treatment, projected future medical and rehabilitation costs, lost wages and diminished earning potential, pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, and in fatal cases, wrongful death damages for surviving family members.
Liability is determined by which party acted negligently. Florida’s modified comparative fault system under Fla. Stat. § 768.81 bars recovery if the pedestrian’s share of fault exceeds 50 percent, and reduces it proportionally below that threshold. According to NHTSA data, pedestrian deaths account for a significant share of all traffic fatalities nationally, reflecting the vulnerability of people on foot.
Important Aspects in Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Several early steps can strengthen your claim significantly. Call 911 and ensure a police report is created. Photograph the scene including the vehicle, your location, traffic signals, crosswalk markings, and your injuries. Get witness contact details. See a doctor immediately, because internal injuries and concussions are common in pedestrian accidents and may not produce obvious symptoms right away. And avoid discussing the accident on social media, because insurance adjusters review online activity to find posts they can use against your claim.
Pedestrian Accident Case Timeline
Medical treatment is the first priority, and your attorney begins the investigation simultaneously. Over the first months, evidence is compiled, and when you reach maximum medical improvement, the full scope of damages is calculated and a demand is presented to the insurer. If the offer falls short, a lawsuit is filed within the two-year statute of limitations. Cases proceeding to litigation involve additional months of discovery and preparation before trial.
What to Bring to Your Pedestrian Accident Consultation
Bring the police report or case number, photographs of the scene and injuries, medical records and bills, insurance information, and witness contact details. Consultations with The Andres Lopez Law Firm are free and carry no obligation. We serve clients throughout the Tamarac area and greater Broward County and can accommodate scheduling needs during your recovery.
Florida Legal Resources for Pedestrian Accident Cases
These resources provide information about Florida pedestrian laws and crash data.
- Florida Statute § 316.130 covers pedestrian traffic regulations including crosswalk duties
- The Florida DHSMV publishes crash statistics including pedestrian-involved collisions
- NHTSA’s pedestrian safety page provides national crash data
- The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains civil court records
- The CDC publishes injury prevention data relevant to pedestrian incidents
Reach Out to The Andres Lopez Law Firm to Schedule a Consultation
If you were struck by a vehicle while walking in Tamarac, FL, The Andres Lopez Law Firm is here to help you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you need. We handle pedestrian accident claims on contingency and provide free case evaluations to help you understand what your claim may be worth. Contact a Tamarac pedestrian accident attorney at our firm to discuss your legal options and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation your injuries warrant.