Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Did You Know Tampa is a Dangerous Area for Pedestrians?

Florida has a reputation for being a high-risk state for pedestrians due to the increasing number of pedestrian versus motor vehicle cases. A 2024 report ranked the Tampa Bay metro area as the eighth worst in the U.S. for pedestrians. Getting hit by a car, even at a low speed, can cause life-altering or fatal injuries.

If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian in Tampa or a surrounding area, we recommend contacting Chris Ligori & Associates as one of your first steps to ensure your rights are protected while seeking the compensation you need to recover.

Our knowledgeable Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers have been successfully representing pedestrian accident victims for decades. We work diligently to secure favorable settlements and judgments for our clients, and we are prepared to help you.

Our firm offers free initial consultations, and we require no upfront fees if represent you. Our law offices are available to take your call 24/7. Many people wait to call a lawyer after being injured, but we encourage you to call sooner than later. Deadlines apply in Florida, and your attorney needs time to build a compelling case on your behalf. Let us provide the support you need during this challenging time.

What Should I Do If I Get Hit By a Car as a Pedestrian?

If you get struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, we recommend taking the following steps:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: We cannot stress this enough, but a pedestrian accident could cause serious internal organ damage, head trauma or internal bleeding. Not all injuries are visible. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, be sure to get evaluated by a medical professional right away.
• Report the Accident: While still at the scene of the accident, be sure to contact the local police. This will ensure an official police report gets filed. More importantly, it will help to get medical assistance to the scene more quickly. This documentation will be essential for your claim.
• Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries and any damage to the vehicle. If you can do so safely, collect contact information from witnesses and the driver involved.
• Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be construed as admitting fault, such as “I should have been more careful” or issuing an apology.

One of the most critical steps you can take is contacting an attorney soon after your accident. At Chris Ligori & Associates our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers in Tampa are prepared to discuss your case and explore your legal options. This initial meeting carries no obligation and is completely free.

How Do I know If I Have a Valid Pedestrian Injury Claim?

Pedestrian accidents occur when a vehicle strikes a person who is walking, running, jogging or is otherwise on foot. These incidents can happen in crosswalks, parking lots, sidewalks or when someone is jaywalking across the road. The inherent vulnerability of a pedestrian against any kind of vehicle means these crashes are likely to cause severe or catastrophic damages.

In Florida, pedestrian accident claims are typically based on negligence. To prove a claim, your lawyer must demonstrate that the driver owed a legal duty to the pedestrian, violated that duty in some way and that damages, such as medical costs or lost wages, directly resulted from that breach.

Say that a driver is texting while approaching an intersection. If this activity causes him or her to strike a pedestrian crossing the street, the driver’s distraction would be considered negligence. In this situation, that driver would likely be held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries and associated costs.

What Should I know About Insurance Companies Before Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

First and foremost, it is important to recognize that insurance companies have different goals than injured pedestrians or any other victims injured by a negligent driver. Their focus is on paying you as little as possible on any given claim. For this reason, they will look to reduce or even deny certain elements of your claim.

Keeping that in mind, here are some important guidelines for dealing with insurance companies:

Do Not Provide a Recorded Statement

Insurance adjusters often ask for a recorded statement about the accident. They may even tell you that it is a requirement for your claim to move forward. It is true that you need to give them information about the accident. However, we do not recommend giving any type of recorded statement without first with your lawyer. Anything you say will be saved and can later be used to devalue your claim.

Keep Communication brief

When communicating with insurance representatives, mentally prepare yourself to keep your responses brief and stick to the facts. Do not give them more information than they need. Critical details include things your name, contact information and the date and location of the accident. Avoid discussing your injuries or how the accident occurred. If you speak with your attorney first, he or she can explain the best approach for relaying information about your accident.

Consult a Lawyer Before Accepting Any Settlement

Insurance companies are notorious for offering quick, but low settlements. They “sell” them to injured victims by offering close the case quickly. Sometimes, they may tell the injured victims it is the only offer they will receive. However, it is important to note that in the initial stages of your recovery, there is no way of knowing the full value of your claim. For this reason, the amount you get offered will likely be far lower than what you may be entitled to. Always consult your lawyer before accepting any settlement offers to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Document All Communication and Expenses

Keep detailed records of your communications with insurers, including the dates you spoke, the names of representatives you spoke with and the details of your conversation. This documentation can be crucial in resolving disputes and supporting your claim.

Did you Witness a Pedestrian Accident in Tampa? How You Can Help

If you were present when a pedestrian accident occurred, your actions could have a profound impact on the outcome. Here are a few ways you can help as a witness:

• Ensure safety by checking on the pedestrian.
• Call 9-1-1 right away to get police and emergency services to the scene.
• Provide assistance, especially if you have medical training.
• Stay at the scene unless there are safety concerns.
• Provide their contact information to the police and be prepared to give a statement.
• Gather evidence from the scene that could help the victim by taking photos or videos.
• Provide a detailed account to first responders about what you saw.
• Cooperate with investigations and legal proceedings.
• Support the victim or their family by providing information and assistance.
• Seek counseling if witnessing the accident has been traumatic.

By following these steps, witnesses can help by providing details the victim and driver may not have noticed. These details can help provide insight to the overall investigation while supporting those involved.

Speak With an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

If you were struck and injured in a pedestrian accident, you do not have to navigate this challenging time alone. Trust the experienced team at Chris Ligori & Associates to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Filing deadlines apply, so we encourage you to act now to protect your rights and ability to recover compensation for your damages.

Not sure if you have a legal case? Many crash victims feel that way. The good news is you can find out if you may have legal options at no cost or obligation to you.

Worried about cost? We level the legal playing field by taking all personal injury cases on contingency. This means that if you have a case and decide on Chris Ligori & Associates to represent you, there are no upfront costs to worry about. You can rest easy knowing you pay us nothing unless we win your case through a negotiated settlement or jury-awarded verdict.