Nothing prepares you for losing someone you love or suffering a catastrophic injury after pedestrian accidents. The results can be life changing and devastating.
At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A., our Orlando personal injury attorneys have been protecting the rights of accident victims and their families for decades. Our law firm has seen the struggles victims go through in the wake of pedestrian accidents, whether it is adjusting to living with a debilitating injury or trying to figure out how to go on after losing a loved one. We investigate, collect and preserve evidence to reconstruct what happened in a way that clearly proves fault.
Our experienced Orlando pedestrian accident attorneys demand the defendant and/or insurance company pay the full value of a claim, so victims can concentrate on their own emotional and physical well-being. If necessary, we do not hesitate to take a civil lawsuit to trial if it is in our clients’ best interests. Timely action is crucial in handling an Orlando pedestrian accident case to build a strong case and ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.
How Do Pedestrian Accident Claims Work in Orlando?
Unlike criminal suits, civil lawsuits enable victims to recover compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries, which can range from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries.
Victims and their families are often forced to deal with a mountain of legal and financial issues, including:
- Hospital bills
- Inability to work/loss of income
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Long-term care
- Funeral costs
- Wrongful death
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Orlando?
Pedestrians in Orlando, and other parts of Central Florida, are the most likely people in America to be the victim of a deadly pedestrian accident. According to the National Complete Streets Coalition’s Pedestrian Danger Index, between 2003 and 2012, the pedestrian fatality rate in Orlando was five times higher than the national average. Due to the lack of protection pedestrians have in traffic accidents compared to vehicle occupants, common pedestrian accident injuries can be severe and life-threatening.
Insurance companies and their attorneys take on accident victims claims every day. They take advantage of a victim’s lack of experience and confused and emotional state in the wake of a tragedy. Often, pedestrian accident victims and their families need to have an experienced Orlando pedestrian accident attorney representing them who has a history of successfully standing up to negligent drivers and their insurance companies. Building a strong pedestrian accident case promptly is essential to understanding the potential worth of the claim based on injuries sustained.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
In many cases, pedestrian accident victims are under the impression that the criminal justice system will hold the negligent driver who hurt them accountable. However, in many cases, if criminal charges are filed against the driver, he or she may only receive a slap on the wrist, such as a minimal fine. Additionally, criminal lawsuits do not result in payment of damages for victims.
The financial burdens following pedestrian accidents are significant, with medical treatment costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering making settlements high. Legal representation is crucial to manage these complexities.
Common Pedestrian Accident Scenarios in Orlando
Orlando’s unique combination of tourist attractions, university areas, and busy urban centers creates distinctive pedestrian accident patterns. International Drive and the tourism corridor experience a high volume of pedestrian incidents due to visitors unfamiliar with local traffic patterns crossing busy streets to reach attractions. Similarly, areas surrounding the University of Central Florida campus see frequent accidents involving students walking between classes, residential areas, and nightlife venues, often during evening hours when visibility is reduced.
Downtown Orlando presents another high-risk zone, particularly in entertainment districts where evening activities and alcohol consumption contribute to both impaired driving and pedestrian judgment. Theme park entrance areas create additional hazards as excited visitors navigate massive parking areas and transportation hubs while distracted by attractions, often with children in tow. Our attorneys have successfully represented victims from each of these scenarios, understanding the specific liability patterns and insurance challenges each location presents.
Pedestrian Safety Initiatives in Orlando
Orlando has implemented several significant pedestrian safety programs in recent years, including the Vision Zero initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. These city-sponsored safety efforts have resulted in infrastructure improvements like enhanced crosswalks, pedestrian bridges in high-traffic areas, and modified signal timing to provide pedestrians more crossing time at busy intersections. When accidents occur despite these safety measures, these programs can provide important context for establishing liability in pedestrian injury cases.
Failures to properly implement planned safety improvements can strengthen negligence claims against municipal entities. Our legal team closely monitors Orlando’s pedestrian safety initiatives and uses this knowledge when building cases for our clients. We’ve successfully argued that accidents occurring in designated improvement zones where changes were delayed or inadequately implemented demonstrate negligence on the part of responsible government agencies, helping our clients secure enhanced compensation for their injuries.
Dealing with Out-of-State Insurance Companies
Orlando’s status as a premier vacation destination means many pedestrian accident victims are visitors from other states or countries. These cases present unique challenges as out-of-state insurance policies interact with Florida’s distinctive coverage requirements and legal standards. Insurance companies based in other states often attempt to apply their home state’s more restrictive compensation standards rather than Florida’s laws, potentially reducing the compensation available to injured visitors.
Our attorneys have extensive experience managing these multi-state insurance complications, ensuring that Florida’s laws are properly applied to protect visitor rights. We maintain relationships with insurance adjusters from major national carriers and understand the specific procedures required to coordinate benefits across state lines. For international visitors, we provide additional services including documentation assistance for medical treatment coverage through travel insurance and coordination with consular services when extended medical care is required.
Pedestrian Accidents Involving Rideshare and Commercial Vehicles
Pedestrian accidents involving rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft create complex liability questions due to these companies’ multi-layered insurance structures that change based on the driver’s status within the app. Similarly, accidents involving hotel shuttles, tour buses, and other commercial vehicles serving Orlando’s tourism industry introduce corporate liability policies with higher coverage limits but also more aggressive defense strategies. These cases require attorneys familiar with commercial transportation regulations and corporate insurance structures to ensure maximum compensation.
Food delivery drivers and other gig economy workers present additional challenges as their employment status and available insurance coverage varies widely depending on their activity at the time of the accident. Our legal team has successfully navigated these complicated corporate structures to identify all available insurance coverage and responsible parties. We understand how to overcome the common defense tactics used by commercial carriers to minimize their liability, ensuring our clients receive fair compensation regardless of which type of commercial vehicle was involved in their pedestrian accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orlando Pedestrian Accident Claims
How common are pedestrian accidents in Orlando, Florida?
Orlando, Florida, has one of the highest pedestrian accident rates in the U.S. According to the National Complete Streets Coalition’s Pedestrian Danger Index, the pedestrian fatality rate in Orlando was five times higher than the national average between 2003 and 2012. This alarming trend highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians in Central Florida and the importance of seeking legal help if you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident.
What should I do if I’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Orlando?
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Orlando, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention and document the scene. Contact law enforcement and gather the contact information of any witnesses. Avoid speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company until you’ve consulted with an experienced Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer. Legal representation is crucial to ensure that your rights are protected, and you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Can I file a civil lawsuit if the driver is facing criminal charges after a pedestrian accident in Orlando?
Yes, you can file a civil lawsuit even if the driver is facing criminal charges after a pedestrian accident in Orlando. Criminal cases focus on punishing the driver, while civil lawsuits are designed to secure compensation for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue a civil claim to recover damages, regardless of the outcome of any criminal proceedings.
What compensation can I receive after a pedestrian accident in Orlando?
After a pedestrian accident in Orlando, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and long-term care. If the accident results in a wrongful death, compensation may cover funeral expenses and loss of income. An experienced Orlando pedestrian accident attorney can help you understand the potential worth of your claim and ensure that you receive the full value of the damages you are owed.
Why do I need an Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer to handle my case?
Hiring an Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer is essential to navigating the complexities of your case and protecting your rights. Insurance companies often take advantage of victims’ emotional vulnerability and lack of legal knowledge. A skilled attorney can stand up to the insurance companies, collect evidence, and build a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve. Prompt legal action is critical to ensuring a successful outcome.
Legally Written and Reviewed by a Managing Partner
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A.
Our content is written and reviewed by our founding attorneys Butch Wooten, Orman Kimbrough, Mike Damaso, and Tom Dennis. With over 100 years of combined courtroom experience, they’ve successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases across Florida. Whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state visitor injured in Florida, we’re dedicated to providing clear and reliable information to help you navigate your legal options confidently.
