Jacksonville Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Seeking Justice for Injured Pedestrians in Florida

While accidents are an inevitable part of life, it’s important to seek justice after a wrongful injury to protect your health and financial well-being. Sadly, Florida is consistently ranked as one of the deadliest states for pedestrian accidents, making it all the more imperative for on-foot commuters to stay alert and seek sound counsel immediately if they sustain a wrongful injury on the road. 

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we understand how frightening and frustrating it can be to sustain an unexpected injury, especially when it occurs due to someone else’s negligence. Our pedestrian accident attorneys have extensive knowledge of Florida law to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. With decades of handling personal injury cases and a longstanding track record of record-breaking verdicts, our Jacksonville lawyers can zealously protect your rights while pursuing the justice you deserve. 

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, our skilled advocates can fight to recover fair compensation. Call (904) 295-1050 to schedule a free consultation. 

Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents in Jacksonville

Regardless of the type of accident, pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries and even death. Victims can sustain a wide range of painful injuries, such as lacerations and burns, spinal cord injuries, neck and back injuries, broken bones and fractures, soft tissue injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). 

It's essential to understand the common causes of pedestrian accidents to establish negligence and hold liable parties accountable, from reckless drivers to bicyclists to vehicle manufacturers. Common types of pedestrian accidents include: 

• Jaywalking accidents: These occur when pedestrians cross the street outside of designated crosswalks or against traffic signals. Drivers may not anticipate a pedestrian crossing in these areas, resulting in collisions.
• Intersection accidents: Intersections can be dangerous for pedestrians, especially those involving multiple lanes of traffic and turning vehicles. Pedestrian accidents may occur when drivers fail to notice pedestrians crossing or turn without checking for foot traffic.
• Parking lot accidents: Many pedestrian accidents occur in parking lots, where cars can move at varying speeds without clear patterns. Drivers may be distracted while looking for a parking spot or leaving their spot, resulting in pedestrian injuries. 
• Hit-and-run accidents: Some drivers flee the scene of an accident involving a pedestrian, making it difficult for victims to identify liable parties and recover compensation. 
• Crosswalk collisions: These accidents occur when a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. They can happen for various reasons, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to obey traffic laws.
• Dart-out accidents: This type of accident occurs when a pedestrian suddenly appears in front of a vehicle, such as someone chasing a ball or pet into the road without looking both ways, leaving the driver with little time to react. 

Who Is Liable in a Florida Pedestrian Accident?

Depending on the circumstances of the pedestrian accident, various parties may be held liable for resulting injuries. Common types of liable parties in pedestrian accidents include: 

• Motor vehicle drivers: From car operators to commercial truck drivers, negligent motorists can inflict serious harm on pedestrians. 
• Bicyclists and scooter operators: Pedestrian accidents can occur when negligent bicyclists and electric scooter operators fail to obey traffic laws or exercise reasonable prudence while riding, resulting in pedestrian injuries. 
• Vehicle manufacturers: If the accident occurs due to a defective product or part in the vehicle, the manufacturer may be partially or fully liable for damages. 
• Property owners: When the owner of a property fails to adequately warn or resolve known hazards, such as unsecured construction sites or poorly lit parking lots, they may be liable for injuries in a pedestrian accident.
• Business owners: Businesses may be liable in a pedestrian accident if their employee is responsible for ensuing injuries, such as a delivery driver hitting a pedestrian during work hours. 

What if the Accident Was Partially My Fault?

Oftentimes, people injured in a pedestrian accident wonder if they can be partially at fault for the incident. If they’ve crossed the street where there was not a crosswalk or if they’ve crossed against a light, they may be at fault for a portion of their damages. It’s important to talk to an experienced trial attorney regarding these issues because even though a pedestrian may be partially at fault for their own damages, they still may be able to make a recovery against another at-fault party.

Proving Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Proving liability in a pedestrian accident is an essential but highly challenging part of recovering damages in a personal injury case. From negotiating with evasive insurance companies to backing up your claim with sufficient evidence, establishing critical elements in a pedestrian accident case can be complex, especially without a working knowledge of Florida law. 

Because the burden of proof rests on the injured party (plaintiff), securing experienced representation is crucial to recover damages. That’s where our seasoned attorneys come in. Our pedestrian accident lawyers can thoroughly evaluate your case to establish the necessary elements to establish liability and recover compensation. 

These critical elements include: 

• Duty of Care: You must demonstrate that the negligent party (defendant) owed you a duty of care, such as obeying traffic laws on Florida roads. 
• Breach of Duty: You must show that the defendant violated or "breached" their duty of care by acting recklessly or negligently, such as running a red light. 
• Causation: Often the most difficult step, proving causation requires you to establish that the defendant's negligence was the "proximate cause" of your injuries.
• Damages: To have a valid claim, you must show that the accident resulted in compensatory losses (damages). 

Collecting robust evidence is crucial in building a compelling case. This includes gathering police reports, eyewitness statements, medical records, and expert witness testimonies. Understanding the interplay of these elements can significantly influence the outcome of the claim, making seasoned legal counsel invaluable in these cases.

Contact Our Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., our tenacious advocates have delivered high-end representation to the wrongfully injured for three decades. Our in-depth understanding of Florida law allows us to protect the rights of clients in Jacksonville and beyond after negligence. At our firm, you’re more than a case number. Our lawyers can pursue fair compensation on your behalf while you focus on your recovery.

With over $10 million recovered for injured Floridians, our caring team is committed to truly making a difference in the lives of our clients by putting their needs first, allowing them to heal from the physical, emotional, and financial fallout of their injuries. No matter what, you can trust our knowledgeable attorneys to prioritize your best interests while doggedly pursuing the favorable outcome you need to take back your life after a serious injury. 

Injured in a pedestrian accident? Our award-winning attorneys can help you take back your life and restore your financial security. Contact us online to discuss your case.