Miami Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Standing Up for Injured Victims
Hit by a car in Miami? Let us fight for the maximum compensation you deserve
Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable on Miami’s busy streets, where even a small mistake by a driver can cause catastrophic injuries. With no protection, pedestrians often face severe harm in crashes caused by distracted drivers, speeding, or unsafe intersections. Romanow Law Group fights for pedestrians hit by cars in Miami and across Florida, holding negligent parties accountable and securing the justice victims deserve.
Recovering compensation after a being hit by a car while walking or crossing the street can be challenging. Insurance companies often minimize claims or shift blame onto the victim. As a trusted Miami pedestrian accident lawyer, Romanow Law Group fights for maximum compensation for medical bills, lost income, and more. If you were hit by a car in Miami, contact us today for a free consultation to see how an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you move forward.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Claims in Miami
- What makes pedestrian accidents in Miami different from other traffic accidents?
- Why are Miami’s intersections so dangerous for pedestrians, and how can that affect my case?
- Can I file a claim if I was hit while crossing the street outside a crosswalk in Miami?
- How do Miami’s high levels of tourism and distracted driving contribute to pedestrian accidents?
- What should I do if I was hit by a rideshare driver while walking in Miami?
- Are drivers always at fault in Miami pedestrian accidents, or can other parties be responsible?
- How do traffic cameras and surveillance footage help prove fault in Miami pedestrian accidents?
- Can I file a claim if a government vehicle caused my pedestrian accident in Miami?
- What if I was hit by a delivery truck or commercial vehicle while walking in Miami?
- How do Miami’s weather conditions, like rain or hurricanes, contribute to pedestrian accidents?
- Can I sue if I was hit by a vehicle in a Miami parking lot?
- What should I do if my child was injured in a pedestrian accident in Miami?
- How do language barriers or lack of documentation affect pedestrian accident claims in Miami?
- What happens if the driver who hit me in Miami doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage?
- How does Miami’s comparative negligence law impact pedestrian accident cases?
- Why should I hire a lawyer to handle my Miami pedestrian accident claim?
What makes pedestrian accidents in Miami different from other traffic accidents?
Pedestrian accidents in Miami often involve unique factors that set them apart from other traffic accidents, making them more complex to navigate. These distinctions can significantly impact how liability is determined and what evidence is required. Key differences include:
- High-risk areas: Miami’s busy urban centers, like Brickell and Downtown, have high pedestrian traffic and limited protections, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries.
- Tourism-related factors: Visitors unfamiliar with local roads and traffic laws often contribute to pedestrian crashes.
- Lack of pedestrian infrastructure: Inadequate crosswalks or sidewalks can make accidents more likely and complicate liability claims.
- Severity of injuries: Pedestrians are completely exposed, leading to injuries that are often more serious than those in vehicle-only accidents.
These complexities require an experienced Miami pedestrian accident lawyer to navigate. An attorney can investigate the specifics of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why are Miami’s intersections so dangerous for pedestrians, and how can that affect my case?
Miami’s intersections are some of the most hazardous areas for pedestrians due to a combination of traffic congestion, driver inattention, and poor infrastructure. These dangers can complicate claims by introducing multiple factors or parties that may share liability. Common risks include:
- Left-turn crashes: Drivers turning left often fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks.
- High-speed roads: Major intersections like those on Biscayne Boulevard involve fast-moving traffic, increasing the severity of crashes.
- Limited visibility: Obstructed views at intersections can prevent drivers from seeing pedestrians in time to stop.
- Confusing layouts: Intersections with unclear signage or poorly timed signals can lead to accidents.
If you were injured at one of Miami’s intersections, a lawyer can gather evidence, identify liable parties, and ensure you are compensated for your injuries.
Can I file a claim if I was hit while crossing the street outside a crosswalk in Miami?
Yes, you can file a claim even if you were hit outside a crosswalk, though Florida’s comparative negligence laws may affect your compensation. Drivers still have a duty to exercise caution and avoid hitting pedestrians, regardless of where they cross. For example, accidents on streets like Biscayne Boulevard or US-1, where jaywalking is common, may still involve driver negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving. A lawyer can analyze your case to determine fault and help you pursue compensation, even if you share some liability.
How do Miami’s high levels of tourism and distracted driving contribute to pedestrian accidents?
Miami’s tourism brings heavy traffic and drivers unfamiliar with local roads, leading to risky behaviors like sudden stops, wrong turns, or inattention to pedestrians. Distracted driving, including texting or navigating unfamiliar routes, is another major factor in areas like South Beach and Wynwood. These behaviors increase the likelihood of accidents at busy intersections and near tourist hotspots. A lawyer can investigate how distracted or reckless driving contributed to your accident and hold the at-fault party accountable.
What should I do if I was hit by a rideshare driver while walking in Miami?
Being hit by a rideshare driver adds another layer of complexity to a pedestrian accident claim. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft often have insurance policies that apply, but determining when and how coverage is available can be challenging. Steps to take include:
- Report the accident: Contact the police and file a report to document the crash.
- Seek medical attention: Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a doctor.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicle, your injuries, and any rideshare app details if possible.
- Gather information: Obtain the driver’s name, insurance details, and license plate number.
- Contact an attorney: Rideshare insurance policies vary depending on whether the driver was on the clock, and a lawyer can navigate these details to build your claim.
Having a Miami pedestrian accident lawyer on your side ensures you are not taken advantage of by rideshare companies or their insurers.
Are drivers always at fault in Miami pedestrian accidents, or can other parties be responsible?
While drivers are often at fault, other parties can share liability in Miami pedestrian accidents. For example, poor road design, malfunctioning traffic signals, or obscured signage may implicate a government agency. In crashes involving delivery vehicles or rideshares, employers or companies may also be liable. A lawyer can identify all responsible parties, including third parties, to maximize your compensation and strengthen your claim.
How do traffic cameras and surveillance footage help prove fault in Miami pedestrian accidents?
Traffic cameras and surveillance footage can provide critical evidence by showing the exact moment of the accident and the actions leading up to it. In busy areas like Downtown Miami or Brickell, these recordings can capture speeding, failure to yield, or distracted driving. Footage from nearby businesses or intersection cameras can corroborate your account of the incident and help counter false claims by the at-fault driver. A lawyer can obtain and analyze this footage to build a compelling case for liability.
Can I file a claim if a government vehicle caused my pedestrian accident in Miami?
Yes, you can file a claim if a government vehicle, such as a city bus or maintenance truck, caused your pedestrian accident. However, claims against government entities are subject to specific rules under Florida’s sovereign immunity laws, including stricter deadlines and compensation limits. For example, an accident involving a Miami-Dade Transit bus may require filing a notice of claim within a short time frame. An attorney can guide you through this process, ensuring all requirements are met and your rights are protected.
What if I was hit by a delivery truck or commercial vehicle while walking in Miami?
Pedestrian accidents involving delivery trucks or commercial vehicles are often more complex because they may involve both the driver and their employer. For example, crashes on streets like NW 36th Street near Miami International Airport often involve delivery trucks in congested areas. Employers may be held liable for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance practices that contributed to the accident. A lawyer can investigate your case to identify all liable parties and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
How do Miami’s weather conditions, like rain or hurricanes, contribute to pedestrian accidents?
Miami’s weather, particularly rain and hurricanes, creates hazardous conditions that increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Rain can make roads slick, reduce visibility, and increase braking distances, while high winds can make it harder for drivers to control their vehicles. Areas like Coconut Grove, with winding roads and low visibility during storms, are particularly dangerous. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help establish how weather conditions and driver negligence combined to cause your accident, ensuring you aren’t unfairly blamed.
Can I sue if I was hit by a vehicle in a Miami parking lot?
Yes, you can sue if you were hit by a vehicle in a Miami parking lot. Parking lot accidents often occur due to driver inattention, speeding, or failure to yield to pedestrians. Locations like shopping centers or apartment complexes may also share liability if poor lighting or design contributed to the accident. An attorney can investigate your case to determine whether the driver, property owner, or both are responsible and help you seek compensation.
What should I do if my child was injured in a pedestrian accident in Miami?
When a child is injured in a pedestrian accident, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. Protecting their rights and securing the compensation they need requires immediate action. Here’s what to do:
- Seek medical care immediately: Children may not fully express their injuries, so a thorough evaluation is crucial.
- Document everything: Take photos of the accident scene, your child’s injuries, and any evidence of negligence.
- File a police report: This creates an official record of the incident.
- Avoid giving statements: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim; consult a lawyer before speaking to them.
- Consult a lawyer: Cases involving minors can involve additional legal considerations, such as future medical expenses, which an attorney can address.
A Miami pedestrian accident lawyer can advocate for your child’s best interests, ensuring they receive the care and compensation they deserve.
How do language barriers or lack of documentation affect pedestrian accident claims in Miami?
Language barriers and lack of documentation can make it harder to communicate with insurance companies, gather evidence, or navigate the legal system. In Miami, where many residents and visitors speak languages other than English, these issues are common. Challenges include:
- Difficulty communicating: Victims may struggle to explain their injuries or provide details about the accident.
- Incomplete evidence: Missing documentation, such as medical records or insurance information, can weaken claims.
- Legal misunderstandings: Victims may not fully understand their rights or Florida’s pedestrian laws.
A Miami pedestrian accident lawyer can bridge these gaps, ensuring your voice is heard and your claim is handled properly.
What happens if the driver who hit me in Miami doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage?
If the driver who hit you lacks insurance or sufficient coverage, you may still have options for recovering compensation. Florida law requires all drivers to carry minimum insurance, but many do not. Here’s what you can do:
- File an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim: If you have UM/UIM coverage, this can help cover medical bills and other damages.
- Explore other liable parties: Poor road conditions, defective vehicles, or third-party negligence may provide additional avenues for compensation.
- Consult an attorney: A lawyer can identify potential sources of compensation and pursue them aggressively.
A Miami pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and ensure no opportunity for recovery is overlooked.
How does Miami’s comparative negligence law impact pedestrian accident cases?
Florida’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your total damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% responsible for a pedestrian accident on Collins Avenue, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. A lawyer can help minimize your assigned fault by presenting evidence that highlights the other party’s negligence, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Why should I hire a lawyer to handle my Miami pedestrian accident claim?
Hiring a lawyer to handle your Miami pedestrian accident claim can make all the difference in securing fair compensation. An experienced attorney can provide the following benefits:
- Investigating the accident: Lawyers gather crucial evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage, to build a strong case.
- Determining liability: They identify all responsible parties, including drivers, employers, or government entities, to maximize your claim.
- Handling insurance companies: Lawyers negotiate with insurers who may try to minimize your compensation or unfairly blame you.
- Calculating damages: They ensure all economic and non-economic losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, are included in your claim.
- Navigating legal complexities: Attorneys handle Florida’s comparative negligence laws and meet all filing deadlines, so you don’t risk losing your claim.
A Miami pedestrian accident lawyer can take the burden off your shoulders, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
Let a Miami pedestrian accident attorney fight for you
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, Romanow Law Group is here to help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery. As a trusted Miami pedestrian accident attorney, we fight tirelessly for victims, securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. With our no-win, no-fee guarantee, you can focus on healing while we handle the rest. Contact Romanow Law Group today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.
