Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Accidents involving pedestrians often involve catastrophic and even fatal injuries. If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle, our team of dedicated Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers can help you get the compensation that you are entitled to under Florida law.
At Papasov Law Group, our experienced Tampa pedestrian accident attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation designed to get you the settlement you deserve. We understand how devastating a pedestrian accident can be—physically, emotionally, and financially. When you're injured while simply walking in your community, the impact can feel deeply personal and overwhelming.
Whether you're facing mounting medical bills, time away from work, or lasting pain and trauma, we're here to guide you every step of the way and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your unique needs, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your situation. You're never just a case number to us—we treat every client like family, with the care, attention, and dedication your case deserves.
With a strong track record of success and deep knowledge of Florida pedestrian injury law, we’re ready to stand up for your rights and ensure your voice is heard. Don’t face this difficult time alone.
Contact us for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.
Your Experienced Local Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney
When you're injured in a pedestrian accident, you need more than just legal help—you need someone who understands the local roads, laws, and the challenges Tampa pedestrians face every day. At Papasov Law Group, we combine local insight with years of legal experience to provide strong, client-focused representation for those hurt in pedestrian accidents.
Tampa is a beautiful and bustling city, but it’s also one of the most dangerous in the country for pedestrians. From distracted drivers to poorly marked crosswalks, accidents can happen in an instant—and often leave victims with serious, life-altering injuries. That’s where our pedestrian accident lawyers come in. We know the local traffic patterns, common accident hotspots, and how to build a strong case that resonates with anyone who knows first-hand the realities of walking in Tampa.
As your local pedestrian accident attorney, we take pride in offering compassionate service and relentless advocacy. We’ll investigate your case thoroughly, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the maximum compensation available under Florida law. Whether you were hit in a crosswalk, near a school zone, or on a neighborhood street, we’ll fight to get you a fair and just settlement.
Top-Rated Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
At Papasov Law Group, we let our clients do the talking! We’ve earned a 5-star rating on Google, due to our next-level client service and attention to detail given to pedestrian accidents and other cases.
Here’s just a sample of what our clients are saying about their experience with us…
Legal Services for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Tampa
At Papasov Law Group, we are committed to helping injured pedestrians pursue the justice and compensation they deserve after being struck by a vehicle in or around Tampa. Our experienced legal team will support you through every step of the pedestrian accident claim process, with a strategy tailored to your unique situation. This includes:
Thorough Investigation
We’ll examine every detail of the incident—gathering police reports, eyewitness accounts, traffic camera footage, and driver information—to determine fault and build a strong foundation for your case.
Medical Review
Understanding your injuries is key. We’ll review medical records, consult healthcare professionals, and document how the accident has impacted your daily life, work, and long-term well-being.
Documentation & Filing
We handle all paperwork, from insurance claims to court filings, ensuring everything is completed accurately and on time.
Evidence Collection
From photos of the accident scene to expert testimony and traffic data, we’ll collect all necessary evidence to strengthen your pedestrian injury claim.
Negotiating
We’ll negotiate firmly with drivers, their insurance companies, and other responsible parties to secure the compensation you need for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
And if fair compensation can’t be reached through negotiation, we're fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.
How Much Can I Expect for a Pedestrian Accident Settlement in Tampa Bay?
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Tampa, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages—both economic and non-economic. The total amount you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and how the incident has affected your life.
Economic Damages
These are direct financial losses as a result of a pedestrian accident, and typically easier to quantify:
Medical Expenses: ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical costs.
Lost Wages: Income lost due to time away from work during recovery.
Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for reduced ability to earn a living due to long-term or permanent injuries.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Transportation to appointments, home care, medical equipment, or other related expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
These address the more personal and emotional impact of your pedestrian accident injuries:
Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries, both short-term and chronic.
Emotional Distress: Mental health effects like anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident.
Permanent Disfigurement or Disability: Long-term impairments or visible injuries that affect your appearance or physical ability.
Loss of Consortium: The impact your injuries have on close personal relationships, especially with a spouse
Understanding what you're entitled to is key to pursuing a full and fair recovery. At Papasov Law Group, we work tirelessly to evaluate all aspects of your pedestrian accident. case and fight for the compensation you need to move forward with confidence..
Determining Liability for Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
In Florida, determining who is legally responsible for a pedestrian accident is a crucial step in building a strong personal injury case. Liability typically depends on who acted negligently—meaning they failed to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm. While drivers are often at fault, pedestrian accidents can involve multiple contributing factors and parties.
Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning more than one party can share responsibility. Even if the pedestrian is partially at fault—such as jaywalking or crossing against a signal—they may still recover compensation, though it may be reduced based on their share of liability.
To determine fault, pedestrian accident attorneys and investigators will review traffic laws, police reports, eyewitness accounts, camera footage, and expert analysis to reconstruct the incident and identify who failed to act responsibly.
Potential Liable Parties
Drivers who were speeding, distracted, impaired, or failed to yield.
Property owners or businesses that created unsafe walking conditions near streets or parking lots.
Local governments or municipalities for poor road design, lack of signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals.
Construction companies that failed to provide safe pedestrian detours or left hazards in walkways.
Vehicle manufacturers if a defect contributed to the accident.
Identifying all liable parties is essential to maximizing your pedestrian accident claim. At Papasov Law Group, we dig deep to ensure accountability and help you pursue full and fair compensation.
Tampa Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2022, Florida experienced 10,013 pedestrian-related crashes, resulting in 765 fatalities—a slight decrease from the previous year. However, despite this decrease, Florida remained one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians, ranking third nationally for pedestrian deaths in 2022.
According to Smart Growth America's 2024 "Dangerous by Design" report, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area ranks 8th in the United States for pedestrian fatalities, with an average of 3.75 deaths per 100,000 residents annually between 2018 and 2022. During this period, there were 599 pedestrian deaths in the region.
10,013
Pedestrian Crashes in Florida (2022)
765
Florida Pedestrian Fatalities (2022)
3.75
Deaths Per 10,000 Tampa Residents (2018-2022)
599
Tampa Pedestrian Fatalities (2018-2022)
Why Are There So Many Accidents Involving Pedestrians in Tampa?
Tampa Bay consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous areas in the country for pedestrians. Thousands of pedestrian-related crashes occur across Florida each year, with a significant concentration in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro region. Several factors contribute to the high number of pedestrian accidents:
Urban Sprawl: Much of the area is built for cars, not pedestrians. Long stretches without crosswalks or sidewalks force people to walk in unsafe conditions.
High-Speed Corridors: Many major roads in the region have high speed limits, making it difficult for drivers to stop in time if a pedestrian is crossing.
Inadequate Crosswalks and Lighting: Poorly marked or infrequent crosswalks and low lighting make nighttime walking especially hazardous.
Driver Behavior: Distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence all significantly raise the risk of pedestrian crashes.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Tampa Bay for Pedestrians
Certain intersections are especially risky for pedestrians due to high traffic volumes and limited safety features. These include:
Bruce B. Downs Blvd & Fletcher Ave E
Waters Ave W & Sheldon/Anderson/Hanley Roads
U.S. 301 & Gibsonton Dr/Big Bend Rd
Bloomingdale Ave & Bell Shoals Rd/Providence Rd
Gandy Blvd & Dale Mabry Hwy
Westshore Blvd & Kennedy Blvd
Fletcher Ave & Nebraska Ave
Adamo Dr & 50th St
Hillsborough Ave & Florida Ave
Bearss Ave & Nebraska Ave
Fowler Ave & 56th St.
Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protection against impact, making them especially vulnerable. Children and elderly pedestrians are particularly at risk—children often suffer head and abdominal injuries due to their height, while older adults are more likely to experience hip fractures, broken bones, and complications from even moderate trauma.
The most common injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) including concussions and skull fractures
Spinal cord injuries potentially leading to paralysis or long-term mobility issues
Broken bones frequently affecting legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis
Internal injuries such as organ damage and internal bleeding
Lacerations and abrasions requiring stitches or skin grafting
Soft tissue injuries including sprains, tears, and severe bruising
The leading cause of death in pedestrian accidents is severe head trauma, often resulting from impact with a vehicle or the ground. Prompt medical care is critical to survival and recovery.
Florida Pedestrian Laws
Pedestrians in Florida face significant risks, especially in busy cities like Tampa. To enhance safety and reduce accidents, the state has enacted specific laws and initiatives to protect those traveling on foot. One of the most important of these is the Protect Florida Pedestrians Act, which went into effect on July 1, 2021. This law strengthens existing statutes by increasing penalties for drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, particularly near schools and other high-traffic pedestrian areas.
Under Florida law, drivers must stop for pedestrians at marked crosswalks and yield the right-of-way when a pedestrian is in the driver’s path. Pedestrians, in turn, must obey traffic signals and use designated crossings. Violations on either side can lead to serious consequences, including fines, points on a license, and in severe cases, criminal charges.
If you've been injured as a pedestrian in Tampa due to a negligent driver, it's essential to know your rights and to understand the laws that are in place to protect you. The experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Papasov Law Group will fight to get you justice and fair compensation.
More Pedestrian Accident FAQs
If you have any questions about pedestrian accident lawsuits in Florida that aren’t answered here, please feel free to contact us and we’ll get back to you with an answer as soon as possible:
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If you hit a pedestrian in Florida, the outcome can vary depending on the circumstances. Law enforcement will likely investigate the scene to determine fault. If the driver is found to be negligent—such as speeding, distracted, or under the influence—they may be held both criminally and civilly liable. Civil liability means the driver may be responsible for compensating the injured pedestrian for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In serious cases involving reckless behavior or DUI, criminal charges can also apply. It’s essential for the driver to remain at the scene and cooperate with police, as fleeing the scene of a pedestrian accident is a felony in Florida.
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Reputable Florida pedestrian accident attorneys like Papasov Law Group will work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, and will be transparent about the percentage we earn from the outset of your engagement with us. This arrangement allows injured pedestrians to access high-quality legal representation without worrying about upfront legal fees.
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The length of time it takes to settle a pedestrian accident case in Florida depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, the clarity of liability, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate fairly. Some cases may settle in a few months, especially if liability is clear and injuries are well-documented. More complex cases, particularly those involving serious injuries or disputed fault, can take a year or more to resolve. Your attorney will work to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
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Yes, pedestrians generally have the right of way in many situations in Florida, particularly at marked crosswalks and intersections. Florida law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and to exercise due care to avoid colliding with them. However, pedestrians also have responsibilities—they must obey traffic signals and avoid suddenly stepping into traffic where drivers do not have time to stop. The Protect Florida Pedestrians Act has strengthened these protections and increased penalties for drivers who fail to yield. Each accident is unique, so determining right of way may still require legal analysis.
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Yes, Florida has a statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit. As of 2023, most personal injury cases in Florida—including pedestrian accidents—must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing your right to seek compensation. However, certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors or delayed discovery of injuries. It’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the legal deadline.
Hire a Tampa Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Florida, Papasov Law Group is here to fight for your rights. Our dedicated team has extensive experience handling pedestrian injury cases and is committed to helping you recover the maximum compensation you deserve. We understand how devastating these accidents can be—physically, emotionally, and financially—and we're here to support you through every step of the legal process.
From conducting a detailed investigation of the accident scene to negotiating with insurance companies, we will handle every aspect of your case with the care and attention it deserves. Let us stand up for your rights and pursue justice on your behalf.
You don’t pay anything unless we win!