Pedestrians Hit by Cars

Walking should be one of the safest ways to get around, but in Miami and other busy Florida cities, pedestrians face serious dangers. Cars, trucks, and SUVs travel close to sidewalks and crosswalks, and when drivers fail to yield, the consequences can be life-changing. If you were a pedestrian hit by a car, you may be facing painful injuries, lost income, and uncertainty about how to move forward.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we help injured pedestrians hold negligent drivers accountable. Since 1976, our attorneys have represented Floridians in personal injury claims, fighting for maximum compensation when drivers fail to safely share the road.

Miami consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities in the nation for pedestrians. Heavy traffic, high tourism, and constant construction create risky conditions. Common causes of pedestrian collisions include:

• Drivers failing to yield at marked crosswalks
• Speeding in school zones or residential neighborhoods
• Distracted driving, especially texting or GPS use
• Drunk or impaired driving near nightlife areas
• Poor visibility at night or in poorly lit intersections

Many of these crashes happen on major Miami streets such as Biscayne Boulevard, Brickell Avenue, and Flagler Street, where drivers are often in a hurry and foot traffic is heavy.

Because pedestrians have no real protection against a vehicle, injuries tend to be severe. Victims often suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries from striking the hood or pavement
• Broken legs, arms, or ribs
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Pelvic fractures
• Spinal cord injuries, sometimes leading to paralysis
• Cuts, bruises, and permanent scarring

Even at relatively low speeds, cars can cause serious harm to pedestrians. Recovery may involve surgery, rehabilitation, and lasting lifestyle changes.

Florida law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections. Motorists must also exercise extra caution when children or elderly individuals are present. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore these rules, putting pedestrians in danger.

If a driver violated traffic laws and caused your injuries, they can be held liable. Even if you were outside of a marked crosswalk, you can still have a claim if the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent.

After a pedestrian accident, you may face a frustrating insurance process. Drivers’ insurance companies often argue that the pedestrian “darted out” or was not paying attention. These tactics are used to attempt to reduce settlements and shift blame.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we know how to counter these arguments. We gather surveillance video, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to show what really happened. We also make sure your medical records clearly reflect the seriousness of your injuries.

If you were a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, you may be able to recover damages for:

• Medical bills and ongoing care
• Lost wages from missed work
• Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your prior job
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Funeral and burial expenses in fatal accidents

Because pedestrian accidents often cause catastrophic harm, settlements and verdicts can be significant. Our role is to ensure every aspect of your losses, past and future, is documented and included in your claim.

If you are struck by a car in Miami or elsewhere in Florida, try to:

• Call 911 and report the accident to police
• Seek medical attention immediately
• Collect contact information from the driver and any witnesses
• Take photos of the scene, crosswalk, and traffic signals, if possible
• Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters until you speak with a lawyer

Acting quickly not only protects your health but also preserves critical evidence needed to support your claim.

Pedestrian accident cases require thorough investigation and strong advocacy. Our attorneys know how to handle these claims from start to finish. We work with accident reconstruction experts, gather roadway evidence, and consult with medical professionals to fully understand the impact of your injuries.

We also understand the unique risks pedestrians face in Miami and across Florida. Whether your accident happened in a busy intersection, a quiet neighborhood, or a shopping district, our firm is prepared to fight for your recovery of compensation.

If you were a pedestrian hit by a car, you do not have to take on the insurance company alone. The attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada are ready to stand by your side and pursue the financial compensation you need to rebuild your life.

We offer free consultations, and we only get paid if and when we recover money for you. Call us today at 877-448-8585 to speak with a Miami pedestrian accident lawyer and learn how we can help.