Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer  

Providing Legal Support for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Tampa and Nearby Areas  

Florida has one of the highest rates of pedestrian accidents in the nation, consistently ranking among the deadliest states. In 2023, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recorded 10,304 pedestrian-related accidents, resulting in 792 fatalities, a slight increase from 2022. 

According to a CBS Miami 2022 report, Florida ranked second in pedestrian deaths, behind California. The risk of serious injury or death is especially high due to the size difference between motor vehicles and pedestrians. 

In a 2024 study by smartgrowthamerica.org, Florida remained prominent in the top 20 most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrian accidents, with 8 of the top 20 locations statewide. While areas like Palm Bay and Jacksonville show some improvement, Jacksonville’s fatality rate improved mainly due to population growth, despite an increase in total deaths from 260 to 274 between 2013-2017 and 2018-2022.  

If you or someone close to you has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, or Sarasota Counties, it’s important to seek legal help. Contact us at (813) 491-8272 or submit a form online.

Pedestrian Accident Laws: What You Need to Know  

Florida law includes provisions designed to protect pedestrians. The main set of rules governing pedestrian rights and responsibilities can be found in Florida Statutes § 316.130.  

Here's an overview of what you need to know about pedestrian and driver responsibilities in Florida:  

• Pedestrian Rights. Pedestrians have the right to walk safely, and when sidewalks are available, they must use them. If there are no sidewalks, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic. At marked crosswalks, drivers are legally required to stop and allow pedestrians to cross safely. These rules are in place to help ensure pedestrian safety, particularly in busy areas like Tampa.  
• Driver Responsibilities. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. They also need to take extra precautions when pedestrians are nearby or on the road. 
• Pedestrian Duties. Pedestrians have a duty to act responsibly. They are not allowed to step into traffic in a way that would force a driver to swerve or stop abruptly. In situations where there is no crosswalk or intersection, pedestrians must yield to vehicles and make sure it’s safe to cross before stepping into the roadway.  

Florida’s comparative negligence law allows pedestrians to recover damages if they are partially (50% or less) at fault for an accident. The amount of compensation is reduced based on the pedestrian's percentage of fault. For example, if a pedestrian is 20% at fault and the total damages are $100,000, they may be eligible to recover $80,000. This ensures that pedestrians are not completely denied compensation, even if they share some responsibility for the accident.  

How Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help  

Pedestrian accidents often involve complex legal issues, and it’s best to have an attorney on your side. At Burnett Law, our lawyers have decades of experience helping pedestrian accident victims recover the compensation they deserve.   

Our services include:  

• Investigating the accident. We thoroughly review the accident details, including witness statements, traffic camera footage, and medical records.  
• Navigating insurance claims. We work to hold insurance companies accountable and will fight for maximum coverage on your behalf.  
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit. We are prepared to represent you in court if negotiations don’t lead to a fair settlement.  
• Calculating damages. We assist in determining the full extent of your damages, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.