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Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer life-altering injuries. If you were hit by a car while walking in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in South Florida, you may be facing a long recovery and a complex legal battle. At Englander Peebles, we represent injured pedestrians and their families with compassion, urgency, and an unwavering commitment to results. Whether your accident happened in a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, or in a parking lot, we know how to build a strong claim and fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Pedestrian Injury Cases Demand Immediate Action

Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states in the country for pedestrians—and Fort Lauderdale is no exception. Every year, countless walkers, joggers, and children are hit by distracted, speeding, or reckless drivers. These crashes are rarely “accidents”—they’re preventable tragedies caused by negligence. Pedestrian injuries often include broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, and in some cases, permanent disability or wrongful death. Our firm investigates immediately, securing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and working with crash reconstruction experts to prove fault. We handle everything—so you can focus on your recovery.

What to Do If You’re Hit by a Car While Walking

Protect your health and your legal rights with these steps:

  • Call 911 immediately and request emergency assistance.
  • Get a full medical evaluation—many internal injuries are not immediately visible.
  • Document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and your injuries.
  • Get names and contact information from any witnesses.
  • Avoid giving a recorded statement to insurance adjusters without legal advice.
  • Reach out to a Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Early legal action can make the difference between a denied claim and full financial recovery.

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Crosswalk and Intersection Accidents

Even when using a marked crosswalk, pedestrians are often struck by drivers who fail to yield. We hold negligent drivers accountable for breaking the law.

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Hit-and-Run Incidents

If the driver fled the scene, you may still have options through uninsured motorist coverage or a civil investigation. We help victims of hit-and-run crashes get justice.

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School Zone and Child Injuries

Children are especially vulnerable to pedestrian accidents. We handle cases involving school crossings, reckless teen drivers, and unsafe pick-up/drop-off zones.

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Distracted and Impaired Drivers

Texting, intoxication, and inattention are leading causes of pedestrian injuries. We dig deep into cell phone records and toxicology reports to prove fault.

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Parking Lot and Sidewalk Collisions

Drivers backing up or cutting through parking lots without care can strike pedestrians walking to their destination. We investigate businesses and drivers alike.

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Fatal Pedestrian Crashes

If you’ve lost a loved one due to a fatal pedestrian accident, we pursue wrongful death claims with sensitivity and determination.

Who Pays for Pedestrian Injuries in Florida?

Even if you don’t own a car or have auto insurance, you still have legal rights after a pedestrian accident. Florida law allows pedestrians to pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability coverage, and if applicable, through your own PIP or uninsured motorist policy. Insurance companies often try to place blame on the pedestrian—but under Florida’s modified comparative negligence system, you may still be entitled to compensation as long as you were not primarily at fault. At Englander Peebles, we push back against biased assumptions and unfair blame. We fight to recover every dollar you’re owed for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs: What You Need to Know If You Were Hit by a Car in Fort Lauderdale

Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian is a traumatic and life-altering experience. With little to no protection, pedestrians often suffer severe injuries that can require months or even years of medical care. Below, our experienced Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers answer the most frequently asked questions from injured pedestrians and their families in South Florida.

  • What should I do if I’m hit by a car while walking in Fort Lauderdale?

    If you're struck by a vehicle while walking, your safety is the top priority. Call 911 immediately and request emergency medical attention and a police response. The police report will be a crucial piece of evidence. If you're physically able, take photos of the scene, including the car that hit you, skid marks, traffic signals, injuries, and weather conditions. Try to get the contact and insurance information of the driver and any witnesses. Avoid making any statements to the driver’s insurer or accepting a quick settlement. Speak with a Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorney who can help preserve evidence, prove liability, and seek full compensation for your injuries.

  • Who can be held liable in a pedestrian accident case?

    In most pedestrian accident cases, the at-fault driver is responsible—especially if they were speeding, distracted, failed to yield at a crosswalk, or ran a red light. However, other parties may also share liability. For example, if a poorly designed intersection or malfunctioning traffic signal contributed to the crash, a city or municipality could be held accountable. In some cases, a third-party driver who caused another vehicle to swerve may also share fault. Our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian injury attorneys thoroughly investigate every aspect of the crash to identify all liable parties and maximize your recovery.

  • Does auto insurance cover pedestrians hit by cars in Florida?

    Yes. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may apply even if you were walking at the time of the accident. If you have an auto insurance policy, it can help pay for initial medical expenses. If you don’t have insurance, you may be covered under a household family member’s policy. In cases involving serious injury, you may also file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance. A Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate this complicated insurance process and ensure you access every available source of compensation.

  • What are common injuries in pedestrian accident claims?

    Pedestrian accidents often result in some of the most catastrophic injuries seen in personal injury law. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken legs and hips, internal bleeding, facial trauma, and severe lacerations. Many victims face long-term disability, chronic pain, or emotional trauma such as PTSD. These injuries often lead to significant medical costs, long-term therapy, and lost wages. Our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers work with doctors, life care planners, and vocational experts to assess the full extent of your losses and demand compensation that reflects the true impact on your life.

  • What compensation is available after a pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale?

    In a successful pedestrian injury claim, you may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These include medical expenses (past and future), lost income, loss of earning potential, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and diminished quality of life. In cases involving reckless or intoxicated drivers, punitive damages may also be available. At Englander Peebles, our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorneys fight aggressively to recover every dollar you’re owed and ensure your voice is heard in negotiations or in court.

Still Have Questions About Your Pedestrian Accident Case?

Our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help. Contact Englander Peebles today for a free consultation and trusted legal representation.

Get a Team That Walks With You Every Step of the Way

Speak with a Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer today.

You shouldn’t have to fight the insurance companies alone. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.