Mrs. López and all of the Staff that had helped us it has been an absolute pleasure. They always had an answer to our questions and treated us with respect but most of all they listened.
Alondra O.
Outstanding Attorneys and Legal Team. Lopez, Justin, and Daisy were quick to answer my questions and handled my accident case with speed and courtesy. The outcome was much better than I anticipated.
Robert R.
A huge thanks to your office for such a great experience with my case. Special thanks to Denora, Carmen, and especially Kevin for answering my many calls and questions and keeping me informed through the entire process. I’m am extremely happy and grateful with the outcome.
Kathy W.
If you were hit by a car while walking in Eaton Park, your life may have changed in an instant. One moment you’re crossing the street or walking through a parking lot, the next, you’re dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, and calls from the insurance company. These accidents are traumatic, and too often, they happen because a driver wasn’t paying attention. Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating personal injury cases. You deserve answers, support, and a clear path forward.
What makes pedestrian accident cases so serious
Pedestrians have no protection during a motor vehicle crash. A distracted driver can cause catastrophic harm even at low speeds. Victims often suffer spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage. Some face months of painful recovery, time off work, or permanent disability. In the most tragic cases, families are left pursuing a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one. These are not minor incidents. When a driver’s negligence causes harm, Florida law gives you the right to pursue financial compensation.
Common causes of pedestrian collisions in Eaton Park
Many pedestrian accidents happen on roads that feel familiar — Florida Ave in Lakeland, or intersections near schools, shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods. The most common causes include distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, and drivers ignoring crosswalk laws. In some pedestrian accident cases, poor lighting or unsafe construction zones contribute to the danger. If you were hit while walking, you are not alone — and you may have a strong injury claim.
Your rights after a pedestrian accident in Florida
Florida law requires drivers to carry personal injury protection coverage, but that’s often not enough to cover the full cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and pain. As an injured pedestrian, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. If that driver acted with negligence — such as texting, running a red light, or failing to stop at a crosswalk — they may be held liable. You can seek compensation for hospital bills, physical injuries, emotional distress, and non-economic damages that affect your quality of life.
Why injury victims need a personal injury attorney
After a serious pedestrian accident, the insurance company is not on your side. Their goal is to close the claim quickly and cheaply — not to ensure you get fair compensation. A personal injury attorney can handle the legal burden so you can focus on recovery. That includes reviewing the accident report, gathering medical records, documenting your pain and suffering, and handling all communication with the insurance adjuster. Injury attorneys know how to negotiate, and if necessary, prepare for court to pursue the best possible outcome.
What compensation can injured pedestrians recover
Pedestrian accident victims can recover compensation for both financial and personal losses. That includes medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages may be available if the driver acted with extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct. Every injury case is different. An experienced accident lawyer will evaluate your injuries, calculate damages, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Florida’s deadline for pedestrian accident claims
As of 2023, Florida follows a two-year statute of limitations for most negligence-based personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents. If you were hit by a car, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to recover compensation. If the accident involved a wrongful death, the same two-year deadline applies. Acting early gives your legal team time to build the strongest case possible.
Speak with López & Humphries, PA, Eaton Park pedestrian accident lawyers who fight for injured victims
At López & Humphries, PA, we represent injured pedestrians throughout Eaton Park and Polk County. If you or a loved one was hit by a vehicle, we’re here to help you navigate the legal process and pursue justice. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, and you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I was hit by a car while walking in Eaton Park?
Get medical attention right away, call the police, and document the scene if you can. Do not speak to the insurance company until you’ve consulted with a personal injury attorney.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian injury claim in Florida?
You generally have two years to file a personal injury case after a pedestrian accident. This deadline applies to most injury cases under Florida’s updated law.
Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t in a crosswalk?
Yes. Florida law does not require pedestrians to be in a crosswalk to seek compensation. If the driver was negligent, you can still pursue a personal injury claim.
What types of damages can I recover after a pedestrian accident?
You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future care costs. Non-economic damages are also available in many cases.
What if the driver’s insurance company denies my claim?
If the insurance company refuses to pay fairly, your attorney can file a lawsuit and bring the case to court. A legal team can also help prove the driver’s fault and review evidence to strengthen your case.
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
There’s no upfront cost. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We also offer a free consultation to answer questions and explain your legal rights.
