Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Who Build the Case the Driver's Insurer Doesn't Want You to Have
When a driver hits a pedestrian, the injuries are severe and the insurance company moves fast to limit what it pays. We move faster. The Law Offices of John Ameen represents pedestrians hit by cars throughout Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and South Florida — investigating every angle of fault, identifying every available source of recovery, and handling all insurer contact so you can focus on healing.
South Florida has some of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country, and Fort Lauderdale corridors like Las Olas Blvd, Broward Blvd, and US-1 see serious pedestrian injuries year after year. If you were hit by a car — at a crosswalk, in a parking lot, or anywhere else — you have legal rights, and the driver's insurer is already working to minimize them.
Why Pedestrian Accident Claims Are More Complex Than They Appear
Being blamed for the accident doesn't mean you're at fault. Under Florida's modified comparative fault law, you can still recover compensation even if you share some responsibility for what happened, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. What matters is building the strongest possible record of driver negligence — and that's exactly what we do.
Why Pedestrian Accident Claims Are More Complex Than They Appear
A pedestrian hit by a car faces a different legal landscape than two drivers in a collision. There is no vehicle damage on your side to document. Insurers routinely argue that the pedestrian was jaywalking, distracted, or in the roadway improperly — shifting blame onto the person who sustained the worst injuries. Without a thorough investigation, those arguments can reduce or eliminate your recovery.
Our team investigates traffic camera footage, intersection signal data, eyewitness accounts, and accident reconstruction evidence to establish exactly where fault lies. We know the intersections where drivers routinely fail to yield, the corridors where distracted driving is a documented problem, and the insurance tactics used to undervalue pedestrian injury claims in Broward County.
Florida's Fault Rules and What They Mean for Your Claim
Florida adopted a modified comparative fault standard in March 2023. Under this rule, an injured pedestrian can still recover compensation as long as they are not found more than 50% responsible for the accident. If you are found 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced by 20% — not eliminated.
This matters because insurers will often exaggerate a pedestrian's share of fault to reduce the payout. Our job is to counter that with evidence. We document driver behavior, road conditions, signal timing, and any prior complaints about the intersection or roadway design. A pedestrian who was crossing mid-block is not automatically at fault if the driver was speeding, distracted, or impaired. The facts determine fault — and we build the facts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Claims in Florida
Florida law allows injured pedestrians to pursue compensation for the full range of losses caused by the accident. The severity of pedestrian injuries — fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and internal trauma are common — means these claims often involve substantial damages across multiple categories.
Recoverable damages in a pedestrian accident claim typically include:
- Emergency and ongoing medical expenses, including surgery, rehabilitation, and future care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages if the accident was fatal, including funeral expenses and family loss of support
We work with medical and economic experts to document the full scope of your losses — not just the bills you've received so far.
Can I still recover compensation if I was jaywalking when I was hit?
Possibly, yes. Under Florida's modified comparative fault rule, you can recover as long as you are found no more than 50% at fault for the accident. Jaywalking may reduce your percentage of recovery, but it does not automatically bar your claim. The driver's speed, inattention, or failure to take reasonable evasive action all factor into how fault is assigned.What should I do immediately after being hit by a car as a pedestrian?
Seek emergency medical care first — even if you feel able to walk away, many serious injuries are not immediately apparent. If you are able, document the scene with photos, get the driver's insurance and contact information, and collect witness names. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Contact us as soon as you are able, even from the hospital.How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Florida?
Florida's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Waiting reduces your ability to preserve evidence and can complicate your case significantly. If a government entity is involved — such as a municipality responsible for road design — notice requirements may apply on a much shorter timeline.What if the driver who hit me had no insurance or minimal coverage?
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. This is one of the most important and underused protections available to pedestrian accident victims in Florida. We also evaluate whether any other parties — employers, property owners, or government entities — share liability and can be pursued for additional recovery.How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
We handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs and no hourly charges. Your first consultation is completely free.Can I file a claim if a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident?
Yes. Florida's wrongful death statute allows surviving family members — including spouses, children, and parents — to pursue claims for their losses when a pedestrian accident is fatal. Recoverable damages include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Contact us to discuss what your family may be entitled to recover.
Every Available Source of Recovery, Not Just the Driver's Policy
One of the most consequential mistakes a pedestrian injury victim can make is assuming the driver's liability policy is the only source of compensation available. In serious injury cases, that single policy is often not enough to cover medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care.
We evaluate every potential avenue of recovery for every client:
- The at-fault driver's bodily injury liability coverage
- Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which applies when the driver's policy falls short
- Property owner liability, when the accident occurred in a parking lot, driveway, or private property with known hazards
- Municipal or government liability, when road design, missing crosswalk markings, or malfunctioning signals contributed to the accident
- Employer liability, when the driver was operating a vehicle in the course of employment
Severe pedestrian injuries require complete recovery. We don't stop at the first policy we find.